Yankari Game ReserveTourism has been known to be a major foreign exchange earner in many developing countries. Indeed most of these countries depend on tourism and have been able to broaden their resource base through the development of the industry.
Nigeria as a developing country in realization of the importance of tourism, has through successive governments given its development the pride of place it deserves.
Nigeria has been described as a land of variety and contrast. These range from the thick mangrove swamps of the south to the sparse shrubs of the arid north; from the humid weather of the south to the semi-temperate climate of the Jos plateau on to the harmattan haze of the north.
Thus, the weather, wildlife, waterfalls, historical relics, captivating beaches, rolling lulls coupled with the warm hearted and culturally active population make tourism in Nigeria full of interesting delights.
Nigeria is indeed a potential tourist paradise. Nigeria, therefore is a fertile ground for both local and foreign tourists who want to visit her tourist attractions in order to appreciate the extent to which nature has blessed her.
Below are random samples of some tourist attractions and spots in Nigeria.
Yankari Game ReserveThis is Nigeria's most popular holiday resort, located in Bauchi State and declared open in December 1962. The Yankari Game Reserve covers an area of about 900 square kilometres. Varieties of wild animals, birds and reptiles abound. They include lions, giraffes, elephants, cheetahs, monkeys, wild hunting dogs, gazelles, Egyptian cobras, marabou stork, crocodiles, African pythons, water buck, cattle fowls, glossy ibis, foxes, baboons, Senegal parrots, cuckoo etc.
Excursion groups are organized twice daily during which tourists have nice views of wild animals in their natural habitat. Each group is provided with a jeep and a guide and visitors are thrilled watching the game in the Reserve.
The reserve has beautiful accommodation with traditional architecture and modem furnishing. They are in the form of small round huts with full catering facilities at the Warm Springs Restaurant. A shop, bar and separate rest hut which provide Nigerian dishes are also available at the Wlkky Warm Springs. The flood-lit Warm Spring with constant temperature of 88°F provides adequate swimming facilities.
The game reserve is usually agog at festival seasons of Christmas. Easter, and the Moslem Sallah.
Idanre HillsThese hills are located in the town of Idanre in Ondo State, about 20 kilometres away from the state capital, Akure. The traditional ruler of the town, the Oba of Idanre himself, lives at the top of the hill. It offers a beautiful scenery to the town, a monumental landscape for tourism.
Own Falls This natural waterfalls, the most spectacular in the whole of West Africa, has an awe-inspiring aura around it. It is the highest fall in the region and lies only a few kilometres away on the florin-Lokoja road in Kwara State. The water is ice-cold and very clear and has a thundering fall of about 140 metres into a pool at the bottom of the hill.
Mambilla PlateauLocated in Adamawa State, the Plateau is a haven for cash crops like coffee, tea, and cotton. The climate is temperate and is one of Nigeria's food basket. Grass is always abundant and herdsmen are assured of daily food for their livestocks.
Kainji Lake ParkThe park is situated some kilometres away from New Bussa in Kwara State. There are varieties of animals, plants and birds. A quiet resort, conducive for relaxation, it has accommodation and catering facilities.
Olumo RocksThe rocks are synonymous with the name of Abeokuta town where they are situated. The cave around the rocks offered sanctuary to the founding fathers of the town during the days ofinter-tribal wars. The Egba people who inhabited the area found these rocks not only as a unifying factor but also worship them in the belief that they derive their natural strength and protection from supreme beings. Guided tours are conducted for visitors by duty guides.
Obudu Cattle RanchSituated in the Cross River State, the ranch, with its semi-temperate climate, is an ideal holiday resort. A catering rest hoise has long been established in the area to cater for visitors' needs. The climate is mild and the scenic beauty is breathtaking.
Ikogosi Warm SpringsThis warm spring runs down a hilly landscape where it forms a confluence with another cold spring from an adjoining hill and merges into one continuous stream. The evergreen tall trees which surround the spring provide the canopy under which visitors relax. The people of Ikogosi worship the goddess of the water and have strong belief in the myth around it. The undulating landscape adds natural beauty to the scenery. it is located in Ekiti State.
Kano City WallsThe ancient walls were built many centuries back to ward off invaders. The most attractive aspect of it all is its unique architecture which tourists find very impressive. Despite the inclement weather, the Kano city wall have resisted devastation and still stand out as a testimony to the architectural dexterity of our ancestors.
MuseumsNigeria has long established a chain of national museums whose headquarters is in Lagos - the Onikan Museum. It contains the best and largest collections of ancient works of art in ivory and bronze. These art products are famous all over the world. The Nok Terra Cotta date back to the year 900 BC.
The world tour exhibition of "2000 years of Nigerian Art" and its suggestive technology which took place in various world capitals was very successful.
The Esie Museum
It is located some 53 kilometres away from llorin, the Kwara State capital on the Ilorin-Kabba Road. The museum has several mythological stone images which are carved out of rock. According to legend, the objects which predated the 16th century represent different ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Osun Oshogbo The Osun river rises in the hill north of Ilesha and flows through the Western part of the country into Lagos lagoons. It is one of the several rivers which was said were formerly human being (female) until some traumatic event frightened or anger them into changing to water.
Osun was one of the wives of Sango, god of thunder. The myth other dramatic change into a river is not as important as the fact that like her husband, she is also a deity. The annual traditional worship at the Osun Shrine near the Osun River has virtually turned into a religious cum tourist festival. People from various parts of Nigeria and countries beyond come to the annual Osun festival in August. The groove has several sculptures that have given it adifferent landscapes. It is one of the main attractions. Oshogbo town itself is virtually an artist town. The Osun Oshogbo is a festival that has attraction for both the religious and curious ones.
Argungun Fishing FestivalArgungun fishing festival dates to the 16th century. It has its origin in one of the local fishing festivals called Su. But the little local event was given a wild dimension in 1934 and has since then included traditional wrestling, boxing, archery, motor rally and agricultural shows.
The festival attracts visitors from other countries. Participants are mainly from Sokoto and neighbouring states and some from Niger Republic. Fishing is done by traditional method only. The fisherman with the biggest catch receives a prize.
OTHER TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
IN NIGERIA
The Nike Lake Holiday Resort at Enugu
The Emir of Kano's Palace
The State is also noted for its colourful durbar festivals, held during the turbaning of the Emir, and for important dignitaries.
This is in addition to numerous festivals such as the lgunnuko, Agemo, Egungun, Oro, Yemoja, Obatala etc. These festivals are celebrated each year.
Zuma Rock. Jos Nigeria
River Niger Bank. Asaba, Nigeria
The area has been described as a haven for tourists. The attractions include:
The different architectural set-up is perhaps the first thing that catches the attention of any visitor. The architecture is influenced by European missionaries and immigrants from Brazil and Sierra-Leone and dotted by the sky-scrappers at the Marina.
Other attractions include:
The first Story Building in Nigeria is located in Badagry, Lagos State.
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