Nigerian Tourism - 5 Tourist Attractions

5 Tourist Attractions in Nigeria

Tourist attraction in Nigeria ranges from rich cultural heritage, historic sites to other natural attractions including waterfalls, wildlife, savannah and rainforests. Due to the diversity of the country, there are lots of tourist attractions in Nigeria but I will focus on 5 attractions.

Lekki Conservation Centre

This centre was established in 1990, built by Chevron Corporation for the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and since then has grown into one of the Africa's prominent and most diverse urban nature parks due to its flora and fauna. It is situated in the coastal environs covering an approximate land area of 78 hectares in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State. Special features include a 401 metre long canopy walkway scenic attraction reputed to be the longest canopy walkway in Africa.

Obudu Mountain Resort

Formerly known as Obudu Cattle Ranch is a beauitiful and amazing resort developed by M. McCaughley, a Scottish in 1951. This located on the Obudu Plateau close to the Camerounian border in the north-eastern part of Cross River State approximately 110 kilometres east of Ogoja town and 65 kilometres from Obudu town in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State. The climate is semi-temperate mountain climate making the ranch a well known holiday and tourist resort centre for both Nigerian and International tourists. Major attractions include a ride on cable car from the bottom of the hill to the top of the plateau which gives an enchanting scenic view while bypassing an extremely winding road that leads to the resort from Calabar.

Mobee Slave Relics Museum

This small museum located in Badagry on the outskirts of Lagos State holds pieces of slavery and interesting relics of slave trade such as chains, mouth guards, locks and other materials used on the slaves. You can also discover more history of slavery on the western coast of Badagry as you explore a short boat ride across a small lagoon to sandy beach, from where you take a lengthy walk to the point of 'NO RETURN' at Gberefu island. This was considered the final journey taken by the slaves from different parts of Nigeria before getting on  slaving ship through the sea to the Americans and the Caribbean.

Gurara Watertfalls

This is one of the major tourist attraction sites in Nigeria. The waterfall is located in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. It is approximately 30 metres high and lies on the Gurara river along Suleja and Minna Road. According to oral history, Gurara waterfalls was discovered by a Gwari hunter called Buba in 1745 and was worshipped by people living in the neighbouring communities. It was believed that the fall got its name from 2 deities called Gura and Rara. During dry season, the fall trickles while during the rainy season, it is in full spate. Apart from the spectacular view of the waterfall, it is also a pretty good place for birdwatching.

Yankari National Park

This is a wildlife conservation centre located in the south wildlife central part of Bauchi State, Nigeria. It covers an area of about 2,244 square kilometres and offers a unique way for tourists and holiday makers to watch wildlife in its natural habitat. Yankari was originally created as a game reserve in 1956 and later became Nigeria's biggest national park in 1991. It is one of the few remaining areas in West Africa where wild animals are protected in their natural habitat; also an important refuge for over 50 mammal species. This park is a home to Wikki spring which is 13 metres wide and 1.9 metres deep; opens for swimming 24 hours a day. The spring water is crystal clear with a temperature of 31.1°C making swimming very interesting.