14 Must-Visit Natural Wonders of Nigeria

A magical adventure of Africa's heartbeat.

Obudu Mountains by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

Experience the beauty of Nigeria

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country is home to over 200 ethnic groups speaking over 500 languages, with a warm tropical climate and a wide variety of cultures, art, music, film, fashion and food waiting to be experienced. From sun-kissed coastlines, beaches, waterfalls, natural springs, and magnificent plateaus - Nigeria has it all. Here are 14 natural wonders that will take your breath away. 

Zuma Rock by Dayo AdedayoTour Nigeria

1. Zuma Rock, Niger
Zuma Rock is a majestic monolith standing at 725 metres above its surroundings. its unique shape and distinct natural contour of a human face on one side of the rock gives it an imposing personality that will leave you speechless and astonished.

The history associated to the rock, and its undeniable grandeur earned the Zuma rock its place on NGN100 Naira bill. Zuma Rock is located along the Abuja - Kaduna Expressway, Madala, Niger State.

Wikki Warm Spring by Dayo AdedayoTour Nigeria

2. Wikki Warm Spring, Bauchi.
Nestled in Yankari National Park in Bauchi State, Nigeria, this natural warm spring offers a perfect getaway destination to relax and unwind with nature.

Wikki Warm Spring is 1.9 metres deep, 13 metres wide, and has a constant temperature of 31 degree centigrade. The water gushes out from a string of chambers under the sandstone cliff. The actual source of this water is still to be determined.

Awhum Cave by Dayo AdedayoTour Nigeria

3. Awhum (Ohum) Cave, Enugu
The tranquil Awhum cave offers a prayer atmosphere that facilitates spiritual uplifting and the renewal of mind and body. The cave houses a crucifix of Jesus Christ and a grotto of Joseph and Mary, where monks and pilgrims perform their spiritual exercise.

A must experience highlight of the cave is the waterfall. The fall is said to proclaim the wisdom and healing power of God.

Obudu Mountain Resort by Dayo AdedayoTour Nigeria

4. The Obudu Holy Mountain, Cross River State
The exotic Obudu Plateau towers over 5200 feet above sea level with a sub-temperate climate of between 15C and 23C.

Obudu Mountain is described by some as one of the most beautiful places on earth, the picturesque plateau is best known for its breathtaking, dramatic Panorama.

Gurara Waterfalls by Dayo AdedayoTour Nigeria

5. Gurara Waterfall, Niger
The spectacular Gurara waterfall spans 200 meters across with a drop of about 30 metres. It changes its shape from a calm graceful waterfall in the dry season to a vast thundering fall in the rainy season.

Idanre town (2020) by Oluwasegun OgunleyeOriginal Source: Oluwasegun Ogunleye

6. Idanre Hill, Ondo.
Idanre Hill consists of high plain with spectacular valleys interspersed with inselbergs of about 3,000 ft above sea level, and an abundance of diverse and variegated eco-systems of flora and fauna.

Its physical attributes include the Owa's Palace, Shrines, Old Court, Belfry, Agbooogun foot print, thunder water (Omi Aopara) and burial mounds and grounds.

Agbokim Waterfalls by Dayo AdedayoTour Nigeria

7. Agbokim Waterfall
Agbokim waterfalls is situated in Etung local government area, about 315 kilometres from Calabar the capital city of Cross River state.

Surrounded by a rich variety of flora and fauna, lush greenery, valleys and steep hills, Agbokim waterfall offers an alluring collection of seven cascades rushing over a cliff and creating an impressive seven-part waterfall. During the raining season when the waterfall is in its full bloom, it produces a beautiful blend of rainbow colours making the scenery even more magical.

Aso Rock by Dayo AdedayoTour Nigeria

8. Aso Rock, Abuja
Aso rock meaning 'Victorious rock' is a 400 metres monolith in the heart of Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. The rock is surrounded by the most important buildings in Nigeria; Aso Villa - the official residence and workplace of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, The National Assembly and the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The confluence of the River Niger and River Benue seen from Mount Patti by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

9. River Niger and Benue, Kogi.
River Niger and Benue are the longest in West Africa. The source of River Niger was first discovered by Mungo Park.

The Lander brothers, Richard and John continued further exploration when they discovered the 'Y' shape confluence of the Niger and Benue river flowing southwards into the Atlantic Ocean. The 'Y' shape is symbolised in Nigeria's Coat of Arms.

Ogba Ukwu waterfall and cave by Adedotun AjibadeTour Nigeria

10. Ogba Ukwu waterfall and cave, Anambra.
Ogba Ukwu cave is the largest in West Africa, with unique and roomy compartments which collectively can accommodate an entire village. It takes a minimum of two hours to explore.

The location is on the verge of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nigeria. Other attractions include a magnificent waterfall and a massive dome.

Riyom Rock (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

11. Riyom Rock, Plateau.
Located in Riyom local government area, Riyom rock is a wonder to behold. The giant boulders delicately balanced on top of one another for thousands of years will keep you awe-inspired. When viewed from a certain angle, Riyom rock takes the shape of the map of Plateau State.

Ado Awaye Lake by Dayo AdedayoTour Nigeria

12. Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake, Oyo.
Ado Awaye lake is one of the only two suspended lakes in the world. It is situated about 20km west of Iseyin. The lake's natural formation, teeming biodiversity, unspoilt serene surroundings are a natural treasure.

The Ado-Awaye suspeneded lake sits on one of the crests of rocks commonly referred to in surveyor’s language as the “sleeping lion”. The pictureque view from the top of the rock is magical.

Ogbunike CaveTour Nigeria

13. Ogbunike Cave, Anambra
Ogbunike cave is located in a valley surrounded by a tropical rain forest teeming with abundant fauna and flora. The cave has been in use for centuries by the locals as a place for spiritual upliftment. It is home to a colony of bats, streams, a waterfall, and 10 tunnels leading to different exciting adventures. Ogbunike cave is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Farin Ruwa Waterfall by Dayo AdedayoTour Nigeria

14. Farin Ruwa Waterfalls
Farin Ruwa waterfalls originates from an amazing height of over 150 metres with a water volume of about 50 cubic metres. The whitish appearance of the water spray accounts for its name 'Farin Ruwa' meaning 'White Water' in Hausa.

This magical fall is about 30 kilometres from Wamba and 120 kilometres from Lafia the capital of Nasarawa State.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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