Tourism in Nigeria

Nigeria, with a land mass of over 356,000 square miles is a country with spectacular sights ,a wide range of fauna and exciting places for vacationing, exploration and sightseeing. The country is blessed with tropical rain forests, savannah grasslands, mangrove swamps and the sahel savannah near the Sahara.

Visitors to Nigeria will be thrilled by the marvels of nature that abound in the land, rare, amazing plants and animals seen only on special television programmes or magazines. These plants and animals live in their natural habitats undisturbed by man. Nature has also endowed Nigeria with many natural resources and with some of the wonders of the natural world, which can be viewed by visitors to those locations.

NATURAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Nigeria’s prime natural tourist attractions include the following:

Ikogosi Warm Springs – this is a natural warm spring that flows and mixes with cold water issuing from another spring. This place attracts tourists from all over the world.

Owu Falls – located in Kwara State of Nigeria, it is the steepest natural waterfall in West Africa and is surrounded by a tropical rainforest in which can be found a wide range of animals and plants not seen in other parts of the world.

Niger-Benue Confluence – This is where the Rivers Niger and Benue join at Lokoja. It can be toured on available boats, on canoes or viewed from the a closeby hill giving a panoramic view of the confluence.

Assop Falls – located about 40 miles from Jos city, it is a lovely place for picnicking, swimming and enjoying the grand view of the scenic landscape.

Wikki Warm Springs – Deep inside the Yankari Game Reserve is this warm water spring that stays the same warm temperature day and night.

With a coastline of about 350 miles, Nigeria has natural sites with tropical coconuts, mangrove and other seaside vegetation for vacationers and visitors to enjoy the Atlantic. Several beaches are open to visitors including Badagry, Lekki, Bar, Eleko, Calabar etc.

FESTIVALS TO SEE

The display of the full culture and heritage of the people of Nigeria is usually colourful, exciting and memorable. Periodic festivals of the people include the following which tourists will find remarkable and interesting:

EYO FESTIVAL: This annual festival of the people of the Eko people of Lagos holds annually and usually culminates in the display of masquerades adorned resplendently in white flowing dresses and hats to match.

KWA-GHIR FESTIVAL: A festival of the Tiv people in Benue state of Nigeria, it is a display of traditional masquerades, puppet theater, some forms of acrobatics, dancing, music and sartorial display. A colourful festival indeed, it attracts many people and is accentuated by the friendliness and warm welcome of the Tiv people of Nigeria.

THE DURBAR: This is usually a festival culminating in a horse race at the behest of an Emir, a traditional ruler. With roots in the Islamic way of life, the Durbar is colourful, exciting and open to all to watch.

ARGUNGU FISHING FESTIVAL: Argungu is located in Sokoto state in the North Western part of Nigeria. It is famous for its fishing festival in which a lake is stocked with fish and which are fed until the time of the festival. Individuals go into the lake without the aid of boats and the competition goes the one with the largest catch. This festival is international and attracts visitors from all over the world.

ARGUNGU MOTOR RALLY: As part of the fishing festival, car manufacturers and marketers have organised the annual motor rally in which cars go through an endurance race over country roads. Notable names like Toyota, Mercedes and Peugeot feature in the rally.

BOAT REGATTA: The Izons and other peoples of the Niger Delta Area have festivals that include extremely colourful boat regattas and water races. Canoe races are also a feature and visitors are attracted to these from various parts of the world.

NEW YAM FESTIVAL OF THE IGBOS: The new yam festival is rooted in the ancient worship of the gods of the land for a fruitful harvest. Modernised and still as flamboyant as ever, the festival holds around August and features masquerades, traditional dances, wrestling competitions and other sporting and gaming events.

OTHER TOURIST/ VACATIONING SITES

KAINJI LAKE GAME RESERVE: See elephants, lions, hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitats. Also visit the craft shops at Wawa and enjoy the delicate cuisine of the local communities. This game reserve is located in Niger and Kwara states of Nigeria.

ESIE MUSEUM: this museum displays terracotta artifacts and figurines dating from the 13th to the 16th century and shown to be doing various things from dancing to weaving. The Esie Museum is located in Esie town, about 100km from Ilorin in Kwara State.

GOLF COURSES: Nigeria has many golf courses where vacationers can get the best of games surrounded by the grandest views of nature. Golf courses include the IBB Golf Course in Abuja, Lamingo in Jos, and others in Ewekoro, Ikeja, Ilorin, Ibadan and other parts of Nigeria.

ROCK PAINTINGS OF BIRNIN KUDU: Reputed to be thousands of years old, these painting depict the lifestyle of the people that inhabited that area of Jigawa State in times gone by.

OBUDU CATTLE RANCH: The ranch is located in Cross River state of Nigeria and has near temperate climate owing to its location on high hills. As a tourist attraction, it has a waterfall, a gorilla habitat, and opportunities to see a variety of birds.

