Are you thinking of the perfect vacation destination in Nigeria? Do you want to visit a city that offers you an unforgettable experience? While some people think Nigeria doesn’t have cities where one can rejuvenate, connect with people and relax, this post offers 10 amazing cities that can offer you the ‘first-class’ feeling of an unforgettable experience during your vacation.
1. Benin City
Benin City is a town to visit when you want a vacation cum historical explorations. The city houses the historical Benin Empire and it’s filled with architectural feats like the Old Oba palace and Emotan Statue which can be found opposite the Oba market in Benin City.
You can also visit the bronze workshops in Igun Street and her National Museum that still holds artefacts of the Benin Empire.
Other sites you can visit while enjoying your vacation: The Benin Moat which is the largest man-made earthworks in the world; Okomu National Park; Kada Plaza among others.
2. Uyo
Uyo is a city for lovers of ‘nocturnal’ lifestyle. The city has a pretty nightlife scene of music bars and fireworks. Surrounded by the city is a mangrove forest out of which was carved the famous Le Meridien golf resort.
However, if you want to have a complete fascinating experience in the city, there are fantastic places you need to visit. Such places as Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre; The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium for football lovers; Ibeno beach which has the longest beachfront in West Africa.
3. Calabar
Calabar is a fascinating city to visit, if you long for an adventurous vacation. The city is considered the biggest tourist city in West Africa and popularly referred to as Canaan City.
This city promises to live up to its slogan Come and Live And Be At Rest. There are tourist sights you need to visit to have this experience. Places such as Slave Museum; Cross River National Park; Mary Slessor’s house; Tinapa Resort; Tortuga Island among others.
However, if you want to be in the city to witness the popular Calabar carnival festival, then visit from 1st of December till 31st.
4. Abeokuta
Abeokuta is a state which shares boundary with Lagos; it’s an amazing place to visit when thinking of having a ‘history themed’ vacation. The historic Olumo Rock that protects the Egbaland can be found in Abeokuta, Palace of the Alake of Egbaland, Centenary Hall, Itoku Market where you can get ‘Adire’ fabric designed by indigenous traders.
5. Abuja
The capital of Nigeria; known for her inland hills and home for businessmen and politicians. It has interesting sites too like the Abuja Millennium Park. However, if you need to do shopping in the city while on vacation, the Wuse market and the National Assembly Complex would offer you a great shopping experience.
6. Ibadan
Ibadan, the state capital of Oyo is another place you can go for your vacation. You can visit the National Museum of Ibadan where you will find traditional Egungun garments and war drums. In this city is the Bower Memorial Tower and Mapo Hall, great tourist sites.
7. Badagry
Badagry is a coastal town situated in the city of Lagos and shares boarder with Benin at Seme. The city is a place for vacation and an amazing town that houses the ancient history of Nigeria. There are tourist attraction centres you can visit in the town while enjoying your vacation in this serene and green coastal region. Such places you don’t want to miss while in this town are: Slave Trade Relics, First Nigerian Storey Building, Slave Museum, First Primary School and others.
8. Enugu
Enugu is the capital of Enugu State in Nigeria that derived its name from the Igbo “Enu Ugwu” meaning “hilltop”. The city is situated on an hilly geographical area and has amazing places to visit while enjoying your exquisite vacation. Such places as Nike Lake Resort, Milken Hills, Awhum Waterfall and Cave.
Don’t forget to try the indigenous salad, Abacha, made from cassava and also a local delicacy, Okpa. while you’re there.
9. Ilesha
Ilesha is a town located at the heart of Osun State. The historic city of Ilesha is known for its fascinating water fall, Erin-Ijesa, which attracts foreign and local tourists every day. The beautiful waterfall is a fascinating site. You also get to learn about the ancient history of the waterfall from a tour guide.
A distance from this waterfall is the hot springs at the Ikogosi which is a little east to the Erin-Ijesha waterfall and a place to relax after the hiking through the cliffs of the waterfall.
10. Port-Harcourt
Port-Harcourt is the capital of Rivers State and lies along the Bonny River. The city is known for its commercial purposes as it houses offices and field for oil firms but can also be a place to visit for an adventurous vacation. Places worth visiting while in this city are Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt Zoo, Bonny Island and Mile One Market which is considered the biggest market in Nigeria.
Kofoworola Omotayo is a freelance writer, a lover of tech and a literature monger. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy and a member of Nigerian Institute of Management. He enjoys approaching issues from logical and empirical perspective. His twitter handle @heir_ptahyor and Gmail: kofoworolaomotayo[@]gmail.com.
Comments (4)
4 thoughts on “Top 10 Vacation Destinations in Nigeria”
Thank you for the post, I love the correct details you gave about Benin City, however you were not exactly correct about “Ilesa is a town located at the heart of Ekiti State”
For your information, Ilesa is located in Osun State, Erin Ijesa is also in Osun State and shares same water source with Ikogosi spring located at Ekiti State.
I enjoy reading your scripts, they are localised and informative, keep it up.
I so much love travel blogs. Apart from these, there are other wonderful vacation spots and destinations a family, individual or Nigerian can visit that are quite cool and cost effective. One of them is Oguta Lake Resort, another is Obudu Cattle ranch. Thanks for sharing. I never knew Ilesha was in Osun State.
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Thank you for the post, I love the correct details you gave about Benin City, however you were not exactly correct about “Ilesa is a town located at the heart of Ekiti State”
For your information, Ilesa is located in Osun State, Erin Ijesa is also in Osun State and shares same water source with Ikogosi spring located at Ekiti State.
I enjoy reading your scripts, they are localised and informative, keep it up.
Thank you for taking your time to go through our article. The information you gave about Ilesa has been duly tended to. Best regards.
I so much love travel blogs. Apart from these, there are other wonderful vacation spots and destinations a family, individual or Nigerian can visit that are quite cool and cost effective. One of them is Oguta Lake Resort, another is Obudu Cattle ranch. Thanks for sharing. I never knew Ilesha was in Osun State.
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