Nigeria has a lot of tourist attractions scattered across the length and breadth of the country. Nigeria is known as the giant of Africa and it is filled with beautiful landscapes, nature reserves, mountains, rocks, waterfalls and other recreational centres. It is a community of people with a great cultural heritage with beautiful cultural festivals. With hundreds of places to visit with a temperate climate and friendly residents. You are about to witness one of the best moments of your existence. Within her walls are set to be unforgettable experiences.
The tourist attractions in Nigeria have so much to offer anyone who visits. Opportunities abound to explore your interests, from wildlife, waterfalls, sports, safaris, archaeological sites, historical connections and many other interesting places to feed your curiosity.
List of Tourist Attractions in Nigeria
There are so many tourist attractions in Nigeria. These lists are based on our personal experiences and thousands of reviews of people who have visited these spots. These are the most outstanding tourist centres in Nigeria.
Gurara Water Falls, Niger State.
Lovers of history and ancient tales need to find their way to the Gurara waterfalls. It is an incredible sight to behold, it is located in the North Central part of Nigeria in Niger State. The Gurara Falls is 3 hours away from Abuja.
It was uncovered in 1745 and then named after two gods, Gura and Rara. Travellers have cited that it is preferable to visit the Gurara Falls in the dry season to take advantage of the streams for swimming. The waterfall is quite turbulent in the rainy season, which is from April to November. It is calm and beautiful to behold during the dry season which is from January to March. You also need footwear to climb little rocks and prevent your feet from getting hurt. Whether one is travelling to Niger State directly or you stay in Abuja, you will certainly have a memorable experience.
Not to worry, there are tour guides at your service to give you the best experience. It has become one of the most visited tourist centres in Nigeria. A visit to the Northern part of Nigeria would not be complete without visiting the Gurara waterfalls.
Zuma Rock, Niger State
Zuma Rock is one of the biggest rocks in the country. This igneous rock once served as a means of safety for a community during inter-tribal wars. It is a few metres from Abuja towards Suleja, Niger State. Hikers and sports enthusiasts will consider this site a favourite hiking spot. It has become one of the popular tourist attractions in Nigeria due to its unique shape and beautiful landscape. Therefore, visitors on a journey to explore the sights in Nigeria are guaranteed maximum satisfaction.
Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State.
Yankari Game Reserve is a large wildlife park in Bauchi State, northeastern Nigeria. It covers a wide area and provides a home for wildlife, warm springs and plants. Tourists have access to Yankari which conserves natural reserves and leaves every visitor amazed at the splendour of life.
Hotels are accessible for travellers to rest, unpack and have chances to unravel the mystery of the Yankari Game Reserves for as long as they want.
Jos Wildlife Park, Plateau State
Jos Wildlife Park is a major tourist attraction located in Plateau State. The park is a few kilometres from the centre of the state. It was established in 1972 by the then governor of the state. Jos Wildlife Park is a conservation centre for wildlife and nature. It seeks to advance the development of ecology and tourism. Jos Wildlife Park is a must-see for researchers, wildlife lovers, adventurers, tourists and documentary producers on a tour to Nigeria.
It serves as a home for different species of animals, carnivores, herbivores, birds and so on. Jos Wildlife Park gives you an experience of real adventure, you should consider this place whenever you visit Nigeria.
Shere Hills, Plateau State
This is another mind-blowing sight to behold in the Middle Belt of Nigeria, Plateau State. It is almost 9 kilometres from the state’s capital, Jos.
Shere Hills is on a peak of approximately 6000 ft, making it the third highest in Nigeria.
The hills serve as a training territory for military and paramilitaries in Nigeria because it allows for strength and endurance checks.
Considering that you have to climb so high to get to the top of the hill, you will need hiking shoes and a bottle of water. Shere Hills is one of the best areas to engage yourself on your tour to Nigeria. Over the years it has become the people’s favourite tourist attraction in Nigeria.
National War Museum Umuahia
The National War Museum in Umuahia presents the history of the Nigerian Civil War. History lovers who have heard a lot about the Biafran War that arose between 1967-1970 will find evidence in this museum. This museum host several sophisticated Weapons used in the Biafran war. Some of the items available for display are aircraft, ships, guns and other weapons. The War Museum paints a mental picture of the Biafran War and the struggle and heroes of Biafra.
Ogbunike Cave, Anambra State
The Ogbunike Cave is a base in Anambra, Southeastern Nigeria. The presence of streams, a thick tropical rain forest and numerous bats have made the place a natural conservation centre.
