From everyday activities like eating at a local buka to specially designed recreational experiences like camping at Idanre Hills, Nigeria has an incredible variety of things to see, do, and discover. Here are the top ten.
Go to Calabar Carnival
The world-famous Calabar Carnival is held annually in the beautiful city of Calabar, Cross Rivers State. Every year on the first of December, hotels, and residents in the city begin to receive visitors who are in town for Africa’s largest street party at the end of the month. The Calabar Carnival is one of Nigeria’s largest tourist events, with millions of people flocking to the various programs on offer. Boat regattas, massive fashion shows, concerts, and traditional dances and performances enthrall visitors. All of these events are intended to highlight Nigeria’s beauty, cultural diversity, and hospitality.
Revel in Art
In Nigeria, art galleries and exhibitions provide some of the most profound experiences that any visitor to the country can have. Nigerian galleries combine aesthetic excellence with a profound understanding of the importance of these artistic endeavors. Rows and rows of artworks by established Nigerian and African artists like Bruce Onobrakpeya and Ben Enwonwu, as well as those by emerging artists, can be found on display at renowned galleries like Nike Art Centre, Omenka, and Hourglass.
If you don’t feel comfortable walking into an art gallery, or if expensive artworks aren’t your thing, you can always find some street art that you like. Simply keep an eye out while exploring the cities.
Witness the Creative Arts
Nigeria’s creative scene is diverse and contagious. There is always music in the air, a dance in the steps of others, and words to inspire you. There are numerous venues where you can soak up this indigenous creativity, including book clubs, open mic nights, nightclubs, and music clubs. One such environment is Lagos’ Freedom Park, where creatives from all walks of life gather to enjoy the beauty of the creative arts, such as eclectic music, soulful spoken word performances, and riveting plays.
Visit the Museums
The museums in Nigeria house a wealth of historical information as well as some captivating works of art. Nigerian history is rich in significant events such as colonial rule, independence, slavery, and civil war, and the museum collections reflect this. Artifacts such as soapstone images discovered in Esie Igbomina, Kwara, Nok sculptures, and sophisticated artworks by early civilizations such as Benin and Ife can be seen.
While exhibitions at museums like the Nigeria National Museum cover a wide range of historical artifacts, others, like the Badagry Museum, focus on a specific theme.
Climb the Magical Idanre Hills
These mystical hills are located in the ancient town of Idanre, which is now the capital city of Ondo State. A climb up the highest peak’s 667 steps reveals carefully preserved signs of early habitation and civilization, such as a school, a palace courtyard, and a mausoleum. The hills are named after historical figures associated with Idanre. According to folklore, the early residents of Idanre paid an annual tribute to the hills in exchange for protection from invasion. Visitors flock to Idanre Hills to climb the steps, camp and enjoy the views and historical significance of the area.
Visit Ikogosi Warm Springs
Ikogosi Warm Springs in Ekiti State is one of nature’s most amazing creations on the planet. The warm spring flows down a hill next to the cold spring, where they meet and continue their journey into a river. Visitors are enchanted by stories about the healing powers that can be obtained by bathing in spring water. The fact that the temperatures in both springs come from the same source continues to amaze geologists and tourists alike. There is also a resort at Ikogosi Warm Springs, which is surrounded by dense, beautiful greenery.
Collect Artsy Decor and Souvenirs
These mystical hills are located in the ancient town of Idanre, which is now the capital city of Ondo State. A climb up the highest peak’s 667 steps reveals carefully preserved signs of early habitation and civilization, such as a school, a palace courtyard, and a mausoleum. The hills are named after historical figures associated with Idanre. According to folklore, the early residents of Idanre paid an annual tribute to the hills in exchange for protection from invasion. Visitors flock to Idanre Hills to climb the steps, camp and enjoy the views and historical significance of the area.
Shop at the Traditional Markets
Every true traveler understands that the best shopping deals can be found at local markets. Fortunately for such visitors, Nigeria’s traditional markets offer a combination of great deals, great products, adventure, and excitement. Visitors can shop for practically any type of item here, from food to household goods, whether at popular markets like the Idumota Market in Lagos and the Kurmi Market in Kano or at community markets all over the country. Even if you don’t need to buy anything, these are great places to window shop and observe the local merchants at work.
Enjoy the Resorts
The Obudu Mountain Resort, La Campagne Tropicana, and Le Meridien Ibom Golf Resort are three of Nigeria’s best resorts. These resorts offer fantastic encounters with grassroots Nigerian culture (tradition, arts, and languages), beautiful landscapes, and incredible local and international food, in addition to everything you’d expect from a modern resort. All three resorts also offer breathtaking views of nature, as well as the mental and physical benefits of being so close to it.
Check out Bukas, Snack Stands and Joints
Bukas (also known as mama put) are the best way to experience traditional Nigerian food the local way. Bukas do not disappoint, from the famous jollof rice and a wide variety of other specially prepared rice to swallows and soups from every region of the country to tasty local snacks such as moi moi (bean cakes).
These neighborhood cafeterias are distinct in terms of their design, the types of food they serve, and, most importantly, how the food tastes. Small shacks with curtains in their doorways and wooden benches should be avoided. The majority of them have large steel cooking pots out front, emitting tantalizing aromas. Others are housed in more modern structures but retain the same small-town atmosphere. Certain areas in some states (such as Surulere and Lagos Island in Lagos, and Bodija and Ibadan in Oyo) are well-known for having a high concentration of bukas; simply ask a local for recommendations.
