Nigeria is a West African country that offers so much it all people that come to enjoy a holiday there. its unique diversity in landscape that also includes expanses of the arid Sahara Desert and the ocean coast offering lovers of nature, wild animals, birds and the beautiful waterfront of the coast. The wildlife here are extremely amazing and the numerous water adventure will be fulfilling to any adventure lover. Surely you will have a very memorable safari experience in Nigeria.
Explore Africa’s longest canopy walk
The longest canopy walk in Africa is found in Lekki Conservation Centre and this is among the top most enjoyed tourist sites in Nigeria. This walk features six different towels that are interconnected and stands twenty two feet (22 ft) above the ground and covers a length of 1,315 feet which is approximated to nearly four football fields. The walkway offers an all-round view of the entire surrounding as you move above the beautiful tree tops. This walkway was established in 1990 and this conservation center is a richly diversified coastal ecosystem with an educational center for tourists to learn more about Mother Nature.
Visit the Grand Zuma Rock
in the northern part of Abuja in Madalla within Niger state is the huge Zuma Rock standing at an elevator at a height 725 meters (or 2379 feet. majestically sent stands out above the entire surrounding area and this is one of the most popular and commonly visited tourist sites in the country. unique about it is that this monolithic inselberg has a human-like face imprinted on one of its sides. This rock is also printed on the 100 naira note of Nigerian money, and it’s named as one of the seven natural wonder.
This Grand Rock can be seen several miles away and being the most outstanding feature in the entire Zumba town the local Zumba people who live in that area offer special space show respect to it. According to the local myths it is said that during the rainy season which is from April to October the Rock catches fire a thing that has been and remains mysterious to many for several years. Now many tourists have testified to seeing the fire and clouds of smoke rise from the peak of the rock formation during the heavy rains.
Visit and Nike Art and Cultural Gallery
This beautiful art gallery is housed in a five-storey building and houses a diverse collection of different forms of art which makes it one of the best places to appreciate the traditional artistic skill of the people in Nigeria while in Lagos. There are beautiful displays in here and you will also find a number of local Nigerian Craftsmen, artists and sculptures putting their skill to work. The entrance to the gallery is free for charge and it is one of the best places to buy a souvenir at the end of your stay Nigeria.
Visit Badagry
The coastal town of Badagry is one of the best places to learn about the terrible slave trade as well as the wicked colonial slave traders who were in this country several years ago. There is also a Badagry black heritage Museum that displays a number of remains from this horrible era. Close to this town are a number of beautiful beaches which you can visit making it a good place to unwind while in Nigeria.
Visit Africa’s largest floating village
On the outskirts of Lagos City is a community of the mokoko comprised of an economically challenged group of people and this has been dubbed as the largest floating slam on the planet. You will get an opportunity to see how this greatly marginalized people survive off the ocean and how they cater for each other. a number of tour companies organize interesting community visits to this village and they normally advise all tourists going there to be respectful to the local people living in this community.
Visit Nigeria’s National Museum
Located within Lagos is the national museum a great place to learn about the country’s history. The museum houses a great display of historical civilization of the country and when you explore the Craft center you will find a number of crafted pieces that you can buy as a souvenir to carry back home unfortunately cameras are not allowed inside.
Visit the Sacred Shrine of Osogbo
Wheel in Osogbo is the shrine for the Yoruba goddess for fertility known as the osun shrine together with the sacred groove of oshun. As the rainy season comes to an end in Nigeria towards the end of the month of August, thousands of women who are childless go to the Osun-Osogbo Festival that is conducted every year to look for assistance of the goddess of fertility to bare child.
Visit the ancient town of Ife
Also known as IIe-Ife this very old Town is another place to learn about the Yoruba Culture and it has a beautiful Museum where you will find a number of beautiful sculptures made of bronze and terracotta that are believed to have been made back in the 13th century. you will also get an opportunity to visit the palace belonging to the ancient rulers of the Yoruba tribe where you will see the Yemolu well where only incumbent allowed to drink.