Over time, it has undergone reconstruction by the State Government to provide easy access in and out of the cave, with over 300 steps to serve as a walkway. The Ogbunike Cave is a historical site that is highly sacred to the people of Ogbunike. It is also utilised as a spiritual zone founded on beliefs. Therefore people have to remove their shoes to go in and out of the cave. It is not just a tourist centre in Nigeria, it is also a spiritual centre and a place of worship. As one of the topmost custodians of the heritage of the Eastern region, Ogbunike Cave is a place to tour in Nigeria.
Ngwo Pine Forest, Enugu State.
The Ngwo Pine Forest is a recreational spot for tourists who seek recreation as well as nature. With pines planted over 50 years ago in an area highly prone to erosion, this was an agricultural insight to solve the problems of the region, thereby contributing to tourism advancement in Nigeria. Asides from being a forest zone, it also has a cave of limestone and a small waterfall that gathers at the edge of the cave.
As advised by tourists, it is better to visit the place when it is not raining, so as not to get stuck and have a great time exploring the waterfall and the heights.
Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Cross River
Once a part of the Afi River Forest Reserve, the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary was founded in 2000 to provide better conservation for endangered animal species. It has animals such as the Cross River gorilla, the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, the drill and the grey-necked Picathartes. The sanctuary is a combination of low lands and a montane forest on a wide expanse of land. The forest serves as a thick layer of protection from wildfires that arises to destroy the region.
Swallows live on the grassland sections of the reserve and a lot of endangered chimpanzees are preserved from extinction and death.
The Gorilla deli and drill monkeys are part of such species. Tourists are provided with a walkway just above the forest canopy, to be able to explore this attraction. The Afi Wildlife is managed by an American couple to ensure that threatened gorilla species can find a home here.
Also, provisions are available as cabins have been structured for visitors who intend to stay and have a long time exploring the wonders of nature.
Awhum Waterfalls, Enugu State
The Amaugwe village in Awhum Town, in Enugu State, Nigeria, is where the Awhum Waterfall is situated. The Awhum Waterfall is made out of a large rocky extension that has a stream of water flowing down the top.
All year round, a portion of the waterfall is often warmed up. In the vicinity of the Awhum Monastery is the 30-meter-tall Awhum waterfall. According to the natives, using the water can ward off evil spirits and has therapeutic functions. This is another interesting leisure spot in Nigeria, the Awhum Waterfall.
Obudu Mountain Resort, Cross River State
Popularly called Obudu Cattle Ranch located in Obanliku local government and east of Ogoja town, the mountain presents a habitation for animals and a wide variety of plants and forests. The Obudu Mountain Resort is identified for its terrain and outstanding cliff features. In 1951, the Obudu Cattle Ranch was discovered by Macaulay and his friends who sought to improve the quality of tourism along the terrains having experienced it firsthand.
The friendly weather at the top of the mountain provides a serene atmosphere for tourists to have all the fun they want. Amazingly, the Obudu Mountain Resort is one of the few areas in Nigeria that experiences snowdrops. This is extraordinary and a resort for distant travellers to have a feel of their countries here in Nigeria. Typical of a grazing site, cattle are in Obudu Mountain Resort and are open to grazing the fields from time to time. The cattle provide milk and other byproducts that are sold by the Obudu dwellers.
The Obudu Mountain Resort has been further developed and now provides a full tourism package for visitors. The resort has a restaurant, lodge, swimming pool, basketball court, world-class water park, jacuzzi and a mini waterfall.
Obudu Cattle Ranch gives tourists the chance to access all areas with the aid of a cable car that provides free WiFi for tourists. Also, tourists can engage in horse riding, swimming, and hiking and can also take beautiful pictures that will serve as a remarkable capture of a journey of discovery.
As a means to increase knowledge, and understanding of nature and geographical components, Obudu Mountain Resort can not be disregarded on the list of prominent tourist attractions in Nigeria.
Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos State
Lekki Conservation Centre was established in 1990 as a site for the education and preservation of a wide range of plants and animals. Away from the steady urban development in this part of the South West, the Lekki Conversation Centre was built by the Chevron Corporation. The purpose is to serve as a major tourist attraction, ecotourism development and to conserve the mangrove forest and its habitat.
The Lekki Conservation Centre is a place for both the young and old as there are playgrounds to keep the children busy on the tour. Also, there is a walkway fixed under a canopy of trees where you will see mona monkeys climbing from tree to tree and this is such a delight.
The centre provides a home for endangered species of crocodiles, monkeys, hogs, squirrels, rats bushbucks, chameleon, mongoose and other animals and birds that can be found on grasslands. If you are also looking for a place to have picnics, private gatherings and excursions then the Lekki Conservative Centre will perfectly cater for your needs.
