Fascinating savanna landscapes where wild animals are roaming under clear blue African skies, rising cities developing to economic centers at an incredibly fast schedule, and oil-rich economy giving space to more developed infrastructure than in most African countries, Nigeria is a rising West African nation with only small amount of tourism and some safety issues, but lots of interesting sites to explore.
Purpose-built capital. Another interesting Nigerian travel destination is Abuja, the newly nominated capital of Nigeria. This centrally located city is an interesting result of purpose-oriented building. Abuja was built in the 1980s in order to form a new city to perform the task of Nigerian capital, and to concentrate most of Nigeria's economic and administrative power in a new place, which would be neutral to all existing interest groups. In spite of its young history, Abuja is a beautiful city that is being developed into a major showroom of African cultural heritage. It is beautiful also by its landscapes, which are dominated by a 500 meters high natural rock monument, Aso Rock.
More travel destinations. One of the largest cities in Africa, the former capital of Nigeria, Lagos is big and chaotic, but also exciting city of business, culture and entertainment with its museums, theatres, concerts and abundant bars and restaurants. In the colorful, bustling markets of Lagos there are good opportunities for shopping West African art and handicrafts. Other travel destinations in Nigeria include the pre-colonial Benin City, the Atlantic beaches in Lekki, and Kainji National Park known for its wildlife.
The weather in Nigeria is also varied with arid, tropical, and equatorial climate types found within the country. Most of Nigeria enjoys warm tropical climate with hot and humid weather all year round. Average monthly high temperatures in the central parts of Nigeria vary from 30 to 40 degrees of Celsius.
Unspoiled nature and purpose-built capital: Nigerian tourist attractions
The most popular Nigerian tourist attraction is its wild nature, which is best observed in Nigeria's interesting national parks such as Yankari National Park. This centrally located and popular reserve is a place where observing interesting African animals such as lions, buffaloes, and leopards give you an intimate touch to the wild African nature. What is even better, in this fascinating wildlife park you can also enjoy warm mineral springs under the clear blue African sky while listening to the sounds of the savanna.Purpose-built capital. Another interesting Nigerian travel destination is Abuja, the newly nominated capital of Nigeria. This centrally located city is an interesting result of purpose-oriented building. Abuja was built in the 1980s in order to form a new city to perform the task of Nigerian capital, and to concentrate most of Nigeria's economic and administrative power in a new place, which would be neutral to all existing interest groups. In spite of its young history, Abuja is a beautiful city that is being developed into a major showroom of African cultural heritage. It is beautiful also by its landscapes, which are dominated by a 500 meters high natural rock monument, Aso Rock.
More travel destinations. One of the largest cities in Africa, the former capital of Nigeria, Lagos is big and chaotic, but also exciting city of business, culture and entertainment with its museums, theatres, concerts and abundant bars and restaurants. In the colorful, bustling markets of Lagos there are good opportunities for shopping West African art and handicrafts. Other travel destinations in Nigeria include the pre-colonial Benin City, the Atlantic beaches in Lekki, and Kainji National Park known for its wildlife.
Practical information for your trip to Nigeria
Nigeria is a diverse country not only by its cultural heritage but also by its nature. There are fascinating beaches in the west, savanna grasslands in the central area, arid plains in the north, and tropical rainforests and one of the world’s biggest river deltas in the south.The weather in Nigeria is also varied with arid, tropical, and equatorial climate types found within the country. Most of Nigeria enjoys warm tropical climate with hot and humid weather all year round. Average monthly high temperatures in the central parts of Nigeria vary from 30 to 40 degrees of Celsius.
Photo: Sara & Joachim, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
Natural hazards such as tornadoes, hurricanes and sandstorms are quite common in Nigeria.
How to get there. With four efficient international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt Nigeria is an easily reachable travel destination. Domestic traffic system such as the road network and public transport in Nigeria are in better condition than in most African countries. Especially buses are quite reliable and efficient in Nigeria, except for maybe the biggest cities where frequent traffic jams disturb traffic.
Nigerian tourism infrastructure is developing and offers varied possibilities for accommodation and restaurants. However, services in cities like Abuja and Lagos are comfortable and international luxury accommodation as well as active nightlife is available. Except for the more expensive big cities, price level in Nigeria is quite cheap, especially if you follow the local habit of active bargaining.
A former British colony and a member of the British Commonwealth, Nigeria gained independence in 1960, and has since then struggled to make the varied politically active interest groups of this diverse and populous country settle down under the same rule in the newly independent republic. Partly because of the huge cultural diversity and the large size of the country, Nigeria remains politically quite unstable with religious conflicts and some active rebel groups.
Safety. Modern day Nigeria is a relatively wealthy African nation hosting rich oil-reserves but suffering from restless internal conditions. Therefore, Nigeria is not one of the safest countries in Africa for foreign travelers. Some particularly restless areas such as the southeastern Niger River Delta should be avoided. The former capital Lagos is also considered a dangerous travel destination. Otherwise Nigeria is a suitable destination to adventure-minded visitors who follow their common sense and normal cautionary procedures. If you are visiting the predominantly Muslim Northern Nigeria, be sure to dress conservatively.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Yankari National Park, Abuja
