Nigeria is blessed with many natural features and human-made attractions spread across the country. These places don't just exist; they are a glimpse of what this beautiful land offers. As we know, a mere glimpse through some places in our country is hidden from the eyes of tourists. One such place is Ojuelegba Lagoon in Ibadan, Oyo state, a thriving center for marine life and birdlife. It's not a popular tourist destination due to the cost of traveling around the area, but it is well worth it if you have the time to go there. In this lagoon, you can expect to see giant turtles and other sea creatures that make up some 80 percent of their population on our shores. The best way to go there is by renting a boat that will take you around the surroundings at your own leisure until you're satisfied with what you've seen. You'll also need money for gas and food while on your tour around Ojuelegba Lagoon.
Tourism in Nigeria is gaining ground. A few decades ago, tourists and visitors alike were only attracted to the beautiful beaches and the rich cultural festivals. Tourism has always been a significant revenue earner for the country, but there were instances where tourists were discouraged from visiting Nigeria in the recent past. Several myths about the country have discouraged some people from taking a vacation here. However, tourism in Nigeria has gained ground since there are plenty of things to see and do in Nigeria.
One of the most visited places in Nigeria is Lagos State. Lagos has beaches, museums, and many other tourist spots that attract visitors worldwide. When planning a trip to Lagos, one can consider staying at Eko beach, one of the best beaches in Africa, or having breakfast at Victoria Island, visiting museums, including National Museum or Olowu museum, and more activities can be done during your stay.
Edo State follows Lagos state in the Tourism sector in Nigeria. Tourism attracts more visitors to come and tour this wonderful place, especially Benin City, which is known as the City Of Kings because it played an essential role in ancient history and was home to Oba Esigie, who ruled the Benin Kingdom between 1504-1550 CE. The state also has many cultural festivals, such as the Edo festival, attracting tourists worldwide. You can also take a trip down memory lane by taking photos with traditional attire on Edo state streets during your holiday vacation here.
Today, the story is different as there are more tourist sites and attractions in Nigeria than you can ever imagine. It used to be that visiting Nigeria was synonymous with doing business with the country. Companies worldwide send their employees here to negotiate deals, sign contracts, and handle other corporate affairs. Today, this is no longer the case as more and more travelers are discovering what the country has to offer beyond business. Thanks to international investors, the burgeoning hospitality industry has developed in recent years. Hotels, resorts, airports, and other facilities have been built or upgraded to accommodate a growing number of visitors worldwide. Travelers who use Nigeria as a jumping-off point for travel in Africa can experience various tourist attractions throughout various destinations in Nigeria.
This post gives you every information you need about tourism in Nigeria, the top attractions, and why you should visit. Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa, is blessed with rich natural resources and diverse cultures. The country has a large population of approximately 180 million people. Nigeria is considered one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries globally. It has around 250 different ethnic groups with various cultural practices. Nigeria has some of the largest oil fields globally and is ranked 9th in proven oil reserves and 14th in proven natural gas reserves. The nation is blessed with substantial mineral resources (gold, coal, tin ore, bauxite, etc.).
Nigeria's major attractions include its various wildlife parks, such as Cross River National Park located along the Cameroon border, covering about 732km2 or 508 square miles of rain forests, mountains, and grasslands. Apart from that, we have Lagos state parks where you can see different animals like monkeys, chimpanzees, gorillas, etc. National parks like Badagry forest contain more than 40 animal species, including baboons and leopards. Some other national parks include Kainji lake national park, which includes unique species of birds, game animals, and the forest surrounding it. Although Taraba state forest reserve, also known as Kumbotso forest reserve, covers an area of 400 hectares or 950 acres within the Bali local government area of Taraba state with both dry deciduous forests that thrive within savannah grassland as well as wetter tropical forests.
OTHER TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN NIGERIA AND THEIR LOCATIONS
Nigeria is a massive country with a wide variety of landscapes and cultures. The central part of the country is home to the capital Abuja, which acts as a hub for travel further into the nation. Most of Nigeria's population (over 90%) resides in this central region, but there is still plenty to see outside of the city.
There are several natural landmarks you could visit if you're looking for adventure rather than relaxation. Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State has been around for hundreds of thousands of years, and it covers over 46 acres underground. Yankari National Park in Bauchi State features rock formations called kopjes that have been carved out by wind erosion over time. Olumo Rock in Ogun State is an enormous granite rock formation standing tall above Lagos; it's one of Nigeria's most prominent landmarks and a popular tourist destination. If the scenic countryside is more your speed, settle down at Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River State to see wildlife like zebras and monkeys roaming freely about their natural habitat and enjoy panoramic views from atop a plateau at 1,829 feet above sea level.
I'm sure you will find this post very helpful whether you are a tourist who wants to know more about tourist attractions in Nigeria or a local who wants to know what your country has to offer other people from around the world. Now that you know what Nigeria offers consider visiting the country and seeing it yourself. What are you waiting for?
We have so many tourist sites and attractions in Nigeria that we can't even fit them into a single article. From the relics of ancient civilizations such as the Ife ruins and Benin City to more contemporary attractions like the National Museum in Lagos, Nigerian tourism isn't just thriving; it's practically booming.
Nigeria is an exciting destination with its beautiful beaches, breathtaking rainforests, colorful markets, and fascinating cultures (I'm sure I haven't even scratched the surface). It will take you far from your usual comfort zone, but that's half the fun of discovering new places!
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