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Nigeria is a smaller copy of Africa. All the natural zones of the continent coexist here: forests, meadows, mountains and lakes, savanna and desert. Indigenous peoples preserve their ancient way of life, religions and traditions.
Who and why should come to Nigeria
Nigeria is a country for discoverers, lovers of exotic and novelty. And even though the tourist trails have long been open and well-trodden, they still look the same today as they did thousands of years ago. Local attractions are mostly miraculous, involving many hours of walking, which is popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
There are many interesting cities in Nigeria with a unique atmosphere and unique architectural structures. They will certainly interest historians and lovers of antiquity.
The traditions and customs of the indigenous tribes beckon explorers and thrill-seekers. And the diversity of the animal world attracts biologists and families with children to the country.
Notable cities
Calabar
Surrounding the state capital of Cross River are sprawling rainforests that are home to gorillas and chimpanzees. But the city itself is interesting. Calabar was West Africa’s central slave trading port, and now its museums hold grim reminders of the not-too-distant past.
It is worth paying attention to the Duke’s chapel, which is considered the oldest of the Christian temples in Nigeria. The city also has rubber and palm oil refineries. Wood carving has become a traditional art of the locals: there are shops selling carved souvenirs in the city.
Lagos
This is the largest city not only in Nigeria, but throughout the African continent. It stretched across the territory of four islands, but the system of bridges made them one. The population density of Lagos is high, in contrast to the standard of living.
Tourists have the opportunity to see the modern center and the slums on the outskirts. The city is aimed at visitors: the central streets are more like alleys of beer bars and nightclubs. The coast is full of promenades and the beautiful beaches of Lagos Bar Beach, covered with golden sand.
Abeokuta
The regional capital of the state, Ogun, lies north of Lagos and is surrounded by fields and eco-farms. Historically located on the trade routes between the coast and the heart of West Africa, adobe fortifications grew up around Abeokuta, some of which are still visible today.
Attract the attention of tourists and the gentle slopes of the Olumo rock, similar to a fortress. This ancient natural fort houses a cultural museum, a craft shop with local art, and caves that tell the story of the people of the Ogun region.
New capital Abuja
The place for the new capital was chosen specifically because of its location, salubrious climate and low population density. It was the first planned city in Nigeria. The central districts of Abuja house the mayor’s office, institutions and government agencies.
The ring of parks closes around, including:
- national arboretum,
- Millennium Park,
- National Children’s Park,
- zoo.
There are no historical sights in the city, but tourists enjoy shopping, enjoy the relative cleanliness and European level of comfort.
Ibadan
A former stronghold of the old Oyo empire, Ibadan is a living legend that reveals the history of the country on its streets. It is considered the largest metropolitan area by geographic coverage in Africa.
It is worth starting your acquaintance with the city from the exhibition halls of the National Museum, where traditional Egungun clothing items, military drums are collected. Also noteworthy are the Bauer Memorial Tower and the magnificent facades of the Mapo Hall.
Enugu
The Green City is located almost equidistant between the Cross River National Park and the Niger Delta. Enugu needs no introduction, it is already famous among tourists. Its main trump card is its advantageous location near the best natural attractions of the Nigerian southeast.
The city is distinguished by clean streets, low-rise buildings and an abundance of shops with local souvenirs. On the outskirts is the tourist complex Ezeagu, where you can get acquainted with the unique waterfalls and caves.
Port Harcourt
The port city is the capital of Rivers State. Founded in 1912, over time it has become an industrial giant. There is a high population density, endless streets of large and small houses hung with trade company logos on billboards.
A very bustling, multi-faceted city with a particularly vibrant nightlife may appeal to young, energetic adventurers. Currently, it is one of the main ports in the country, which is engaged in the export of palm oil, timber and coal.
uyo
This city also has access to the Cross River National Park. Uyo is a clean and friendly tourist center with a fairly lively nightlife with music cafes and beer bars. It is surrounded by green belts of mangrove forests, on the edge of which the famous golf resort is located.
There are also Ibom Plaza boutiques and fashion stores where Nigerian celebrities often put their items up for sale. And if the city seems too noisy, you can go for a walk along the coast.
benin city
Located just to the east of the Okomū National Park reserves, Benin City is a great starting point for exploring the wilds of southern Nigeria. In addition, it is an interesting industrial city. In the past, it was the center of the Benin Empire and was called Edo.
The city flourished thanks to the presence of architectural masterpieces such as the old Oba Palace. There are interesting open-air workshops located along the busy Igun Street — they are under the patronage of a branch of the National Museum.
National parks
Yankari
More than 20,000 people come here every year, so the tourist infrastructure is well developed here. In a nutshell, it is impossible to describe the sights of this park. It is home to rare and endangered species of mammals, birds, and a developed aquatic ecosystem. The park is dotted with hiking trails of varying difficulty.
Perhaps the most noteworthy are the Marshall Caves. Their origin is still unknown, but it is assumed that the locals used these shelters to hide from slave traders. The walls of the caves are painted with engravings.
Lake Kainzhi National Park
Kainji is one of the natural gems of northwestern Nigeria, although man had a hand in its creation. Yes, the lake of the same name is actually a reservoir created in 1968 and currently surrounded by a protected area.
On its western shore is the region of Borgu, which is divided into the territory of the Guinean forests and plains, where hippos, antelopes and baboons live.
Gashaka Gumti
Nature lovers simply need to spend at least one day here. The breathtaking Gashaka Gumti National Park covers over 6,000 square kilometers of land. It was created in 1991 after the merger of two great Nigerian reserves.
The park is famous for its winding rivers, which turn into strong streams with violent waterfalls during the rainy season. On their banks are habitats for rare bird species such as the red-faced lovebird. In the forests there is a chance to meet the African golden cat and elephants.
Ocomu
Okomu is one of the few remaining enclaves of virgin rainforest that once covered southern Nigeria. It lies between endless mangroves that cut into the Atlantic Ocean and the streets of Benin City.
An undeveloped transport network and remoteness from major cities allowed it to become a refuge for rare animals such as pangolin, chimpanzees, leopards and even forest elephants. There are also several indigenous tribes here where visitors can experience the age-old way of Nigerian rural life.
natural attractions
Erin-Izhesh Waterfall
The tiny city of Erin Ijesha would remain unknown to tourists if it were not for the waterfall of the same name, which breaks through the Nigerian jungle and falls from a height through seven rocky tiers. A huge, powerful stream of water draws travelers and wildlife lovers to the tiny town.
Tourists have to make their way through the green forest to bathe in the shining spray of a cool waterfall. The guide will tell you a lot of interesting things about the forest spirits and show you the nearby hot springs, which flow a little to the east.
Forest by Eduman
The green mass covers the lower part of the Niger River. In this forest there is such a variety of unique species of animals and plants that not a single reserve could dream of. The largest of the remaining chimpanzee colonies live here — they occupy the swamps and the outskirts of the forest. This is the home of the rare colobus and other primates worth seeing.
Traveling here will not be easy — untouched undergrowth and wild jungle will make you feel like a real ancient man.
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