In Nigeria when the subject of Tourism comes up, some locations are more popular than others. Most times it’s because they are either better managed and developed, or because people keep sharing positive stories of their experiences there. But some places are just as thrilling to visit as the well-known place.
Sukur Cultural Landscape, Adamawa State
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Magadali Local Government Area, near the Nigeria/Cameroon border, which was mostly undiscovered until 1999. The impact of the Boko Haram attacks in that region forced it to be recognised and included in the 2017 listing by the
World Monument Funds 2018 Watch List for its risk of being endangered. This landscape is not only rich in culture but unique in it’s fascinating indigenous architecturally designed dry stone structures and stone paved walkways made with traditional materials. Sukur, which is centred on a plateau in the Mandara Mountains, can certainly be a tourist hot spot.
Edewuwu Waterfall, Edo State
This, among others, is one of Edo state’s best-kept secrets. This waterfall is a warm spring situated at Orhua Village in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo state. The water from the spring crystal clear and the villagers drink it, as well as bathe in it. It is in a highly secluded forest region far off the Benin-Auchi major express-road and vastly untapped. Although it is primarily undiscovered by many, once the temperature of this spring can be confirmed and resort centres built around it, this natural spring in the Southern part of Nigeria may give Wikki springs at Yankari Game Reserve a run for their money.
Surame Cultural Landscape, Sokoto State
This impressive site with well preserved inner settlement structure dates as far back as the 15th Century. Although currently on the tentative list of
World Heritage Sites since 2007, this archaeological site has one of the most massive ancient stone-built walls in Africa. It also has a lone 500-year-old Baobab tree, a stone city, potsherds, medicinal plants like the Geza used for treating infertility, walls made from millet stalk and last but not least, is the foundation remains of Kanta Palace which was trapezium in shape before it collapsed. The history behind this place is vibrant, and it was declared as an ancient national monument in 1964. Surame is located between Binji and Silame Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, which is known for it’s Sahara desert and as the seat of the Caliphate. A tempting reason to visit the Northwestern part of Nigeria right?
Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Taraba State
As the name suggests, this national park, which is considered the largest Game Reserve in Nigeria, is between two states – Adamawa to the north and Taraba to the south. It is located near the Cameroon border of sub-Saharan (Guinea Savannah zone of) Africa. Mostly known for its waterfall, this region has a lot more to offer. It has over 500 bird species, dense fauna and beautiful flora display, Mountains, forests and woodland/grassland regions. It also has a vast assemblage of wildlife in their natural habitat such as rhinoceros, manatee, hippos, crocodiles, oribi, golden cat leopard, and so much more. Climbing the Chappel Waddii Mountain – which is the highest mountain in Nigeria – is roughly an eight to ten-day trek. This wonder may yet be one of Nigeria’s best-kept secret of conservation sites.
Okomu National park, Edo state
Home to a range of endangered species, fauna and flora within a small forest in Ovia South-West Local Government, it is also known for holding valuable trees such as the African Mahogany, Kapok, Antiaris africana, etc. It has two rivers flowing through it as well as affordable resort chalets for those who want to spend the night in the park. Other attractions include swimming pool, a 140 feet tall tree house, an aerial walkway and private tours with a park ranger. There are villages within the park that preserve the authenticity of what an African village life looks like. Animals that can be found at the park include forest elephants, buffalo, cattle Egret, the rare white-throated Monkey, Wrinkled Hornbill, Woodpeckers, amongst others. Just 60km west of Benin City, a major tourist site in Edo state, this eco-tourism park welcomes you.
Chad Basin National Park, Yobe/Borno state
This park which falls between two states is also connected to the Waza National Park in Cameroon. Animals freely move between both parks, and it is a haven for European migrating birds who travel to Africa to escape winter. It covers three distinct ecological zones, the Sahel savannah, the Sudan savannah, the oasis of Bultura and the wetlands of Bade Nguru. Each segment has fauna unique to it like the red-fronted gazelle, jackals, mongoose, giant tortoise, panta monkeys, etc. in the Yusufari, Bulatura Oasis Sector, black-crowned crane, Demoiselle Crane, Arabian bustard, Aviles bustard from the Chingurmi Dugama area of the Sudan savannah, etc. This park rarely gets visitors, and those who go there have to plan to camp out.
Port Harcourt Tourist Beach, Rivers state
This man made beach was created in 1988, and it’s the only one of its kind in Port Harcourt (which has other natural beaches that are mostly private). It is located along the Kolabi Creek Line in Old Port Harcourt, and it has a museum, a bush bar restaurant and a tomb of an unnamed soldier representing all who fell during the Biafran war. The serene atmosphere is ideal for relaxation, family picnics enjoying seafood cuisine and barbecue, games like volleyball, beach football, boat regatta, hiking, horseback riding, etc. It’s clear waters, and white sand makes it listed as one of the most well-maintained shorelines in Africa.
The Giant footprint of Okhuese Oke, Edo state
These actual prehistoric giant footprints which are embedded in flat granite rocks, is located in a sacred forest groove between two towns – Ukhuse-oke and Ukhuseosi in Luleha district – in Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State. Once this relic is adequately researched by archaeologists and anthropologists, it will become an international money spinner for Edo state. At the moment, visiting this site gives tourists an opportunity for rock climbing and hiking.
Old Oyo National park, Oyo state
Currently on Nigeria’s Tentative list for World Heritage Site, Old Oyo National Park is located between the Northern part of Oyo state and the southern part of Kwara state. It is home to ethnohistorical sites like the ruins of the city wall, the Python cave, the great ‘Agbaku’ cave etc. It is also rich in fauna and flora. Most notable are Buffon kob, Bushbuck, Roan Antelope, and lots of bird species. It has numerous archaeological features like the grinding stones, ash mounds, exquisitely decorated pottery, old wells, a reservoir, a complex of ancient wall mounds built in the 16th century, and lots of scattered hills, rock outcrops and ridges which are suitable for mountaineering. The site also contains solid minerals like Columbite, Granite, and Tantalite just to name a few. This place has an abundance of diverse wildlife and cultural/historical settings worth seeing.
Osun-Oshogbo Sacred groove, Osun state
This groove is a religious site known for its spiritual tranquillity. It is located on the outskirts of Oshogbo in Osun State. The sacred groove has about 40 shrines, many sculptures, contemporary African artworks, ‘magic’/medicinal water from the river and two palaces. Characterized by an eerie silence, this forest grove is more about the experience of visiting the Osun Shrine. Legend has it that it is the abode of the goddess of fertility, Oshun, a pantheon of Yoruba gods. It was inscribed as a
World Heritage Site in 2005 because of it’s fascinating cultural and artistic value hidden away in the dense forest.
There’s so much to see in Nigeria. Let’s help build our tourism industry – and thus our economy – by patronising what is ours.
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This article was first published on 22nd March 2018
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