Idanre Hills, Ondo State
Located in the heart of Idanre town, Ondo State, Idanre Hills is a highland with beautiful features. Blessed with a mystery to unfold, Idanre hills is known as a means to develop tourism in Nigeria and also provide a place for spiritual refuge for worshippers of the traditional and Christianity religion.
As a major glory of the central Ondo region, the hills record history that can be recounted from generation to generation.
On the top of the Idanre Hills which has 640 steps is the oldest primary school in Idanre, an ancient palace, prison and court. Tourists do not have to worry, as there are five points on the hill to relax, and breathe in and out as they continue their journey. Idanre has different sections.
The Arun; river gives tourists the chance to ask infinite questions about how a body of water can be useful, restorative and crystal clear that one can see the aquatic life present in it.
Furthermore, the sacredness of the hill can be traced to stories of civilisation and discoveries that the people of the community cherish. For instance, on the hill, there is the Agboogun footprint that accommodates the feet of everyone climbing the hill.
In addition, there are certain points on the hill where talking is forbidden and the rule applies that people climbing the hill should not meet those coming down from the hill. The Idanre hills are a wonder to behold, a world-class heritage that you have to see for yourself to believe.
Erin Ijesha Waterfall, Osun State
This view is also referred to as Olumirin Waterfalls and it is located in Erin Ijesha, Osun State. It is one of the biggest centres of tourism and pride for the people of Osun. History recorded that it was founded in the 11th century by one of the daughters of a great leader of the Yoruba clan Oduduwa.
History, tradition and civilisation have been the news of this site over the years. Waterfalls are arranged in seven levels that transcend the natural and give a healing bath to anyone that steps into the water.
Beyond all records of doubt, this place is breathtaking and mind-blowing. The city of Ijesha got this endurance drill right as the seven heights require strength and curiosity to get to their peak.
To enjoy the serenity of the South West and her temperate climate, a visit to Erin Ijesha Waterfall is an adventurous one you can never forget. This is why Erin Ijesha waterfalls is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Nigeria.
Olumo Rock, Abeokuta
The Olumo rock is one of the oldest tourist centres in Nigeria. The Olumo Rock used to be a place of refuge for residents of Egba during the inter-tribal wars. Olumo plays a significant role in the life of the residents.
It has been developed over the years in the heart of Ogun State, Abeokuta for an adventure and learning for a lifetime. It serves its purpose as a place to relax and have fun on the rocks.
Mountain explorers have visited this spot over and over and everyone has the experience to share.
The hills have caves, the ones that provided shelter for people in those days are areas under the rock where people lived.
Climbing the stairs can be tiring though curiosity will not allow you to ask for another means, like the elevator. Which is also a less stressful option to climb the rock.
However, your strength should determine what you opt for in this situation. Other exceeding side attractions at the Olumo Rock include:
- Museum
- Water fountain
- Itoku market sellers who are friendly enough to advertise colourful wares and show of cultural heritage of the people of Abeokuta attire ( tie and dye)
- Restaurants
Nigerian National Museum, Onikan Lagos
The National Museum, Onikan founded in 1951 by Murray is situated opposite the Muson Centre in Onikan, Lagos Island.
It is a custodian of Nigerian art, statues, and archaeological displays and gives full information about the past and culture of the Nigerian people.
There is so much to learn here and educational institutions have done justice to this. A credible feature of the museum is the traditional way of depicting the life of Nigerians, from religion to cultural festivals, war, birth, supernatural beliefs and works of art.
Tour guides are available to give you a full history of the artefacts and collections you will see on your visit.
However, due to the hustle and bustle of Lagos, it is advisable to go early to get the best out of your tour.
Agodi Gardens
Agodi garden is one of the beautiful tourist centres in Nigeria located in the city of Ibadan. It is a botanical garden built on 150 acres of lush greenery. Agodi garden has become fun lovers’ number one spot in Ibadan, Oyo State. It has amenities like pools, a mini zoo, a forest reserve, a restaurant, a bar, watersports activities etc. It also has facilities and a playground for children.
Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove
The Osun Osogbo Grove is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nigeria. It is one of the remaining sacred forests in Nigeria. The home of the Osun Osogbo festival which is known to have been celebrated for over 750 years. As of today, it is the oldest sacred groove in Nigeria. It is built along the bank of the Osun River. The Osun Sacred Grove has become a historical place for tourists and a spiritual ground for Osun worshippers. It is a spiritual worship centre dedicated to the goddess of fertility. The Osun Osogbo Grove has become one of the most remarkable tourist attractions in Nigeria.
