Nigeria is a huge, varied country, and most visitors see only a sliver of it. Whether you want waterfalls, mountains, ancient cities or wildlife, there is somewhere remarkable to go. Here are twelve of our favourite places, with a pointer to the guide for each.
Nature and landscapes
- 1. Erin Ijesha Waterfall, Osun
- Seven levels of falling water in the forest. See the full guide.
- 2. Obudu Plateau, Cross River
- Cool mountain air and green hills. Read the Obudu guide.
- 3. Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi
- Elephants, baboons and a warm spring. See the Yankari guide.
- 4. Mambilla Plateau, Taraba
- Rolling green highland, tea estates and a cool climate, one of the country’s most beautiful regions.
- 5. Ikogosi Warm Springs, Ekiti
- A warm and a cold spring in one stream. See the Ikogosi guide.
Rocks and hills
- 6. Olumo Rock, Ogun
- A historic granite refuge above Abeokuta. Visit guide.
- 7. Zuma Rock, near Abuja
- The monolith that guards the capital. See day trips from Abuja.
- 8. Idanre Hills, Ondo
- A long stairway to an old hilltop settlement. Idanre guide.
- 9. Jos Plateau, Plateau State
- Cool weather and rock formations. Jos guide.
History and culture
- 10. Kano old city
- Dye pits, markets and walls. Kano guide.
- 11. Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Osun
- A forest shrine and UNESCO World Heritage Site, central to Yoruba spiritual tradition and the annual Osun festival.
- 12. Calabar and its carnival
- Food, museums and a spectacular December festival. Calabar guide.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa, is a remarkable hilltop village for those who can plan a longer trip.
How to choose
| If you want… | Go to… |
|---|---|
| An easy day from Lagos | Olumo Rock or Badagry |
| Waterfalls | Erin Ijesha or Matsirga |
| Cool weather | Obudu, Jos or Mambilla |
| Wildlife | Yankari |
| Culture and history | Kano, Osogbo or Calabar |
Plan and book
Pick two or three places rather than ten, and give each the time it deserves. Use our seasons guide to choose your dates, and read how to book a tour step by step. Or browse all tours.
Three sample trips
- A long weekend from Lagos
- Olumo Rock on Saturday and Erin Ijesha on Sunday, with a night in between.
- A week for nature lovers
- Calabar, the forests and the Obudu Plateau, with a few relaxed days.
- A culture trip in the north
- Kano’s old city and nearby heritage sites, planned with a trusted operator.
How to plan around travel time
Nigeria is big, and distances can take longer than they look on the map because of traffic and road conditions. Choose fewer places and spend more time in each, rather than racing between them. Fly for long distances where you can.
Use local guides
A good local guide adds context, safety and access. Choose guides who are registered, reviewed and enthusiastic about their place.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best place to visit in Nigeria?
It depends on what you like: Erin Ijesha for waterfalls, Obudu for mountains, Yankari for wildlife and Kano for history.
Does Nigeria have UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Yes, including the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and the Sukur Cultural Landscape.
