If you ever find yourself in Nigeria, you shouldn’t leave without visiting these five fascinating sites for a full Nigerian experience. In total contrast to the way some people see Nigeria, there are actually a lot of places in this beautiful country you should see before you die.
If you ever find yourself in Nigeria, you shouldn’t leave without visiting these five fascinating sites for a full Nigerian experience. Take a tour with friends and family and visit Nigeria’s topmost fascinating sites. Here are five of them.
1. Ogbunike Cave
Ogbunike cave is one of Nigeria’s top tourist destinations with thousands of people from across the world trooping there to behold one of the wonders of nature.
The cave is one of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nigeria you should really visit. You may have heard about the cave or even gone there on a stray visit.
The safety and refuge that the caves have provided across history are partly why they hold special importance to the indigenes of Anambra and the East of Nigeria.
They have an important spiritual heritage that dates back many years before the white man first set foot on African soil, to a time when they worshipped in its darkest recesses.
The Ogbunike caves are actually a system of many caves linked together by small, tunnels and passages. The main cave consists of a massive structure with a big open chamber of about 5m high, 10m wide and 30m long at the entrance.
It is said that the Ogbunike caves were discovered by a man named Ukwa, from the Umucheke family of Ifite-Ogbunike, about 4000 years ago. Legends claim that the caves were created by a deity, Ogba, who they believe lives within.
2. Kano City Walls
The ancient earthen wall surrounding the old city of Kano is one of the best known world heritage sites in sub-Saharan Africa. It was once described by invading British forces as “‘the most impressive monument in West Africa.” However, heritage officials estimate that only twenty percent of the wall now remains intact.
The Kano wall is gradually being absorbed into other structures or demolished as a result of a growing population’s need for land. Pieces of the wall are also hacked out for building materials, and once weakened, the ancient structure crumbles.
Built between 1095 and 1134 by Sakri Gijimasu and completed in the 14th century, the Kano city wall tells the story of Kano in a nutshell. The solid walls were constructed using mud and an ancient technique to fortify the city. In fact, parts of the wall are still standing till today.
3. Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove
This sacred grove of sculptures, shrines and art is dedicated to the Yoruba people’s fertility goddess Osun and is considered to the last of its kind.
According to the Yoruba folklore, the deity or Orisa of fertility is called Osun. Osun had a fight with one of the wives of Sango and changed herself into the Osun River. The grove is considered sacred since the deity is still believed to live within the river.
The grove was discovered by an elephant hunter during an expedition. An agreement was made between the goddess and the people that Osun would protect the people if they built a shrine for her and protect the grove.
Devotees brought offerings to the goddess and women came for blessings if they were barren. Regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility Osun, one of the Yoruba gods, the landscape of the grove and its river is dotted with sanctuaries and shrines, sculptures and artworks in honour of Osun and other deities.
The sacred grove, which is now seen as a symbol of identity for all Yoruba people, is probably the last in Yoruba culture. It testifies to the once widespread practice of establishing sacred groves outside all settlements.
4. Ado Awaye Suspended Lake
Ado Awaye lake is a geologic wonder and is popular for its awe-inspiring beauty. The fact that Ado Awaye is one of the only two Suspended Lakes in the whole world makes it an instant destination choice for tourists. The other suspended lake, Hanging Lake lies in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado.
The Ado Awaye lake is located on Iyake Mountains that sprawl around the sleepy town of Ado Awaye. Locals claim the mountains were homes to immigrant Awori dwellers that chose the mountaintop as a refuge from rampaging Dahomey Armies in the 19th century.
Iyake Lake is the most prominent attraction in the mountains. It is a diameter shaped lake with green like water. No one knows the depth of the lake
5. Erin Ijesha Waterfalls
Erin Ijesha is a captivating waterfall located in a breathtaking natural spectacle. It is said that Erin-Ijesha waterfall was first discovered in 1140 AD and was called Olumirin, which means “another deity,” because it seemed it had the appearance of a mysterious figure.
The natives of Eri Ijesha, at the time, believed the waterfall to be a sacred altar through which their souls can be purified. The waterfall is a collection of seven cascades which pour over a cliff, thus creating an impressive seven-part waterfall.
The seven parts can best be described as a stunning assemblage of seven unique levels, with each level providing a whole new outlook when compared to the previous level.