Visitors to Nigeria will find a warm welcome from the people. Airlines have regular shuttle flights from Lagos to the major tourist and commercial centres of the country. Hotels and guest houses also provide excellent local and international cuisine as desired by visitors.

For more information contact:
Federal Ministry of Culture & Tourism
Fed. Sec. Complex, Phase II, Bulet Building, (Block A 1st Floor, Block B 5th Floor), Maitama District, Abuja.
PMB 473 Garki, Abuja.
Tel: (09) 2348297, 2348311
Fax: (09) 2348257
Email: culturetourism@yahoo.com
Website:www.fmct-nigeria.net

Lagos
Lagos is a busy and overcrowded city, reputed to be the most expensive in the world. Its commercial and administrative centre is on Lagos Island at the heart of the city, linked to the mainland by two road bridges. Ikoyi and Victoria islands are also connected to Lagos Island, and both have wealthy residential areas and beautiful gardens. The National Museum at Onikan on Lagos Island houses numerous exhibits of Nigerias ancient civilisations and has a craft centre which sells examples of Nigerian craft at fixed prices. In the Jankara Market on Lagos Island you can bargain for locally dyed cotton and handwoven cloth, herbs and leather goods.

The Southwest
Ibadan is famous for its university and its market (one of the biggest in Nigeria). It is a convenient base for trips to the other, more traditional, old towns of the Western State.
The large, traditional town of Oyo has some old Portuguese-style houses and is the site of the capital of the old Yoruba Empire. Oshogbo is the founding centre of the internationally renowned school of Oshogbo art and home of the shrines and grove of Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of fertility. The famous Oshun Shrine is to be found here. The Oshun Festival takes place towards the end of August each year.
Ile-Ife, the ancient name of the town of Ife, is the cradle of Yoruba culture, and includes the Ife Museum, which has many fine bronze and terracotta sculptures dating back to the 13th century. The university here is a centre for batik-dying. Akure is a good base from which to explore the seven Olumirin Waterfalls.

The Mouth of the Niger
Modern Benin City is a rapidly developing metropolis, but there are a few reminders of its long Yoruba history. The old citys moat and wall survive in places and the National Museum houses an interesting collection of Benin royal art. The Oba’s Palace is worth visiting, although permission needs to be obtained in Lagos.
Many of the villages in Cross River State are of interest for their handicrafts and traditions of magic, but may only be accessible by foot or canoe. Abaraka, Auchi, Sapele, Sapoba and Warri however, can be reached by road.
Calabar is a pleasant town in a beautiful setting, high on a hill above the Calabar River. Ikot Ekepne is the centre for beautiful baskets and carvings, and at Oron there is a museum renowned for its exhibits of Ibibio and Efik carvings. Ikom, on the road to Cameroon, has curious carved monoliths set in circles.
Port Harcourt has long been an important merchant port and is today the centre of Nigeria’s oil industry.

Abuja, the new federal capital since 1991, is as yet undeveloped for tourism. It has a beautiful setting which gives magnificent views across the savannah.

Kano
Formerly the largest of the ancient Hausa cities, Kano is today Nigerias third-largest city. The walled old town still remains and gives the city a medieval atmosphere, although the city was founded at least 1000 years ago, being of strategic importance on the trans-Saharan trade routes. Kurmi Market has many tourist souvenirs, including the richly embroidered Fulani horse blankets and decorations used at festivals. The famous dye pits (Kofar Mata), still in use and apparently some of the oldest in Africa, are interesting, as is the Grand Mosque. The Emir’s Palace is an outstanding example of Hausa architecture. The city has many colonial-style sporting clubs and good restaurants and nightlife.

Jos
Jos is a favourite holiday centre on account of its location (1200m/3900ft above sea level) and pleasant climate. The Jos Museum has a large collection of pottery from all over the country, and the nearby Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture holds a collection of full-size replicas representing different styles of Nigerian architecture, including the Kano Wall, Katsina Palace and Zaria Mosque. There is also a small zoo and easy access to such sights as the Assob Falls.

Elsewhere
Kaduna is a government town laid out by the British and has fine buildings and modern amenities. The ancient walled city of Zaria to the north retains much of its old character and has a fine mosque and Emirs Palace. Outside Katsina, on the border with Niger, are some old Hausa burial mounds and the city is the site of spectacular Sallah festivals (see Special Events in the Social Profile section).
At Maiduguri, the Sallah festival is held three months after the festival of Eid al-Fitr, during which Borno horsemen demonstrate their equestrian prowess. The town also has a palace, park, zoo and museum.
The area around Lake Chad is flat and prone to flooding during and after the rains. The whole region is of special interest to the ornithologist and nature enthusiast. In contrast, some of the most striking and fascinating mountain scenery can be enjoyed around Biu and towards the Cameroon border.

