If you are a Nigerian or foreigner and you love sightseeing, visiting fún spots and/or traveling, you can do that right within Nigeria. There are beautiful places you can visit in Nigeria without breaking the bank, or leaving the shores of this country. It is a privilege to find yourself in such an endowed country. You will find mountains, waterfalls, historical sites, lovely beaches, tourist centers, good food and unparalleled hospitality.
Nevertheless, to embark on such journeys you need a guide or two to show you around. You need to know the safe places, the cheap spots, the expensive ones, fun spots, and good places to lodge. You also need to know how to hitch a ride without headaches when needed, and more. Such beautiful places in Nigeria are not much hidden though; and they are certainly way beyond just 5.
Nigerians are generally helpful and friendly, thus you should learn to ask for directions from the locals, the street people. Even if you do not understand the local dialect, lots of Nigerians can either speak passable English (or at least Pidgin English). More often than not, they would eagerly point out bus stops and streets, the beautiful places as well as ugly places. Throw in the use of the internet with maps, and you are good to go any day.
We welcome you to join us on a tour of the 5 most beautiful places to visit in Nigeria. Relax and enjoy the fun ride.
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Yankari National Park
A visit to Bauchi State and its famous Yankari National Park (and game reserve) will certainly be unforgettable. A large diversity of tropical animals and forest plants are found there – including the largest herd of elephants in Nigeria.
But that is not all. There is the Wikki Warm Springs found inside the natural park – you can dunk yourself in it and relax. The warm springs seethe out from a network of chambers at the bottom of a sandstone cliff, at a temperature averaging 31 degrees centigrade. And at 13 meters wide and quite deep, it is wide enough for several people to soak in at once. Call it a natural spa, it is just the stress relief you need.
Obudu Mountain Resort
Cross River State is home to the breathtaking Obudu mountains, plateau and cattle ranch. The natural wonder is located somewhere close to the shared border with Cameroon. This amazing range of highlands stands at 5200 feet above sea level. It would give any visitor an out-of-the-world, soothing feeling to stand on the plateau and view the horizon and skylights all around. One of the exceptionally beautiful places to visit in Nigeria – so peaceful and therapeutic indeed.
Temperatures on the mountain range from 15 to 30 degrees around the year. So it could move from warm to cold in a refreshing way. The mountains and ranch are accessible to tourists anytime of the year. But if you so please, target the place during the season of cold weather for a special treat – sometime between October and February.
Lekki Conservation Centre
If the hustle and buzz of Lagos is a bit too stressful for you – not to worry. There are numerous great unwinding spots in Lagos. One of them is conspicuously located on the Lekki-Epe expressway – the Lekki Conservation centre. It was built (and is still funded) by Chevron Corporation on behalf of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. This huge Nature haven is undisputedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nigeria, especially if you are in Lagos.
A huge nature reserve that spans about 78 hectares of swampy and savannah lands, it was set up in 1990. Here you will find a broad diversity of plants and animals naturally preserved from tamper by humans. There is a coconut boulevard; a 21-meter high treehouse; and long raised walkways and climbs. They allow visitors to see and feel the best Nature can offer, close to the lagoon.
Ikogosi Warm & Cold Springs
A visit to Ikogosi in Ekiti State takes you to the meeting point of two natural waterfalls and springs running side-by-side. One is hot, the other is cold. The area is sorrounded by a tropical forest. The hot spring is about 37 degrees centigrade at the confluence (meeting point) and 70 degrees at its source. The source of the springs is up a hill.
Ikogosi is one spectacular example out of a series of impressive waterfalls found in protected locations across Nigeria. It is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nigeria – a great stress relief zone. For the curious, there are also other famous ones such as:
- Gurara waterfalls (Niger State)
- Wikki warm springs (Bauchi state: mentioned earlier)
- Agbokim waterfalls (Cross River State)
- Ogba Ukwu cave and waterfall (Anambra State)
- Ogbunike cave and waterfall
- Farin Ruwa waterfalls (Nasarawa state)
- Erin Ijesha waterfalls (Osun State)
Olumo Rock
In the famous, ancient city of Abeokuta in Ogun State lies a mountain named Olumo Rock. Towering at 137 metres above sea level, the rock served as a fortress for the natives during the Ibadan-Egba tribal wars of the 19th century. In fact the name ‘Abeokuta‘ (under the rock) stems from that history. It has since become a notable tourist site.
