10 must-visit places in Nigeria

Gurara Waterfall, Niger State

Gurara Waterfall is a natural habitat located in Niger State, North Central Nigeria, and is one of the nation’s famous tourist attractions. The Gurara Waterfalls was said to be discovered in 1745 by a Gwari hunter called Buba, while he was hunting. It is located between Suleja and Minna in Nigeria State, about an hour’s drive from Abuja, the country’s capital. History has it that the Gurara falls and river were named after two gods once worshipped by Gwari people: Gura and Rara. The fall is at its peak between April and November, and at its lowest between January and March when it is clean and calm, and safe for visitors to swim. The waterfall spans about 300 meters across and falls 50 meters depth.

 

Obudu Cattle Ranch, Cross River State

Obudu Cattle Ranch is located close to the Cameroon border in the North-eastern part of Cross River State. Largely dense by trees and mountains, the roads are beautifully curvy, reaching all parts of the mountain. The ranch attracts local and international tourists during the Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race, which is known as the “world’s richest mountain race”. Landmarks are strategically stationed for easy movement of tourists. The cable car gives guests a scenic view of the surrounding, mountains and offers free WiFi to all guests.

 

Ogbunike Caves, Anambra State

The Ogbunike Caves are situated in Ogbunike, Anambra State. The tropical rainforest shields the valley. There are ten tunnels at the main chamber leading to different directions. Within the tunnels are big chambers and other tunnels of varying lengths, some of which are inter-connected. 317 steps descend into the valley where the main cave consists of a massive structure with a big open chamber of about 5m high, 10m wide and 30m long at the entrance. A stream flows out from one of the tunnels into a rapid flowing river (River Nkissa). At the meeting point of the river and the stream, one can feel the warm water from the caves and the cold river water. Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the cave according to tradition; and women having their monthly period are not allowed to go in.

 

Oguta Lake, Imo State

Oguta Lake is the largest natural lake in Imo State, South East Nigeria, within the equatorial rainforest region of Niger Delta; and Nigeria’s second largest lake. Deriving its name from the unique bluish colour of the water, the lake combines the ambience of heaven and beauty with an uncommon confluence where two rivers with different colours meet. Oguta Lake’s catchment area comprises the drainage area of the Njaba River and a part of the River Niger floodplain in the region south of Onitsha. The lake is situated in Oguta about thirty miles (48.27 km) from the junction of the Ndoni and Orashi River. It is a fine piece of water, being about five miles (8.05 km) long from east to west and a mile and half (2.41 km) wide. Njaba River is a major tributary of Oguta Lake.

The other 3 tributaries are Awbana, Utu and Orashi. The Orashi River flows past Oguta Lake in its southwestern portion. It is a popular tourist spot as the lake is a beautiful blue colour, and is neither salty nor home to crocodiles, making it Ideal for swimming and water sports. The complex runs a cruise service giving visitors a chance to get out onto the lake.

Olumirin Waterfalls, Osun State

Osun State is home to the Olumirin Waterfalls. Water flows among seven layers of rocks and falls thunderously on the vegetation. The breeze at the waterfalls is cool and refreshing. The waterfall exerts such power and supremacy that it only left fear amongst people when it was first discovered. The view as one ascends the plains of the waterfalls is heavenly.

 

Agbokim Waterfalls, Cross River State

Agbokim Waterfalls is situated some 17 kilometres from Ikom, a Local Government Area of Cross River State that’s not far from the Nigeria-Cameroon border. Agbokim Waterfalls which consists of seven streams, each cascading over steep cliff which provides seven-faced falls, is and about 315 kilometers from Calabar. Agbokim Waterfalls is actually on the Cross River, where it descends in terraces, through the tropical rainforest. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, valleys and steep hills which are enveloped in a rainbow-like aura. Its freshness is captivating and has an alluring serenity. This is a spectacular falling sheet of water, attractive and impressive tourist spots and a highly recommended place for picnics. It is the ideal location for a vacation to getting back into nature and regaining your creative productivity and general well being. Agbokim Waterfalls is most spectacular during the rainy season when on a lucky day you have a chance to see the rainbow across the face of the waterfall. Its proximity to neighboring Cameroon offers a unique opportunity for cross-border experience.

