20 Unmissable Attractions In Nigeria

Nigeria has limitless attractions to offer visitors, whether you’re on a brief visit or you have a residency card in the works. And since you’ve never truly lived in a place until you travel it, here are 20 unmissable sites across Nigeria that you should definitely spend time visiting.

Idanre Hills

This natural wonder is about 800 years old. The magic of Idanre Hills includes a diverse landscape, 667 steps, enigmatic footprints, and handwritings on rocks, as well as an ancient civilization with gripping myths and legends around its existence.

Location: Idanre, Ondo.

This Bavarian-style castle—complete with an armory and a dungeon—set atop one of the Kaduna mountains is everything from the movies. Its medieval architecture and natural surroundings are an astonishing sight to behold.

Castle on the hill. The Kajuru Castle in Kaduna

Location: Kachia Road, Kajuru, Kaduna.

Gurara Waterfalls

Gurara Waterfalls is so awesome, they named it after two gods. A fantastic spot to see wildlife or go fishing in the Gurara River. Gurara Waterfalls is a tributary of the River Niger.

Location: Suleja-Minna Road, Gurara, Niger.

Zuma Rock

Zuma Rock was once an idol and a fortress in times of war. The magnificent monolith stands at about 725 feet above sea level. It is visible from the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.

Location: Niger State

Olumo Rock

Another historically significant formation, the rock’s reputation as a formidable refuge during wartime in 19th century Yoruba-land is so legitimate, the city where it is found literally means “under the rock.” Stairs have been carved into this one, so it’s an easy enough climb up.

Location: Abeokuta, Ogun.

Ikogosi Warm Springs

Hot meets cold at this geological wonder of a spring. The results? A confluence with fantastical healing properties amid a thrilling scenery.

Location: Ikogosi, Ekiti.

Erin Ijesha Waterfalls

Erin Ijesha Waterfalls, also known as “Olumirin Waterfalls,” is located in the “State of the Living Spring.” But that doesn’t tell you all you need to know about this wonderful attraction.

http://instagram.com/p/BF0bKSimRRk/?tagged=erinijeshawaterfalls

Location: Erin Ijesha, Osun.

Oguta Lake

The locals call it “Ogbuide” or “Uhamiri.” Oguta Lake is five miles long and Nigeria’s largest natural lake.

Location: Oguta, Imo

Farin Ruwa Falls

The “White Water” is one of the highest waterfalls in Nigeria at a total height of 150 meters. Brave the tasking journey to arrive there and witness its spectacle.

http://www.instagram.com/p/BXlEjFShCC7/?tagged=farinruwawaterfalls

Location: Farin Ruwa, Wamba, Nasarawa.

Nok Settlement, Jaba

One of Africa’s oldest and extremely popular discoveries, the Nok civilization was made in this rural settlement.

http://instagram.com/p/BN1Nu8WA0uo/?tagged=nokvillage

Location: Jaba, Kaduna.

Abuja Arts and Crafts Village

You can find all sorts of fabulous arts, crafts, jewelry, souvenirs, and other indigenous handmade designs in this village.

http://instagram.com/p/BAM0yr_pIak/?tagged=abujaartsandcraftvillage

Location: Sani Abacha Way, Central Business District, Abuja.

Yankari National Park

Flora, fauna, wildlife, warm springs, and tons of history are some of the attractive features of this national park.

Location: Bauchi, Bauchi.

Ogbunike Caves

You need to take off your shoes for this one. Visitors are not allowed to descend into the mythical caves with footwear because of its historical and spiritual significance.

http://instagram.com/p/BOEjntiBFr-/?tagged=ogbunikecaves

Location: Ogbunike, Anambra.

Obudu Mountain Resort

This resort is located on the Obudu Plateau. Its surreal landscape and modern facilities make it one of the top holiday spots in the country.

Location: Obanliku, Cross Rivers.

Ngwo Pine Forest

Ngwo’s pine haven provides visitors with a fun maze, cool shade, long, refreshing breaths of air, and wide stretches of beautiful greenery.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCK5SmtsfTw/?tagged=ngwopineforest

Location: Old Enugu-Onitsha Rd, Ngwo-Asaa

Oshun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

This is the last sacred grove in Nigeria and the home of Osun—the Yoruba Goddess of fertility. Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is lined with shrines, sculptures, and works of art in honor of ancient Yoruba religion and tradition.

Location: Osogbo (outskirts), Osun.

Sukur Cultural Landscape

Remarkable dry stone architecture, farmlands, paved walkways, and a palace are what’s left of this once prominent iron-smelting civilization.

Location: Madagali, Adamawa.

Millennium Park

The largest park in Nigeria’s capital city, its vast greenery and Italian architectural design attracts thousands of visitors each day.

Location: Maitama, Abuja.

Ancient Kano City Walls

A national monument and historically significant landmark, these approximately 1,000-year-old walls gave invaders a good 20th-century fight and still stand to tell the story.

Location: Kano, Kano.

Gashaka Gumti National Park

Here you’ll find Chappal Waddi—the highest peak in Nigeria—and a wide range of exotic wildlife and various impressive natural terrains.

http://instagram.com/p/BDukzhyiQz_/?tagged=gashakagumtinationalpark

Location: Gashaka Village, North of the Mambilla Plateaus, Taraba.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.