Here are some (NOT ALL) tourist attractions in Nigeria (grouped by state). Please note that most of the information I could find was based on a 30 state nation. So, for the latest 6 states, I tell you what state they used to be part of, and some of the attractions listed in that new state may be in the list. If you have more specific information for me, then let me know. Also, some of the information I had from different sources also had different spellings, so if you find a spelling mistake, let me know.

Clicking on the camera image will show a picture.
Pictures of masquerades and festivals can be seen here on the pictures page.
Clicking on the up arrow will take you back to the list

STATE

ATTRACTIONS

ABUJA	Nicon-Noga Hilton Hotel Zuma Rock
ABIA	National War Museum: displays relics of the Nigerian civil war and inventions. Aba: foremost electronics and indigenous technology Akwette: Blue River Tourist Village Uwana Beach Akwette: Famous for it's unique weaving industry. Aba Central Market Arochukwu Shrine (The long Juju)
ADAMAWA	Three Sisters Hill: Three hills that stand side by side
AKWA IBOM	Ibeno: famous for yatching and swimming Oron Museum: collection of fine African carvings Opobo Boatyard: Natural sand beaches at Ikot Abasi
ANAMBRA	Anambra state is historically known for great craftmanship. Ijele masquerade from Aguleri Omaba festival Yearly yam festival Odinani Museum at Nri The River Niger with the famous Niger bridge links the bustling commercial town of Onitsha with ports at Port Harcourt, Burutu and Warri in Delta State. Ofala festival. Rogeny Tourist Village at Oba (a stadium that is equipped with recreational activities including a swimming pool, zoo, shrine, soccer stadium, etc.)
BAUCHI	Wikki Lame Burra game reserve (with warm springs) Tomb of first prime minister (Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa) Yankari game reserve, which has a huge range of African animals to see.
BAYELSA	Part of "old-RIVERS state"
BENUE	Scenic view of the confluence of the rivers Niger and Benue Ushango Hills Enemebia Falls Kwaghir theatrical display Ingongh Dance Pleasant beaches Numerous fishing festivals (pictures of fishing festivals can be seen on the attractions part of the pictures page)
BORNO	Kyarimi Park: sightseeing for animal and bird lovers Shehu of Borno's Palace Lake Chad Sambisa Game Reserve Fishing festival at Gahsua Ngeji Warm Springs Leather tanning and ornamental leather work.
CROSS RIVER	Obudu Cattle Ranch Agbokin Falls Kwa Falls Game Reserve at Okwangwo in Obudu local government Boshi Game Reserve Mary Slessor Cottage National Museum
DELTA	Sandy beaches of Asaba Koko Port Ajagbododu Olu's Palace ATP Timber and Plywood Factory Itsekiri Juju Festival Okere Juju Festival Agbasa Juju Festival
EBONYI	Part of "old-ENUGU state"
EDO	The capital of Edo is Benin city, which is famous for its unique bronze, brass and ivory works of art and you can see some of them on the artwork part of the pictures page. This is in addition to the following attractions: Royal Palace of Benin Benin Museum Benin Moat Emotan Statue Somorika Hills Udo Tourist Center Ogba zoo
EKITI	Part of "old-ONDO state"
ENUGU	Miliken Hill Nike Lake Iva Valley Coal Mines
GOMBE	Part of "old-BAUCHI state"
IMO	Oguta Lake Holiday resort with its sand beaches Rolling hills of Okigwe Owerri Amusement Park Nekede Botanical and Zoological Gardens Palm Beach Tourist Village at Awomama Afikpo: famous for it's pottery and mask making Akwete Textile Center in Akwete
JIGAWA	Birnin Kudu Rock Paintings: one of the oldest rock paintings in Nigeria.
KADUNA	Nok culture site at Kwo in Jema local government area Kufena Hill in Zaria Legendary Lord Lugard Bridge in Kaduna town Durbar Hotel and Hamdala Hotel in Kaduna Mait Sirga Falls in Kafanchan Palace of the Emir of Zaria
KANO	Kano is popular for its traditional arts and cracts, including leather work, weaving, pottery and wood carving. Emir's palace Baturiya Birds Estuary Ayanduwa fishing festival Ancient city walls and gates, first build about 900 years ago Gidan Makaman Museum Kofar Mata Dyeing pits (believed to be the oldest in Africa) Kano Zoological Garden at Gankum Albaba Kurmi Market Kazaure Rock Ranges Famous Tiga Dam (and Bagauda Lake Hotel) Folgore Games Reserve
KATSINA	Wall surrounding Katsina, 900 years old with seven different gates Emir's palace Kusugu well in Daura