 

Matsirga Waterfalls, Kaduna State

Matsirga Waterfalls take its source from springs on the Kagoro Hills cascading from four different natural funnels off the sheer rock cliff from about 25 metres to form a large pool at the bottom. Situated in Madakiya, close to Kafanchan and about 227 kilometres south of Kaduna, the water at Matsirga Waterfalls drops 30 meters into a gorge supported by beautiful rocks. At the point of impact with the river, the cascading showers of the fall create a rainbow-like mist which appears and disappears mysteriously. The river formed by Matsirga Waterfalls increases with the rainy season overflowing its banks. A natural rock shelter at the river bank forms a cover and resting place for picnicking. Like a half umbrella, it provides shade for tourists amidst the wondrous continuous waterfall. Madikiya Heritage Resort is being developed by a private investor within the fall area to serve the relaxation needs of tourists and visitors. The proximity of the Kagoro Hills and Nok Museum provides an added advantage to tourists visiting the area.

 

TINAPA Resort, Cross River State

Tinapa is a resort district, 10 km outside of Calabar, in the Cross River State, Nigeria. A visit to Tinapa exposes its breath-taking architectural design, and includes a wholesale emporium, retail outlets, food court with take-away outlets, administrative centres, parking space for 3000 cars and coaches, wave pool, standing wave surfing, lazy river slide, water slides, picnic area, children’s pool and play area. The fisherman’s village compromises of the mud bar, a branded nightclub, arts and crafts village and a man-made lake.

These and more make Tinapa, a world-class edifice. All these facilities are supported by a robust 24/7 independent power supply system, first-class ICT infrastructure as well as top security. Tinapa Business & Leisure Resort is the realisation of an exciting dream – the first integrated business and leisure resort in Nigeria. The hotel comprises of 243 rooms and delivers top class comfort and service to every guest.

 

Ikogosi Warm Spring, Ekiti State

Ikogosi warm spring is located in Ekiti west Local Government area of Ekiti state Nigeria in a valley from the surrounding hills at the warm spring. The vegetation at the spring is a highly thick forest with natural and rich vegetation that is closely maintained and protected from arbitrary deforestation. The area covered by the spring is highly protected from erosion by tall and evergreen trees. The trees also serve as a sort of canopy under which tourists could stay during the dry season and sunny days. The undulating topography of the area and the symmetry of the surrounding hills add more to the aesthetic beauty of the spring.

The warm and cold spring of Ikogosi flow parallel, and meet somewhere to form a confluence, with each maintaining its thermal quality. The warm spring has a temperature of 70^o c at the source and 37^oc after meeting a cold spring. The meeting point of the warm and cold spring is a unique attraction to tourist. Adding to natural beauty, there is a tree and a palm growing from the same source at the meeting point area of the warm and cold springs.

 

Coconut Beach, Lagos State

Coconut Beach is located on the coastal town of Badagry, west of Lagos State. Coconut Beach is surrounded by holiday resorts where revelers could refresh while visiting the beach. With the kind of tropical sun that could be enjoyed within the environment; Coconut Beach is an ideal destination for lovers of fun and holidaymakers. Revelers are often left with options of enjoying the ocean breeze or watch the ocean as it rages and roils. Waves race and rise against the pebbled sands of the beach at any time of the day.

Tall coconut trees form magnificent view. The sun seems to be resting on the edge of the horizon where sky and water meet; creating a kind of colorful contrast. The beach is about twenty miles towards Nigeria-Republic of Benin border and accessible through Lagos-Badagry expressway.

Sincerely, thank you for reading.

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