16/06/2017
TOP ATTRACTIONS IN NIGERIA
Rather than going through the rather-rigorous process of making travelling arrangements to jet out of Nigeria for the holidays, some amazing spots located in different cities across Nigeria are top-notch to other recreational spots anywhere in the world. You should consider anyone of them for holidaying. Some of which include:
YANKARI NATIONAL PARK
Yankari National Park is a large wildlife park located in the south-central part of Bauchi State, in northeastern Nigeria. It covers an area of about 2,244 square kilometres (866 sq mi) and is home to several natural warm water springs, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Its location in the heartland of the West African savanna makes it a unique way for tourists and holidaymakers to watch wildlife in its natural habitat. Yankari was originally created as a game reserve in 1956, but later designated Nigeria’s biggest national park in 1991.
The “Wikki Camp” is the tourist center of the park.Located about 42 kilometers from the main entrance gate, the camp is built beside, and named after, the Wikki warm spring, which is open for swimming 24 hours a day. There are 110 furnished chalets with varying size and quality, ranging from the ‘’presidential’’ suites to the youth hostel, all of which are being upgraded in phases. The camp also provides a restaurant, bar and conference center. Daily safari trips depart at least twice from the camp.
OLUMO ROCK
Olumo Rock is a popular tourist attraction in the city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. It was used as a fortress by the Egba people in the early 19th century. Olumo rock, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria, West Africa, sits in the ancient city Centre of Abeokuta – a name which means “Under the rock”; it has a height of 137 metres above sea level. Abeokuta is just about an hour’s drive from the bustling metropolitan city of Lagos providing convenient access to an array of hotels, restaurants, clubs, casinos and various nightlife activities.
The ancient Itoku market where local artisans and traders enjoy to haggle over price just as much as the customers like to find a bargain just outside the Olumo rock premises and is a must-see. The market is the center of the indigenous Abeokuta industry of tie-and-dye, locally known as adire
AGODI GARDEN
Agodi gardens is a tourist attraction in the city of Ibadan. Also called Agodi Botanical Gardens, Agodi Park and zoological Gardens, and Agodi Resort and conference, the site is a serene environment on 150 acres of land. It is usually patronized by families during festive period band weekends. While the children’s facilities in the garden include a swimming pool with inflated balloons, grownups may use any of the diverse tropical trees for picnics and other social gatherings while enjoying the cool breeze.
The park is owned by the Oyo state government and it’s located along parliament road, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo state. The gate fee is affordable but people who intend to swim have to purchase additional ticket. The park has a forestry unit, a pool, restaurant/bar, karaoke bar (only on Sundays), and merry go round for kids, a play park, a lake for boat rides, a zoo (still under construction) and many food spots. You can get popcorn, asun, suya, palmwine etc within the park premises and it’s quite affordable
KAJURU CASTLE
Kajuru castle is a fascinating destination located in Kaduna State, Nigeria. It’s a tourist delight and one of Kaduna’s best kept secrets lodged in the mountains of Kajuru, Kaduna.
It was built in 1978 by a German expatriate living in Kaduna. The style is very European and clearly German, with a baronial hall complete with suits of armor.It’s design is an architectural masterpiece to behold. Lovers of design and architecture will indeed be pleased with the architectural attractions this destination has to offer.
In the castle, there are bedrooms looking like dungeons and several towers with crenelated walls. In the Centre of the ward a stainless swimming pool makes the hot days more pleasant and the BBQ spot beside the pool offers a wide range of grilling, baking, roasting and barbecuing opportunities.
Unlike the other Centre of attractions, Kajuru castle is not affordable. I had to include it in this list just because I like to inform you in case you haven’t heard of this breathtaking edifice, to experience the ambience of this exciting spot, it is advised to plan a group trip there where everyone gets to contribute towards the trip.
GURARA WATERFALL
Gurara waterfall is another top destination for fun seekers, it was discovered in 175 by a Gwari hunter called Buba, as he was travelling from Zaria to hunt for animals.
The Gurara river is a large tributary of the famous river Niger and is most impressive after the rainy season and when water levels are low, there are clear pools at the bottom of the falls in which visitors can swim.
As well as being an area of outstanding natural beauty the area surrounding Gurara waterfall is also a fantastic place for bird watching
IDANRE HILLS
Estimated to be over 800 years, Idanre hills is located in the ancient town of Idanre, Ondo State, South West, Nigeria. It is found to be fifteen kilometers (15km) South West of Akure, the State Capital. The ancient town is on the hill top while the new settlement is at the base of the hills. Idanre hills, in the past offered protection against invaders and are appeased annually.
