Nigeria Famous For

Travelling to a new country without educating yourself about the best places to explore can make you regret it later. So, ensure you learn about popular tourist attractions in Nigeria for a smooth journey. Let us take a look at some famous places in Nigeria:

Lagos

Lagos boasts of being the largest city in entire Africa. A perfect mix of modernity and tradition, this place is suitable for every kind of traveller. You can dive into its youthful and vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful coastlines and beaches.

The Meia Praia and Praia do Camilo, known for their clear waters and white sand are worth your time. Other famous places to visit in Lagos Nigeria are Ponta de Piedade and Lagos Zoo. And do not forget to try watersports, especially kayaking in the city.

Okomu National Park

Located northwest of Benin City, the Okomu National Park is a must-visit place in Nigeria. It is spread over 1082 km nestling many endangered species. The park is home to elephants, leopards, chimpanzees, buffaloes and 150 beautiful species of birds. You can easily explore the park through marked trails or opt for tour guides to enjoy its surreal beauty.

Awhum Waterfall and Cave

Not mentioning Awhum Waterfall and Cave when it comes to famous places in Nigeria is impossible. Gifted to Enugu by nature, these waterfalls lie beneath huge limestone walls.

The first fall is midway from the entrance while the second is at the end. The surrounding dense forest adds to the place’s beauty and attractiveness. You will also find a statue of the Virgin Mary at the head of the caves, another popular tourist attraction here.

Abuja

In the heart of Nigeria lies Abuja, the country’s capital city home to the Presidential Complex and National Assembly. Whether you are a nature lover or a history enthusiast, you cannot run out of places to explore in this welcoming city.

You can go rock climbing at the giant monolith Aso Rock to experience an adrenaline rush. Other things to do in Abuja Nigeria are visiting the spellbinding Abuja National Mosque, the National Christian Centre, Jabi Lake and Guara Waterfalls.

Port Harcourt

Next on the list is Port Harcourt or “Pitakwa”. It is the capital city of Rivers State of Nigeria nestled between the Niger Delta. A perfect balance of nature and modernity, Port Harcourt can be an ideal getaway if you are a beach lover.

You can shop in the malls and shopping plazas, and enjoy beach sports and horse riding. A visit to the Port Harcourt Cultural Centre, Pleasure Park, Zoo and the Rivers State Museum is also a good idea while in the city.

Giant Footprint of Ukhuse Oke

This place is a must-visit if you want to experience the unreal. The Ukhuse Oke village is a unique tourist attraction where you can find the prehistoric footprint of a giant. The massive print is preserved on granite rocks. While the origin of this footprint is not known, it is believed to be created when Earth was in a molten state according to local legend.

Kwa Falls

Flowing through the dense forests with beautiful flora and fauna, the Kwa Falls are locally known as the Kwa Falls and Rapids. The tremendous beauty of the place will offer you one of the most exhilarating experiences.

It is known for serving as the natural background for the Miss World photoshoot of 2002. You can enjoy several outdoor activities here such as fishing, kayaking and hiking to make your trip more fun and adventurous.

Kainji National Park

Spanning over 5000 km, this national park represents Africa's natural wealth. It has three regions- the Kainji Lake, Zugurma Game Reserve and Borgu Game Reserve. The park has numerous waterfalls and streams amidst the savannah grass. You can also find several species of animals and birds like cheetahs, wild dogs, crocodiles, monkeys, etc.

Coconut Beach

There are a plethora of places to enjoy in Nigeria. However, Coconut Beach remains one of the most popular ones. Located in Badagry coastal town, the beach is a perfect getaway to relax on a warm and sunny day. It can be a good spot for a day trip with family or friends.

Agbokim Waterfalls

Are you looking forward to a thrilling experience in Nigeria? The Agbokim Waterfalls are a perfect place to spend time. They are located 10 km from Cameroon within a lush green tropical forest. A combination of seven streams, the Agbokim Waterfalls offer a mesmerising view. The place is popular for picnics, outdoor activities and excursions.

You can experience the rich diversity of Nigeria in its traditional dishes. Here is a list of a few dishes you must try your tongues on:

Jollof Rice

This rice dish is Nigeria's national dish and the first one tourists associate with Nigerian cuisine. It has a rice base with tomatoes and broth cooked with thyme, bay leaves, curry, bell peppers, etc. Jollof rice is usually served as a side dish with fried plantains and chicken. You can find it on the menus of almost every restaurant.