Visit the Seven Olumirin Falls
According to the local legend it is saved that this Seven Olumirin waterfalls originates from a large pot of water found on the peak of the cliff. These waters which are found near Akure are said to have all types of magical powers. A number of holidaymakers climb all the way to the top where they enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding
Visit Freedom Park
Freedom Park is a beautiful leisure park found in the center of down-town Lagos and it was constructed on grounds that were formerly an old prison back in the 19th century. There are beautiful fountains, several memorials, expanses of short green grass, well maintained gardens as well as food courts. This is a good place to escape from the busy city center and you can enjoy a picnic or simply relax and watch other people visiting the park.
Walk with the Great Apes
Visit the Cross River National Park home to a variety of primates including the gorillas and the wide spread white faced monkeys.
You can walk among apes at Cross River National Park, where you will be taken to visit endemic white-faced monkeys and gorillas on a tour with Venture Travel Online. They have itineraries into the area; one of the most popular is a seven-day tour and trek.
Explore The Beautiful Beaches
Being a tropical country, Nigeria is blessed with beautiful beaches on its southern boundary that are met with waters of the Atlantic Ocean. These offer a perfect place for tourist interested in a relaxing experience as they enjoy the various water sports plus boating trips or lazily enjoy the soothing sound of the water waves hitting the shore.
Go Mountain Climbing
because the country has a number of hilly peaks with some of them towering to more than 8,000 feet with the highest peak in Nigeria being the Chappal Waddi. As a result mountain climbing is another popular activity enjoyed by tourists who visit Nigeria. There are short tours and longer tours that may take several hours.
Enjoy a Boat Cruise
On the peaceful Azumini River are remarkable boat cruises conducted during which tourists will get a chance to see the rich wildlife that live on the banks of this river. There are also several bird species that can be seen here and for those who would wish to stay overnight, there is a hotel with a fine restaurant.
Enjoy An Off-Road Excursion
Enjoy an off-road excursion in a four wheel drive vehicle as you explore the spectacular Mambilla Plateau found in the southeastern part of Taraba state. There you will enjoy breathtaking views of the beautiful surrounding and explore the red ochre-sands
Frequently asked Questions
Do I need a Visa to go to Nigeria?
People traveling from Britain, the USA, New Zealand and Australia in addition to a number of many other countries will require a Visa to go to this country. All Visa applications should be made to the Nigerian Embassy in your home country prior to you traveling and this may take about ten (10) days to be processed. A Nigerian tourist Visa is a awarded to successful applicants who would have shown proof of sufficient funds to sustain them throughout their stay and this is available for ninety (90) days. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six (6) months.
Is it safe to visit Nigeria?
Nigeria is generally considered a safe destination and its worth visiting especially when planning to visit Africa. However we cannot leave out the fact that petty crimes like pick pocketing, mugging and car-jacking are experienced especially in the busy cities like Lagos and the southern part of the country. it is also important that you refrain from moving alone at night and when in the busy centers, ensure that all you do not expose your valuable items such as laptops, phones and cameras.
What vaccines do I need when visiting Nigeria?
Routine vaccinations of the following: tetanus, hepatitis A and B, rabies, diphtheria, MMR and polio are highly recommended for all persons going to Nigeria. The yellow fever vaccine is also mandatory for those going to this country and all travelers are required to present a certificate on arrival in the country as proof of receiving the vaccine.
Malaria is also prevent in Nigeria and for that reason travelers are advised to visit your physicians back in your home country to prescribe for you the appropriate anti-malaria prophylaxis.
How to avoid Malaria in Nigeria?
Below are some of the most recommended ways to avoid contracting malaria while in Nigeria:
- Sleeping under a mosquito net at all times,
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers to avoid insect bites,
- Using an insect repellent
- Properly taking the anti malarial prophylaxis as prescribed by your doctor
Do I need medical insurance when visiting Nigeria?
yes, you are highly advised to obtain a comprehensive insurance that offers medical cover as well as evacuation in case of emergency because the medical facilities are limited and health care somewhat basic as compared to that in the western world.
What is the official language of Nigeria?
Nigeria is a British Colony and remained under the British leader until 1960, for that reason, English is the official language of Nigeria and it is taught in schools and other institutions of learning, and the language is widely used across the country. Nonetheless, the country is multilingual with over five hundred (500) different languages.
What is the local currency of Nigeria?
The Naira is the local currency of Nigeria and it presents in bank notes and coins which comes in denominations of 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.
