Verified Facts

Official NameFederal Republic of Nigeria
CapitalAbuja
Population223.8 million
Area923,768 km² (356,669 sq mi)
LanguagesEnglish
CurrencyNigerian naira (₦)
TimezoneUTC+01:00
RegionAfrica / Western Africa
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

When visiting Nigeria, some of the top things to do include exploring the country's rich cultural heritage, experiencing its unique traditions, and discovering its breathtaking natural beauty, from the scenic Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove to the vibrant city of Lagos.

Top Attractions

AttractionLocationTypeWhy Visit
Osun Osogbo Sacred GroveOsogbo, Osun StateCultural SiteUNESCO World Heritage site and sacred Yoruba forest
National MuseumLagosMuseumLearn about Nigeria's history and culture
Kano City WallsKano, Kano StateHistorical SiteAncient walls that once protected the city
Benin City National MuseumBenin City, Edo StateMuseumDiscover the history and culture of the Benin Empire
Olumo RockAbeokuta, Ogun StateNatural AttractionScenic rock formation with stunning views
Nike Art GalleryLagosArt GalleryShowcase of Nigerian and African art
Abuja National MosqueAbujaMosqueImpressive mosque with stunning architecture
Badagry Heritage MuseumBadagry, Lagos StateMuseumLearn about the transatlantic slave trade and Nigerian history
Gurara FallsMinna, Niger StateNatural AttractionBreathtaking waterfall in a scenic setting
Awhum WaterfallEnugu, Enugu StateNatural AttractionPicturesque waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation

Unique Experiences

  • Attend a traditional Yoruba festival, such as the Osun Osogbo festival, to experience the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria
  • Take a woodcarving workshop in the city of Aburi, where you can learn about the traditional craft of woodcarving
  • Go on a safari adventure in the Yankari Game Reserve, where you can see a variety of wildlife, including elephants and lions
  • Explore the ancient Kano City, with its rich history and cultural significance
  • Visit a local market, such as the bustling Balogun Market in Lagos, to experience the sights and sounds of Nigerian commerce
  • Take a cooking class to learn about traditional Nigerian cuisine, including dishes such as jollof rice and egusi soup
  • Go on a boat tour of the Lagos Lagoon, where you can see the city from a different perspective

Outdoor & Nature

  • Visit the Yankari Game Reserve, a wildlife reserve with a variety of animals, including elephants and lions
  • Explore the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, a sacred forest with a variety of flora and fauna
  • Go hiking in the Obudu Plateau, a scenic area with stunning views
  • Visit the Gurara Falls, a breathtaking waterfall in a scenic setting
  • Relax on the Bar Beach in Lagos, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing
  • Take a boat tour of the Kainji Lake, a large man-made lake with a variety of wildlife

Cultural Experiences

  • Visit the National Museum in Lagos, which showcases the history and culture of Nigeria
  • Explore the Benin City National Museum, which highlights the history and culture of the Benin Empire
  • Attend a traditional festival, such as the Eyo festival in Lagos, to experience the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria
  • Visit the Nike Art Gallery, which showcases Nigerian and African art
  • Take a tour of the Abuja National Mosque, an impressive mosque with stunning architecture
  • Visit the Badagry Heritage Museum, which highlights the history of the transatlantic slave trade and Nigerian history

Hidden Gems

  • Visit the Lekki Conservation Centre, a nature reserve with a variety of flora and fauna
  • Explore the Tarkwa Bay Beach, a scenic beach with stunning views
  • Take a tour of the Kaduna National Museum, which highlights the history and culture of the region
  • Visit the Zuma Rock, a scenic rock formation with stunning views
  • Go birdwatching in the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, a haven for birdlife

Day Trips

  • Take a day trip from Lagos to the Badagry Heritage Museum, which highlights the history of the transatlantic slave trade and Nigerian history (distance: 45 miles, travel time: 1 hour)
  • Visit the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove from Osogbo, a sacred forest with a variety of flora and fauna (distance: 10 miles, travel time: 30 minutes)
  • Take a day trip from Abuja to the Zuma Rock, a scenic rock formation with stunning views (distance: 20 miles, travel time: 30 minutes)
  • Explore the Kano City Walls from Kano, ancient walls that once protected the city (distance: 10 miles, travel time: 30 minutes)
  • Visit the Gurara Falls from Minna, a breathtaking waterfall in a scenic setting (distance: 100 miles, travel time: 2 hours)

Planning Tips

Suggested itineraries: 3-day (highlights of Lagos and Abuja), 7-day (comprehensive tour of southern Nigeria), 14-day (deep exploration of Nigeria's culture and natural beauty). Key tips for booking and prioritizing: book flights and accommodation in advance, prioritize cultural experiences and outdoor activities, and be prepared for variable weather conditions.

[RATING] 4/5 for overall experience, with a [RATING] 5/5 for cultural experiences and [RATING] 4/5 for outdoor activities.

Quick Facts

KeyPopulation - 223,800,000
KeyArea - 923,768 km²
KeyLanguage - English
KeyCurrency - NGN