Fufu

This popular Nigerian dish is another must-try. Fufu is a simple and filling addition to meals. It is a starch ball made from boiled plants like cassava, rice or plantains. The starches are ground into a paste, formed into balls and then boiled.

Fried Plantains

Sweet fried plantains are another delicious side dish you can try in Nigeria. It is also called a dodo. All it needs is frying oil, plantains and salt for seasoning. Dodo is served with rich sauce or soups and stews.

Moin Moin

Also called moyi moyi or moi moi, moin moin is a steamed bean pudding made from bell peppers, palm oil, onions, black-eyed peas and habanero peppers. The peas are soaked, the skin is peeled, and then seasoned and steamed.

Suya

A savoury protein dish, suya originates from the Hausa tribe. It is made of seasoned chicken or beef grilled on a skewer. Suya refers to the seasoning mix used for meat coating. The dish is usually served with groundnut sauce.

Apart from plenty of tourist attractions and delicious cuisines, Nigeria is famous for a lot of other things including the following:

Africa's Oldest Dye Pit

Africa’s oldest dye pit Kofar Mata Dye in Kano is in Nigeria. It was established in 1498 and is still used for the tie and dye process in northern Nigeria. The people use ancient techniques passed down from generation to generation.

Cultural Magnificence

Nigeria is one of the most culturally diverse nations. It is inhabited by more than 250 ethnic groups, the largest being the Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo. The groups speak over 500 languages, showcase unique art and have diverse cultures with different festivals, cuisines and fashion.

World’s Second Biggest Film Industry

Nigeria takes pride in Nollywood, the second-largest film industry in the world. The industry began in the 1990s and is rated second to Bollywood in output. It showcases rich and diverse storylines thanks to the country’s numerous ethnic groups.

Largest Economy of Africa

Nigeria also boasts of being the largest economy in Africa. It is expected to rank among the top 10 economies of the world by 2050.

Natural Resources

Nigeria is known for abundant natural resources such as oil, gas, bitumen, iron and gold. It is also an important producer of coffee and tin that fuel the country’s economy. It has the largest natural gas reserves and is Africa’s largest oil and gas producer.

Music

Nigeria’s wide range of music from calm styles to hip hop beats represents people’s lively nature. Nigerian music is famous all over and is a perfect blend of contemporary and traditional sounds. Artists like Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Sunny Ade have significantly contributed to taking Nigerian music around the globe.

Nigeria is one of the world’s most populated and culturally diverse nations. Filled with rich history, vibrant culture, mouth-watering cuisines, coastal cities and islands, this West African nation is ideal for adventure and history-loving people. There are several other things and facts about Nigeria you must not miss out on.

So, do you need a visa to travel to Nigeria? Yes, acquiring a Nigeria visa for Indians is crucial before travelling to Nigeria from India. Also, consider buying travel insurance to secure your journey.

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What are the famous Lagos Nigeria tourist attractions?

A few famous tourist attractions in Lagos include the Lekki Conservation Centre, Nike Art Gallery, Kalakuta Republic Museum, National Museum, Tafawa Balewa Square, Eleko Beach, Central Mosque, St. John's Church and more.

Why is Nigeria so famous among tourists?

Nigeria is the world’s most populated black nation and home to the second-biggest film industry. It is also a hub of fashion, technology and creativity in Africa. The friendly and vibrant people of the country also make it a popular tourist attraction.

Which language is spoken in Nigeria?

While the official language of Nigeria is English it is not widely spoken among people in rural areas or with low education. A few popular languages in the country include Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Kanuri, Fulfulde, etc.

What are the religions followed in Nigeria?

Islam and Christianity are the two major religions followed in Nigeria. Islam dominates the country’s northern region and Christianity dominates its southern portion.

Do Indians need a visa to travel to Nigeria?

Yes. As an Indian travelling to Nigeria, you need a visa and a passport with 6 months validity. You can visit the consulate or embassy website to check the latest requirements and documents.

What is the best time to visit Nigeria?

The best time to plan a trip to Nigeria is between November and January when the season is dry. You can experience mild and dry weather making it ideal for exploring the natural sites, bustling markets, and enjoying outdoor activities and festivals.