As one of the youngest states in Nigeria created in 1996, Ebonyi State is not popular as a tourist hotspot just yet. However, it is an ideal location for tourists on a budget because food and accommodation are very affordable here.
Most of the attractions in Ebonyi are mainly in three major Local Government Areas – Abakaliki, Afikpo and Ikwo. While other attractions are scattered around in Ohaozara, Ivo and Ezza LGA. So be ready to move around much if you want a full itinerary.
Need help to decide what to put on your itinerary when you go to Ebonyi? These tips below should help:
1. Enjoy a Day At Any Of Its Waterside
The watersides of Ebonyi State include Beaches, Lakes and waterfalls. The Isinweze waterfall in Afikpo North LGA and Achiogba waterfall in Afikpo South LGA are sights tourists like you would enjoy seeing. Then there are the calm beaches of Ebonyi State to the relax and play beach games at. You can even go snorkelling in its waters. We have the golden sand beaches of Unwana and the Unwana and Ndibe sand beach in Afikpo North LGA, the Ogagbo Igbudu beach and Oferekpe beach in Ikwo LGA. You can also witness the salt processing at the banks of Uburu or Okposi Salt Lake by the locals. Or chill out at Ezillo Lake in Ezillo North LGA, Ehoma and Iyike Lake in Afikpo LGA or the developed Abakaliki Green Lake within the Government House. Don’t forget to drive by the Norwegian Reservoir at Amagu in Ikwo LGA.
2. Check Out The Rock Formations And Caves
The rock formations with distinct features are worth exploring when you visit Ebonyi. The Mkpuma Ekwa are most famous for their egg-shaped rocks. You can also check out Akpoha Piercing Rock and Mkpuruken rocks in Afikpo North LGA. There are also Hills worth seeing e.g. the Juju Hill in Abakaliki, the Otagbara Rock in Izzi LGA, Itim Edda Rolling Hills in Afikpo South LGA or the Rocky Hill formation at Amagu in Ikwo LGA. You could even drive by for a picture with the Greater Rice Husk dunes before venturing off to Ogwuike Cave in Afikpo North LGA or the Amanchor Cave in Afikpo South LGA.
3. Have a City Tour in Any One Of The Major LGAs
City tours allow tourists to take in various aspects of tourism in a day. For instance, start with a visit to the National Museum in Abakaliki; it’ll allow you to see artefacts showcasing the Igbo people’s world view of ethnology after the Nigeria/Biafran war plus relics from other communities in Nigeria. Followed by a visit to the National Art Gallery, the Ishiagu Pottery works, the Historic Stone Mortar, the Slave trade Market/route and the ancestral home of the Ikwo Noyo clan (depending on where you stay during your visit). Then take a lunch break to taste the meals of the city like Akpu and Esisa soup or the Abakaliki rice with pepper sauce in any restaurant. If adrenalin is your thing, you can add a visit to the amusement park in Abakaliki for recreational activities to your itinerary.
Market/route and the ancestral home of the Ikwo Noyo clan (depending on where you stay during your visit). Then take a lunch break to taste the meals of the city like Akpu and Esisa soup or the Abakaliki rice with pepper sauce in any restaurant. If adrenalin is your thing, you can add a visit to the amusement park in Abakaliki for recreational activities to your itinerary.
You could drop in on any of the annual festivals in the state. Such as the Mmahi (Salt) festival in February, Mgba (Wrestling) festival in June/August, Ori Echa (New Farming season) festival in April, Aju (family life) festival in December, among others. Here colourful regalia, merrymaking, gifts, food and dancing are the order of the day.
Remember, Ebonyi State is ideal for Eco-tourism. Rather than seeking high adrenalin activities, decide to bask in the rich culture and natural resources of the state. Once you have done that, you should be just fine.
Featured Image Source: Hotels NG
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