Nigeria’s Best Kept Tourist Secrets

Travel restrictions are not lifting up anytime soon, and the whole world has been understandably sentenced to a forced holiday within their houses. Chances are, you are over enjoying the view provided by the four walls of your home or spying on your neighbour’s lifestyle.

For those still stuck inside, here’s a list of no-passport-required, easy-to-access sites showcasing the very best of Nigeria’s natural beauty to help you get the much-needed change of scenery you and your loved ones deserve.

YANKARI NATIONAL PARK, BAUCHI STATE

Enjoy the very best of Nigeria’s biodiversity At Yankari National Park located in the very heartland of the Western Savannah in Bauchi State. The park is home to Africa’s largest population of roaming elephants and is a top destination for eco-tourists. After a drive through the park, you can hike to Kalban hills and explore relics of ancient settlements in the Marshall caves and old iron smelting sites.

If you like to just relax on holiday, you won't want to miss the calming waters of the Wiki warm springs. The waters so clear, you can see all the way to the bottom. The springs stay at a wonderful temperature of 31.1°C due to underground Geothermal activity. This is perfect as the local climate is chilly.

Photo Source: Flickr

CRUSH MPAPE ROCK, ABUJA

Although this man-made quarry site has existed for over a decade, locals are amused by the sudden influx of Nigerian tourists seeking adventure over the last 6 months. Mpape Rock is famous for the rocky cliff on the backdrop of a blue sky, as well as the picturesque moss-lined paths that lead to beautiful openings for picnics and perfect Instagram shots.

You can choose the difficulty of your hike with 3 tiers that give different breathtaking views of the water below.

Photo Source: BBC

ADO AWAYE SUSPENDED LAKE, OYO STATE

Did you know that Nigeria boasts of one of only two suspended lakes in the whole world? The Ado Awaye suspended lake is serenely placed at the peak of the Ado Awaye Mountain and never runs dry. The volume of water is rumored to remain constant even during the rainy seasons.

Once at the top, you can peer over the hills into the neighbouring country of Benin Republic. For the bravest hikers, there is a point of the mountain called “Esekan Iku” (verge of death). Hikers who make it there and back etch their initials on a large rock found at the top.

Photo Source: Flickr

MAMBILLA PLATEAU, TARABA STATE

The rolling Plateau of Mambilla houses the Mambilla people, a group with a common identity in Cameroon and Nigeria. They are known to welcome visitors with dance, song, and local cuisine as they are eager to show the beauty of their homeland. The perfect cool climate here means that there are no insects around!

The Chappal Waddi Mountain is the highest peak in Nigeria, so the views promise to be astounding! A hike up this mountain takes a number of days, so come prepared!

If you’re not the active type, explore the Gembu tea farms or drive through Gashaka National Park that border Adamawa State and Cameroun. The park is home to over 3,000 species of animals.

Photo Source: The Guardian Nigeria

Photo Source: The Guardian Nigeria

GURARA WATERFALLS, NIGER STATE

The Gurara Falls offer a calm, serene relaxation spot surrounded by nature's best flora and fauna. In the dry season, the water remains clear enough to see all the way to the bottom, which is favourite for fishing and water sport enthusiasts.

Feel free to take a dip in the many streams flowing from the falls, and listen to the exquisite tales and folklore about the raging waters named after local gods Gura and Rara.

Photo Source: Flickr

Photo Source: Flickr

Nature is calling! Which one of these relaxing locations are you visiting soon?