[Updated 31 March 2021]
Nigeria is a beautiful country endowed with many awe-inspiring natural attractions. The eye of our forefathers have gazed on them, our own eyes are now viewing them and after all these centuries, these natural wonders have not diminished their picturesque splendour.
Spread across the length and breadth of Nigeria, here are the 12 most amazing natural wonders in Nigeria:
1. Ikogosi Warm and Cold Springs
The Ikogosi Warm Springs is located in Ekiti West Local Government of Ekiti State. This natural wonder in Nigeria is sited in a valley where the warm spring rises from a valley while the cold spring flows down from another source side by side but separate from the warm spring. They connect in a pool but each springs its own thermal identity. The warm spring has a temperature of about 700 degrees Celsius at the source and 370 degrees Celsius after joining the cold spring. The spring water is believed to have a healing effect on diseases.
2. Ogbunike Cave
Ogbunike Cave is located in Ogbunike in Oyi Local Government of Anambra State. This natural wonder in Nigeria is divided into sections and there are different stories about each section. The entrance to the five tunnels of the cave is a wide and tapering hemispherical vault of rock. Spring cool water drips from the corners and the top, inside the vault is serene and feels like a wonderland. The naturally-carved network of tunnels and chambers has two levels. The lower level is 100 metres long, which leads to an underground river. The upper level is twice as long and dry.
3. Mambilla Plateau (Gashaka Gumti Park)
Photo Source: Fashmaverick
This natural wonder in Nigeria is located in the highland region of Taraba State of Nigeria It hosts the Chappal Waddi Mountain which is the highest point in Nigeria with a height of 2,419 metres. It has an undulating landscape. Some of the rare species of animals and birds are housed in Gashaka-Gumti National Park within the landscape of Mambilla Plateau.
4. Yankari Game Reserve
Yankari Game Reserve located in Bauchi State, in north-eastern Nigeria, is the richest wildlife oasis in the country. With about 350 elephant inhabitants, it is home to the largest remnant elephant population in Nigeria. The Yankari Game Reserve preserves a significant population of buffalo, lion, hippo, hartebeest and roan. This natural wonder in Nigeria occupies a landmass of about 2,244 square kilometres and is covered mainly by Sudan savanna vegetation.
5. Owu FallsÂ
Owu Falls situated in the Ifelodun Local Government area of Kwara State is the most amazing natural wonder in Nigeria. The waterfall is about 120 meters above water level and flows 330 feet down to a pool of ice-cold water. The waterfall is encircled by hills, natural vegetation and a beautiful natural ambience that makes it an amazing sightseeing destination. Imagine a place with a fall of ice-cold water, spectacular rock paths enveloped in evergreen vegetation, it’s so beautiful!
6. Confluence of River Niger and BenueÂ
Photo Source: Caboose.org
River Niger and River Benue are the two largest rivers in West Africa. The two great rivers meet at Lokoja, forming a Y-shaped structure that flows into the Atlantic Ocean. River Benue is greenish in colour while River Niger is brownish. Ferry, boat services and other cruising facilities are available within the view of the confluence to enable tourists to explore this spectacular natural wonder in Nigeria. Try viewing this from an aircraft – sheer bliss!
7. Farin Ruwa Falls
Farin Ruwa Waterfalls is located in Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Farin Ruwa is such a magnificent natural wonder in Nigeria. Its splendour can only be compared with Zambia’s Victoria Falls and Canada’s Niagara Falls.
8. Obudu Mountain Resort
Photo Source:Â Nigerianelitesforum
Obudu Mountain Resort is situated in the highlands of Cross River State. The resort is a beautiful natural wonder in Nigeria and as a result of some alteration like the cable car and a helipad, it is also regarded as the best man-made wonder in Nigeria. Visitors can stroll through the 60 kilometres canopy walkway built in the form of an unhindered ladder treehouse for breathtaking views. Grab a ride in the cable car which runs from the entrance of the resort at the bottom of the mountain up to the ranch resort at the summit.
9. Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo Source: Travelingeast
The Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest forest reserves in Nigeria, thus making it a natural wonder in Nigeria. The sanctuary is home to many wildlife animals such as buffalo, monkeys, chimpanzees, hornbills, and the popular white-throated monkey which has been said to be in danger of extinction.
10. Olumo Rock
Olumo Rock is an ancient formation of granite rocks, which is located in Abeokuta in Ogun State. The rock is a monument of the traditional religion of the Egba people and they believe it protects them always. The peak of this natural wonder in Nigeria is 137 metres above sea level and the rock has some natural caves, some of which are up to 20 feet long and 25 feet wide. Olumo Rock is one of our favourite tourist attractions in Ogun State.
11. Idanre Hills
Idanre Hills is situated in Idanre/Ifedore local government area in Ondo State. These hills are one of the amazing natural wonders in Nigeria. One of the hills has 600 steps, which has to be climbed before you can get to its peak. When you get to the top of the hill, you’ll be surrounded by the most beautiful scenery.
12. Jos Wildlife Park
Photo Source: Logbaby
Even though this park isn’t 100% natural, it is Nigeria’s best man-made wildlife park – home to lions, hippos, pythons and many other wildlife species. It has mountainous scenery with various types of plants and places where you can take your family for picnics. The park has exciting things to do and see; facilities include a children’s playground, wildlife museum and restaurant, picnic pine forest and video viewing centre. It’s really a place to be!
What natural wonder in Nigeria is missing from this list? Let us know in the comments below.
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