Foreign currencies like the US Dollar and the Euro can easily be exchanged against the local Nigerian naira. You are however advised to exchanges these foreign currencies at banks, at the airport or the foreign exchange kiosk, but always remember to claim your receipt for that transaction.
Are credit cards accepted in Nigeria?
The most widely accepted credit card in Nigeria is the Visa card; however some places also accept Maestro and MasterCard. A number of large hotels, restaurants and large shops accept credit cards for payments and considering that Nigeria is working towards having an economy that is cashless. Diners and the American Express are not normally accepted across the country.
What is the local time zone in Nigeria?
The local time zone within Nigeria is GMT+1 and there is no daylight saving.
What is the electricity current in Nigeria?
Nigeria runs on an electricity current of 240V with 50Hz, and uses the standard three pin power plug of British style. In case you are bringing your personal electric gadgets ensure that they have an adjustable voltage. Don’t forget to bring an adapter despite the fact that many hotels will promise to provide them.
What is the best time to visit Nigeria?
Nigeria can best be visited during the dry season from November to January. However because the country is huge, the general climatic conditions differ greatly because of the difference of altitude. in the northern part within the dry Sahel , very minimal rainfall is received starting in April while in the southern part of the country, more rainfall is received ant this may begin as early as February or at the start of March.
Wildlife in Nigeria
In addition to the cultural attractions of Nigeria, the varied landscapes, geographical sites and national parks hold the biggest appeal.Nigeria has an impressive eight national parks, including Kainji National Park,Cross River National Park, COld Oyo National Park, Gashuti-Gumti National Park, Chad Basin National Park and Yankari National Park.
Kainji National Park was established in 1976 and is the oldest in Nigeria. It includes Kainji Lake (a reservoir) which was formed by the building of the Kainji Dam in 1968. Only the western sector of the national park (i.e. west of the lake) is currently open to visitors and the landscape here is mainly Sudan-Guinea Savanna. This park is in the west of Nigeria and would involve a long journey from either Lagos International Airport or Abuja International Airport.
Old Oyo National Park is very close to the border with Benin in western Nigeria and is more easily accessible from Lagos International airport to the south. The park is home to a variety of birds, plant life and animals, including buffalo, and also contains the ruins of the historic old Oyo city, capital of the Oyo Empire until it was destroyed in the late 18th century.
Yankari National Park is in the north east of Nigeria and is the most popular tourist attraction in the country. It is the largest of the eight national parks and was opened in 1991 and eagerly promotes ecotourism. The park gives visitors the chance to see wildlife roaming in their natural habitat, such as the African Bush Elephants, and around 50 other species, including Hippopotamus, Olive Baboon, Tantalus Monkey and Waterbuck. You can also see up to 350 species of bird here.
The Yankari Nantional Park has four natural warm water springs, one of which is the Wikki spring, at the touristic centre of the park. Wikki spring can be swum in 24 hours a day by park visitors, especially those staying at Wikki Camp where you’ll find 110 chalets, a restaurant, bar and conference centre. This is the place to take a safari trip from, and usually at least two trips depart per day.If you’re flying from South Africa and want to visit the Yankari National Park, either Kano or Abuja would be the best airports to fly to.
Cultural festivities
The Durbar festival, for example, which is celebrated in a number of towns in Nigeria, including the most famous ones of Katsina, Kano and Bida is a very popular tourist attraction. To reach these you would take a flight to Kano.
When Should You Visit
As the 32nd largest country in the world, Nigeria experiences more than one climate: the north is arid, the centre is tropical and the south is equatorial. With these three types, the weather will always be warm to hot, though there are rainy seasons. The coastal areas experience two rainy seasons: in May to June, and again in October, whilst the north has a long dry season from October to April.
Getting there
Cheapest flights to Nigeria are booked online from travel websites and Nigeria tour and travel company. There are many airlines to Nigeria from any airports. You can only fly direct from Johannesburg South Africa with South African Airways, British Airways, Ethiopia Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways. Other flights come in from London Heathrow, America and other European cities.
Nigeria is a country rich in numerous human plus natural resources that have made it a favorite destination for travelers to Africa. The rich immaculate attractions that feature within its terrain have made the country a very scenic destination to adventure. There is never a shortage of activities to partake in Nigeria, whether it’s your first visit or not. The country warmly opens its doors to all it visitor in enthusiastic to learn about its culture, history and art.
