8 Places to Visit in Nigeria At least Once in Your Lifetime

Nigeria is referred to as the “Giant of Africa” owing to its large population. With the growing number of the population comes many tribes that cut across the 36 states of the country. There is no doubt that the country is vast.

Among the numerous states are historical centres, museums, parks, beaches and lots of other destinations worth visiting. If you want to explore this great nation, stick with us as we reveal the places to visit in Nigeria at least once in your lifetime.

Places to Visit in Nigeria

1. Lekki Conservation Centre

The Lekki Conservation Centre is one of Africa’s prominent and most diverse nature parks, due to its high species richness. Located in the coastal environs along the Lekki-Epe expressway, it represents the flagship project of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) for the preservation of biological diversity, natural, scientific and recreational values.

An exciting feature worth exploring is the canopy walkway. It is an amazing swinging bridge walkway suspended through the mosaic of the vegetation types and wildlife. The raised walkway allows you to explore the habitat types and have a bird’s eye of the unique wildlife, including monkeys, crocodiles, snakes and various birds.

There is also a tree house extending twenty-one meters high where you can have a panoramic view of the picnic area, visitor’s centre and children’s playground among the trees. The LCC is one place that can satisfy one’s curiosity of nature.

2. Yankari National Park

Yankari was created as a game reserve but later designated Nigeria’s biggest national park. It is the most popular destination for tourists in Nigeria, located in Bauchi state, north-eastern Nigeria.

The park boasts of rich wildlife resources and is home to several warm water springs. The wildlife includes over 350 species of birds and mammals including African bush elephant, bushbuck, hippopotamus, West African lion, patas monkey, African buffalo etc.

Its wide variety of wildlife makes it a sight to behold. A must see is the Wikki Warm Spring, which is open for swimming 24 hours a day. Then, there is the Wikki camp museum, named after the Wikki Warm Spring. It is well stocked with a variety of skins, tusks and bones.

Also present are geographical features including Kalban Hill, Kariyo Hill, Paliyaram Hill, and the Tonlong Gorge.

The Yankari National Park is definitely one of the places to visit in Nigeria.

3. Tarkwa Bay Beach

Tarkwa Bay is a secluded beach located near the Lagos Harbour at Victoria Island, Lagos. Its secluded location makes it a great place to relax and take in scenic views of the water and tall buildings surrounding the city.

It is one of the most sheltered beaches in the city that is less crowded and allows you enjoy some alone time with family, friends and – of course, bae. It is popular with swimmers and water-sport enthusiasts. The easiest way to assess the bay is by catching a boat from Tarzan’s Jetty at Maroko.

4. Nike Art Gallery

Housed in a five-storey tall building, the Nike Art Gallery is arguably the largest of its kind. It comprises of an art gallery and textile museum showcasing over 7000 pieces and boasts of a collection of about 8000 artworks from an array of Nigerian artists. It offers a deep perception of all cultures of Nigeria.

Activities including art exhibitions, workshops and cultural days are frequent.

5. New Afrika Shrine

This is one of the places to visit in Nigeria where you can enjoy nightlife during the weekends. Located at Ikeja, Lagos and managed by Femi Kuti and Yeni Kuti, the New Afrika Shrine is a replacement of the Old Afrika Shrine created by Fela Kuti.

Being an entertainment centre, it hosts the annual Felabration festival and fuji shows that take place every first Saturday; there are also musical performances by Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti.

From the live music, palm wine, local drinks (skushies) to the food spots where you can get asun, small chops and shawarma, the New Afrika Shrine is the place to be. The shrine also creates a tourism experience as you look through photo galleries of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

6. Olumo Rock

A visit to the ancient city of Abeokuta will be incomplete without a stop at one of the popular tourist destinations in Ogun State, Nigeria.

If you are set for an expedition to Olumo rock, get ready to climb up the man-made stairs carved into the rock. While on the journey, you will encounter irregularly sized rocks and ladders which you will climb through a narrow corridor that leads to the top of the rock.

As you climb your way to the top of the rock, catch sights of rock carvings, cowrie-studded statues and the ancient abode of the of the priestesses who live in huts on the rock.

7. Obudu Cattle Ranch

Come the period between October and February when the atmosphere is frosty, all roads lead to Obudu Mountain Resort, formerly Obudu Cattle Ranch. The resort sits on the Obudu Plateau, close to the Cameroon border in the north-eastern part of Cross River State.

Due to the development of tourist facilities by the state government, the ranch has witnessed an inpouring of several tourists from different parts of the world, making it a renowned holiday and tourist destination in Nigeria. The beautiful landscapes, mountain layers, several waterfalls are all breath-taking. A major attraction of the resort is the mini waterfall at the grotto in Becheve Nature Reserve (BNR).

8. Eleko Beach

If you are looking to have a quiet moment, one of the places to visit in Nigeria is Eleko Beach.

Eleko Beach is a serene beach in the Lekki Peninsula. It offers a peaceful and tranquil ambience away from the hustles and bustles of the city. It is less rowdy than other public beaches in Lagos. The bamboo hurts at Eleko beach offers a private beach feel.