KEBBI	Kebbi is famous for traditional arts and crafts, beads, swords, and glassware. Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival: a major week-long international event including art and craft exhibits cultural dances and music agricultural fair local drama traditional boxing and wrestling archery competition racing events: bicycle races, donkey races, boat races motor rally Kabanci display: series of water events during the festival, including canoe races, swimming, long deep diving competitions, bare hand fishing, wild-duck hunting. Grand finale fishing show Kanta Museum in Argungu
KOGI	Kogi is famous for "okene" cloth, woven with rich thread into exquisite styles of varying colors. Old buildings used by the royal Niger company when it had a royal charter over Nigeria Iron of Liberty: In the compound of the first primary school in Northern Nigeria Confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue at Lokoja Borgu Game Reserve Ekuechi festival of the Ebirras
KWARA	Esie Museum of stone figures. Kainji dam Jebba dam Mungo Park Monument OWU water falls (in village called Owa- Kajola in Ifelodun)
LAGOS	Lagos hosts over half of the total industrial investment in Nigeria and the commercial activities. Seaside attraction and resorts at Bar Beach, Victoria Island Badagry: the first missionary post and houses the first two-storey building in the country Lekki Conservation Centre National Museum: which houses important relics such as the traditional Benin Bronzes and the replica of the Festac '77 symbol. Didi Museum Tarkwa Bay Beach National Theater, Iganmu, Lagos Jankara Market on Lagos Island Eyo Masquerade: held to celebrate memorable occasions or the death of an important person. Murtala Muhammed Memorial Botanical Garden
NASSARAWA	Part of "old-PLATEAU state"
NIGER	Gurara falls in Boru Village: dramatic rock gorges with a scenic, sloping landscape with high rising sprays of water running down on them from different directions. Zugurma park Shiroro Hydroelectric dam Mungo Park's Cenotaph Bida town: noted for its handicrafts made from beer bottles and coloured glass jars Kainji Lake and National Games Park, with a wide variety of animals to see.
OGUN	Oba's Palace at Ake: built in 1854 as the official residence of the Alake, the traditional ruler of Egbaland famous for its heavy concentration of antiquities and relics Centenary hall at Abeokuta Birikisu Sungbo Shrine in Ijebu-Ode Olumo Rock Isara-Remo: a natural holiday resort. Agemo festival Obinrin Ojowu festival Egungun festival Oro festival Igunnuko Masquerades
ONDO	National Museum at Owo: has many wood and ivory carvings, brass and bronze works, etc. Ikogosi warm springs: a natural formation of warm and cold waters, rolling down over a hilly landscape and at the end forms a continuous stream. Idanre Hills Igbokodo water front Ipole-Iloro Water falls Oke Marie Hills at Oka-Akoko Ebomi Lake at Epinmi-Akoko Aiyetoro Holy Apostle Community Olumirin Waterfalls
OSUN	One of the cities here, Ile-Ife, is believed to be the origin of the Yoruba people. Osun Shrine at Oshogbo (which also houses some decorated calabashes) Opa Oranmiyan at Ile-Ife Palaces of Owa Obokun in Ilesha Ife city walls at Ile-Ife Ooni of Ife's place at Ile-Ife Osun festival: a week-or-more-long festival mainly in honor of the ancient gods. Ife museum: has many bronze and terracotta sculptures dating back to the 13th century. Erin-Ijesa water falls
OYO	Ibadan University Zoo Agodi Zoological garden Upper Ogun Games Reserve Mbari Arts Center Egungun festival Ode-Ibadan festival International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
PLATEAU	National museum of Jos: The oldest in the country Museum of Tradition Nigerian Architecture: contains various architectural designs of major Nigerian ethnic groups. Jos Wildlife Safari Park Zoological gardens Assop falls Kura falls Wase Rock Kerang Volcanic Mountain: where the Swan brand spring water is produced. Shere hills Riyom Rock
RIVERS	Isaac Boro Park: a zoo with a wide variety of animals Nigeria's first petroleum refinery at Elesa Elema Water Glass Boatyard Isaka Holiday Cruise Island Oil well at Oloibiri Riverine town of Bonny with the beautiful Finima Beach Monument of King Jaja of Opobo Relics of Akassa raid of 1859 Slave transit hall at Akassa Ogidi Shrine at Nembe Onne port Masquerade display at Abonema
SOKOTO	The state is also famous for it's dyeing of clothes (mostly Fulani attires). Also, famous Moroccan leather products of trans-Saharan trade era has it's roots in Sokoto. Museum Emir's palace Gibadi rocks: has ancient fossils tomb of Usman Dan Fodio
TARABA	Mambilla Plateau Gashaka Gashaka-Gumpti National Parks Karimbela Game Reserves
YOBE	Bir Plateau
ZAMFARA	Part of "old-SOKOTO state"

Tourism in Nigeria

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