Explore Nigeria

Nigerian nature

Nigeria is a large and diverse country with a wide range of attractions, including beautiful beaches, national parks, and historic landmarks.

Some popular destinations to explore in Nigeria include:

  • Obudu Mountain Resort
  • Yankari National Park
  • Cross River National Park.

Tourist destinations

Nigeria is a country full of natural and cultural attractions. Located in the eastern part of the country, the Obudu Mountain Resort offers stunning views, hiking trails, and cable car rides. To the north, you’ll find Yankari National Park, known for its diverse wildlife including elephants, lions, and buffalo. Meanwhile, in the south, the Cross River National Park is home to Nigeria’s highest waterfall, the Kamku Waterfall. The central and northern regions are mostly characterized by a tropical savannah climate and are home to a variety of exotic animals, attracting many tourists each year.

In addition to these natural attractions, Nigeria also boasts a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant arts scene. The country is home to numerous world-class museums, galleries, and cultural centers where visitors can learn about Nigeria’s history and traditions. Overall, there is much to discover and explore in Nigeria.

Explore Nigeria- image of a sleeping leopard
Make sure to check out nigeriawildlife.com to find out more about all wildlife in Nigeria.

Nigerian culture

There are many different cultures in Nigeria, this is due to the fact that Nigeria once was made up of many different tribes before it became a unified country. This has led to numerous  different ethnic groups and over 525 languages in Nigeria. In addition to these ethnic groups, Nigeria is also home to a variety of religions. Northern Nigeria primarily consists out of a muslim population and the south primarily has a Christian population.

Explore Nigeria- African women playing on drums

Nigerian cities

Nigerian cities can be beautiful and unique and some of them are worth the visit. Tourist should be aware of the dangers in some cities, especially in cities with high crime rates. Make sure to look up al safety risks of the region you want to travel to.  

 

Our recommendations:

History

Explore Nigeria- Historic church in Lagos

Early history

Nigeria has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. The earliest known human habitation in the region can be traced back to 9000 BC, with the emergence of the Nok culture. This culture is known for its intricate terracotta sculptures, which have been found in many parts of the country. Over time, various groups such as the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa settled in Nigeria and developed their own cultures, religions, and political systems.

Late history

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Kingdom of Benin emerged as a powerful state in southern Nigeria, known for its art, architecture, and political organization. The British colonized Nigeria in the 19th century, introducing Christianity and Western education. Nigeria gained independence in 1960 and has since faced a number of challenges, including political instability and economic struggles.

Historical places to visit

  • The Lagos Cathedral, a 19th-century church in Lagos
  • The Yoruba holy city of Ile-Ife, home to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and Ife Museum of Antiquities
  • The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last remaining examples of the Yoruba religion and culture
  • The Royal Palace in the ancient city of Benin, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • The Lagos Slave Museum which tells the story of the transatlantic slave trade and its impact on Nigeria
  • The Idanre Hills, an ancient hilltop settlement in Ondo state with several sacred and historical buildings
  • The Kano City Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a large fortification that surrounds the old city of Kano
  • The Oron Museum which showcases the history and culture of the Oron people
  • The Agodi Gardens, a beautifully landscaped garden that includes a colonial-era Governor’s residence
  • The Obudu Cattle Ranch, a historic cattle ranch in Cross River State.

Nollywood

Explore Nigeria- Nollywood filmset

Nollywood is the nickname of Nigeria’s film industry, which has been booming in recent years. It is known for producing a huge number of movies annually, making it the second-largest film industry in the world by number of annual films produced. Most of these films are made in English and are often low-budget productions with an emphasis on storytelling and relatable themes. Nollywood has a large audience not just in Nigeria but also in the African continent. It has also been credited for providing jobs and fostering economic growth in the country, as well as giving a platform for Nigerian stories and talents to be exposed globally. The industry has been growing constantly and adapting with new technologies and advancements in the field.