Kano City Walls
Kano is one of the ancient cities in Nigeria and it is one of the popular tourist centres in Nigeria. Within the old City of Kano is a wall built to protect its inhabitants. It was built by the third King of Kano Sarki Giji Masu as a defensive wall to protect the city. The wall has defiled harsh weather conditions and it is still standing to date. Over the years it was expanded by another major ruler of the Kano Caliphate. Though some major parts of these walls are in ruins, the city gate is still standing and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nigeria.
Ikogosi warm spring
Ikogosi Warm Spring is one of the many wonders of nature in Nigeria. It is almost the only place in the world that generates refrigerated cold water and warm water on another site and the two water meet at a confluence without mixing. Ikogosi has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nigeria for tourists, school excursions, hikers etc. It has an ultra-modern resort where visitors can stay.
Millenium park Abuja Abuja
The Millenium park Abuja is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Abuja, the Nigerian capital. It sits majestically on eighty acres of land. The park was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in 1993. It is divided into several sections which makes it one of the best places to visit in Nigeria. It is a world-class park with ultra-modern facilities.
Ado Iwaye Suspended Lake
The Ado Iwaye suspended lake is the only suspended lake in Africa. There are only two of their kinds in the world. It is one of the most adventurous tourist centres in Nigeria. It is a lake located on the peak of a mountain. This lake can only be accessed by hiking the mountain. It takes about 20 minutes to hike from the foot of the mountain. It is a must-visit tourist attraction in Nigeria. When you visit do not forget to hike through the seven wonders of Ado Iwaye. The tour guides will guide you through this adventure.
Idere Hills
Idere Hills has one of the most beautiful landscapes in Nigeria. It is one of the newly inaugurated tourist attractions in Nigeria, located in Oyo State. Idere Hills is unique, it has a couple of defence walls, a watch tower, a city gate and a spring. Visiting Idere Hills should be on your bucket list of things to do in Nigeria. It is a couple of minutes’ drive from the Ado Iwaye. It is made up of several hills and features that distinguish this place from other tourist centres in Nigeria.
Nike Art Gallery
The Nike Art Centre is the largest Art Gallery in Nigeria and West Africa. It is also one of the biggest in Africa with over twenty-five thousand artworks from African artists. Nike Art Centre is owned by Madam Nike Okundaye Davies. It has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria. The Nike Art gallery boasts contemporary artworks, woodworks, paintings, African Arts, ironworks etc. It is located in the heart of Lekki in Lagos.
Badagry Slave Route
The Badagry slave route has got to be one of the most historical tourist attractions in Nigeria. It is a series of slave markets, slave prisons, slave ports and the dreaded point of no return. The relics of what used to be known as one of the biggest slave markets in the world are still standing for all to see. The slave route consists of the slave market where slaves are sold for a bottle of dry gin, lantern, canon guns, mirror or wine.
Also, a slave prison is known as the Brazillian barracoon where slaves are kept till their buyers are ready to pick them up. Then there is the slave port where slaves are shipped across a Lagoon towards the point of no return. The slave route is a 30 minutes walk which the slaves were forced to do during the slave era. After the thirty minutes walk along the slave route, is the point of no return which is the place where slaves are taken to an unknown destination usually Brazil, Portugal, Britain etc. It also has an administrative building which is now known as the Badagry Heritage Museum. If you care about the history of black heritage, visiting the Badagry Slave route should be top on your list.
Tarkwa bay Beach
Tarkwa bay beach is an artificial island located off the coast of the Lagos lagoon as a shelter for the Apapa Port. It has become one of the popular places to visit in Nigeria. Tarkwa is not accessible by road and can only be accessed through the water. It is one of the coolest places to hang out in Nigeria.
Kainji National park
The Kainji National park is said to be the largest park in Nigeria. It is divided into three parts namely Kainji Lake, Borgu Game reserve and the Zugurma Game reserve. The park boast of animals like lion, Elephants, monkeys, Duikers, Hippopotamus, leopards etc. The park was established in 1979. It has become one of the most popular tourist centres in Nigeria.
Other Tourist Centres in Nigeria
There are other beautiful tourist attractions in Nigeria it may be practically impossible to name them all here. There are other tourist centres in Nigeria.
- Sungbo Eredo
- Kajuru Kastle Kaduna
- Farin Ruwa Waterfalls
- Ogba Ukwu Caves/ Waterfalls (Anambra State)
- Old Oyo National Park
- Mambila Plateau
- Gashaka Gumpti National park
- Lufasi Park
- La Campagne Tropicana
