Top 10 Tourist destinations in South-Eastern Nigerian

Tourism in Nigeria has never been better. New sites are being discovered and developed. This new development reduces the pressure for Nigerians to travel out of the country for a unique experience. The more we visit our home based destinations, the more money will be injected into the tourism industry, leading to further development. The southeastern states in Nigeria include Imo state, Enugu state, Anambra state, Abia state and Ebonyi state. If you are doing a multi-city tour in the East, here are a few must-see locations:

Imo State

Oguta Lake

Right in Oguta LGA, this second largest lake in Nigeria has both an aquamarine clear fresh river (Ogbuide) flowing alongside a muddy stream (Urashi) with no man-made or natural barriers separating them. There is a holiday resort there built in 1960 by colonialists, but a few more modern resorts have sprung up. You could swim in the lake or in the resort’s swimming pool, go fishing with the locals. Take a boat cruise down the lake and visit the abandoned 18-hole golf course that houses a bunker used during the Biafra civil war. There is also a children’s recreation park in the area making it ideal for families.

Mbari Cultural & Arts Centre

In Ikenegbu, central Owerri (capital of Imo state), this open-air museum houses artifacts and sculptures that tell the history and traditions/customs of the Igbo people.

Enugu state

Ezeagu Tourist Complex

Located 30 minutes from the Enugu city (capital of Enugu state) in Obinafia Ihuezi village, this location is considered God’s favourite. It has a natural spring/waterfall, a lake and a three-kilometre cave. The cave has connecting dark tunnels with some that are interconnected, opening into other chambers. Along the water that flows out of the cave is a warm and cold spot on the stream. It is ideal for taking a dip, hiking along the trail, adventuring into the caves and taking cool pictures.

Ngwo Pine Forest/Ngwo Cave 

At Old Enugu-Onitsha road, Ngwo-Asaa near the centre of Enugu, is Ngwo Pine forest, a national forest in a sleepy-farming community. The open forest presents a hiking experience on an even terrain for those looking for the limestone sculpted caves and the small pool at the bottom of the cave created by the waterfall. It is also a great place for picnics and basking in nature under a cool atmosphere. This scenic beauty is picture perfect.

Anambra State

Ogbunike Caves

As a site on the UNESCO Tentative list, you know this place has great potential. Visiting this collection of caves means you are ready to get down and dirty as some tunnels require crawling to get through, barefoot. Anyone can see the roof of the cave dripping water and reptiles lurk around like a black mamba, crocodiles or turtles. It is rich in biodiversity and has an impressive waterfall. The waters from the cave are warm compared to the cold waters of River Nkissa where it empties itself into.

Rojenny Tourist Village

Created between 1983-1986 and located in Oba, Idemili South LGA (along Owerri-Onitsha Expressway), this spot is a one-stop shop of tourist activities. It has a Swimming Pool, Museum, Restaurants, Amusement Park, and sports recreational facilities like tennis courts and a stadium. It even has live in accommodation for sleepovers and a zoo with animals like crocodiles, baboons, turtles, peacock, hyenas, alligator, etc. 24 hours is not enough to enjoy all this location has to offer.

Ebonyi State

Okposi Salt Lake

A trip to this lake is educational. While it is not the only salt lake in the state, visiting this lake located in Okposi, Ohaozzara LGA will give you a bird’s-eye view on why Ebonyi state is called the salt of the nation. You get to watch the locals are by the lake, processing salt.

Fati Abubakar Amusement Park

Located close to the Abakaliki Golf course on Ezza road, Abakaliki (the state capital), this park is great for all. Visiting this park is a treat your kids will never forget. It is also ideal for relaxation for both adults and children.

Abia State

Arochukwu town

This town’s attractions are steeped in history. The long Juju of Arochukwu is a cave with many outlets and includes a destiny gate, a flowing Iyi-eke stream, a spring, and a point of no return (a former slave route). Before it became a slave trade route, it was a shrine/local court for settlement/arbitration of tribal and inter-tribal disputes. Also in this town is the National Museum of Antiquities where relics used for trade by barter during the slave trade era are kept. The Arochukwu Long Juju Slave route/cave temple complex is currently on the UNESCO Tentative List of Heritage Sites.

Azumini Blue River

Located at Azumini town in Ukwa East LGA, this crystal clear blue water is a marvel. It is ideal for water sports/activities like swimming, skiing, fishing and going on a boat or yacht cruise. A great relaxation spot for picnics with barbecue grills. There are chairs and tables available for recreation since it is just a 30-minute drive from Aba when passing through the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. The best part, Azumini town is not too far from the ‘Akwete’ traditional cloth weaving market in Ukwa LGA. So you can kill two birds with one stone.