With the highest peak reached by six hundred and sixty seven (667) steps remain one of the wonders of nature and a marvelous tourist destination.
The Idanre hills are steep-sided, smooth and dome-shaped in nature. The hills, named after some historical figures in the socio-cultural evolution of Idanre land, form an inspiring sight. Examples are the Olofin and the Orosun hills named after the pioneer Oba (king) of Oke Idanre and his Olori (queen) respectively. The hills are surrounded by evergreen undulating landscape. Evidence of human habitation on the hills shows places like the Owa’s (king) palace courtyard with carved figures and doors believed to be built in the seventeenth (17th) century and the first primary School.
To get to the top of the hill, tourists would have to climb six hundred and sixty seven (667) steps with five (5) resting posts along the steps where tourists can take rest. The steps and the resting places have been reconstructed while the notable historical monuments, such as the old primary school buildings, native court building, the mausoleum, the Owa’s secretary’s office, the Oloris’ quarters and the ancient palace have all been rehabilitated for conservation.
Oguta Lake Holiday complex, Imo
This holiday complex is located in Oguta local government area in Imo state. The holiday complex The Lake is of fresh water and the second largest natural lake in the country after Lake Chad. To complement the complex water-based recreation services, there are other interesting
Attractions to watch these include:
(a) Golf Course with 18 standard international holes.
(b) Relic of war (mini bunker) constructed by the defunct Biafran Navy during the Civil war.
(c) Natural confluence of Oguta Lake and Urashi River.
(d) Cruise boat services.
(e) Golf Club Bar House/Oguta Lake Motel for refreshment, lodging and feeding.
(f) Mini-children recreation park
IKOGOSI WARM SPRING
The Ikogosi Warm Springs is a tourist attraction located at Ikogosi, a town in Ekiti State, southwestern Nigeria. Flowing abreast the warm spring is another cold spring which meets the warm spring at a confluence, each maintaining its thermal properties. These attributes make the spring a tourist attraction in Nigeria. Research suggested that the warm spring has a temperature of about 70oC at the source and 37oC at the confluence. The resort situated around the warm spring has various accommodation and recreational facilities suitable for family vacation.
LEKKI CONSERVATION CENTRE
Want to see a 95-year-old tortoise? The LCC is the place to be. The turtle roam freely at a very slow pace. This makes it possible for tourists and visitors to take selfies. You will feel the strong and powerful shell of the turtle that is if you are lucky that it comes out during the period your visit. It is a sight to behold!
Located in Lekki, immediately after Chevron, before the 2nd Lekki Toll Gate; this nature hub covers a land area of 78 hectares. The 21-year-old conservation centre is run and managed by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). The reason for this foundation is to set aside a natural habitat for plants, and animals as urbanization have led to the encroachment of areas meant for these animals and plants.
Here are the reasons why you should visit this nature park.
Climb the longest canopy walkway in Africa
The 401m Canopy walkway launched in 2015 is not a climb for the timid. The climb of the bridge is sure to bring out the other side of you especially for ladies. Hence, you have to stay close to her and as a precaution don’t look down. To climb the bridge you have to pay additional money to the thousand naira entry fee. It is an enthralling climb and it is 100% safe. The only time you are not allowed access to the bridge is when it is raining.
JOS WILDLIFE PARK
Jos wildlife Park is a man-made wildlife park. Set in an undulating landscape with different species of plant and picnic sites, Jos Wildlife Park hosts several wild life like hippos, buffalos, lions, pigmy horses, birds, crocodiles, pythons and much more. Children’s playground, picnic pine forest, wildlife museum, video viewing centre and restaurants are some of the attractions of the Park.
ERIN IJESHA WATERFALLS
Erin Ijesha waterfalls also known as Olumirin waterfalls is a natural sauna located in Ijesha, Osun State. The falls has seven layers of ascending plains with all the levels having breathing views and the freshness of the water is energising. Being at these different levels and just basking in the invigorating freshness of the falls is an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
MILLENNIUM PARK
Millennium Park is the largest public park in Abuja. A narrow river run through the centre of the park, there are pleasant walkways with fountains and lights. A section of the park is devoted to scientific knowledge of the natural environment, it has Italian-style garden layout while another section comprises of untouched nature with brushwood and greenhouses for tropical birds and butterflies.
