Tourism is one of the ways in which foreigners explore the beauty of a country. Tourist attractions are historical structures that fascinate people. There are many tourist attractions in Nigeria. Some of them are:
1. Olumo Rock
Olumo rock is a historical stronghold in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. The name of the rock is ambiguous. Some say the name means, “that which God has moulded.” Others say the name of the rock means, “God has ended all suffering.” The Olumo Rock was used as a natural fortress for the Egba during the intertribal wars in the 19th century. According to information gathered by All-round Africa, the rock was discovered by a hunter called Adagba. Olumo rock was officially made into a tourist site in 1976 and was commissioned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006. The rock holds spiritual importance to the Egba people of Ogun state.
There is a mysterious tree in the Olumo rock that is said to be over 200 years old. The tree does not shed its leaves or wither. It flourishes throughout the year. There are several fun activities to indulge in while at the Olumo rock. You can have a look at the museum, climb the rock to its summit and see the stunning view of Abeokuta. Entry fees range from 700 naira for adults to 500 for children.
2. Zuma Rock
Zuma rock is a natural monolith located in Niger State, Nigeria. Zuma Rock is also known as “the gateway from Abuja to Suleja.” The rock stands at 2,379ft above the ground. It was historically used as a hideout by the Gwari people against invading tribes. The Zuma Rock is featured at the back of the Nigeria 100 naira currency banknote.
The rock is also believed to have features of a human face; a visible mouth eyes and nose. Zuma Rock is twice as high as the Uluru Rock in Australia. There is also a fantastic view of the world below from the summit of the rock. It is one of the many tourist attractions in Nigeria.
3. Ikogosi Warm Springs
The Ikogosi Warm Springs is located in Ikogosi, Ekiti State, Nigeria. It was discovered by a Baptist missionary in 1950. The Ikogosi Warm Springs has warm and cold waters flowing side by side to form a confluence while maintaining their thermal qualities. The entry fee into the resort is 500 naira. There are footpaths and trails leading to the confluence. For warm water and cold water to meet without merging is very rare, making Ikogosi the only one of its kind in the world.
According to legend, the springs originated when two wives of a hunter turned into water. The warm spring is reportedly the hot-tempered wife while the cold water is the mild-mannered wife.
4. Bina Footprint
The Bina footprint is a tourist attraction in Nigeria showing a footprint on a rock. The footprint is called “Dauda Woyaba” by the locals in Lapai, Nigeria. According to local lore, the footprint belongs to a man called Dabo who stepped on the rock on his way from Bina to Gulu to perform ablutions for prayer.
5. Idanre Hills
The Idanre hills are located in the town of Idanre, Ondo State, Nigeria. Three thousand feet above sea level, the Idanre hill is had several ancient wonders like Agboogun’s legacy, the King’s Palace and Agboogun’s footprints, to name a few. There are also 682 stairs (Ibi Akaso). Agboogun’s footprint is said to have belonged to the first ruler of Idanre. The mysterious footprint can fit anyone, regardless of shoe size.
6. Ogbunike Caves
The Ogbunike caves are located in Ogbunike, Anambra State, Nigeria. It is one of Nigeria’s most important wonders and tourist attractions. It is said that the caves were discovered by a man called Ukwa some 4000 years ago. Historically, it was a hideout for slave traders and refugees. Legend has it that the caves were created by a deity called Ogba who resides within the caves.
A stream flows out of one of the tunnels into the Nkisssa river. Entry fee into the caves is 3000 per individual and 10,000 for a group. In deference to tradition, all visitors must take off their footwear before proceeding to enter the caves. Women who are on their period are also prohibited from going into the caves. It is also taboo for one to leave the caves the same way one entered. The entryway must be different from the exit.
7. Owu Waterfalls
Owu Waterfalls is located in Kwara state Nigeria. It is the highest waterfall in West Africa with a height of 120 meters above the water levels. The waterfalls were discovered in 1976 in Isin Local Government. Admission into the facility is free.
According to the local beliefs, it is said that the falls were home to gigantic snakes and birds which affected the people’s lives. God then struck the snake and birds with thunder, and the people lived in peace. The true history of the Owu Waterfalls however remains unknown.
8. National War Museum
The Nigeria National War Museum is located in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. It was established in 1985. The museum exhibits relics from the Biafra-Nigeria Civil War of 1967. The war raged from 1967 to 1970. Entry fee for adults is 100 naira while children are expected to pay 50 naira.
The relics on display are Nigeria and Biafra-made war weapons like tanks known as “Red Devils”, a bomb made in Biafra, Biafra-made AFLs and Nigerian-made aircraft, among others.
9. Yankari National Park
Yankari National Park is a wildlife park located in Bauchi state, Nigeria. It was first established in 1956 as a game reserve but became a national park in 1991. Its location on the West African savannah makes Yankari National Park a hotspot for tourists to see wildlife in their natural habitat. There are also ancient iron smelting sites and caves located within the park. There are animals like bush elephants, olive baboons, patas monkeys, West African lions, African buffalo and hippopotamus.
10. Kainji National Park
Kainji National Park consists of the Kainji Lake, Borgu Game Reserve and the Zugurma Game Reserve. The park is located in Niger and Kwara states, Nigeria. There are about 65 mammal species, 30 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 350 species of birds in the park. Animals like hippopotamus, African wild dog, Nile crocodile, cheetah, African clawless otter and the honey badger are also found. There are also 82 species of fish in the Kainji Lake.