Not exactly overrun with tourists, but certainly somewhere that may be in the near future. Nigeria has put the troubled times behind it, and is an exciting, lively land, which spreads from near desert in the north, to lush green tropics in the south.
The capital, Lagos is a busy but relaxed cosmopolitan city, with a host of top restaurants, nightclubs, and a genuine feel-good factor.
The country is blessed with some glorious national parks, especially at Yankari, and Calabar, with its primate conservation project.
Travel to the extreme south western city of Oshogbo , to marvel at the Osun Sacred Forest World Heritage Site. A wander through the exquisite ancient shrines and monuments, sculpted to honour the Yoruba goddess Osun, is one of Nigeria 's highlights.
Nigeria, officially referred to as the Federal Republic of Nigeria, lies on the Gulf of Guinea in Western Africa. Nigeria is the most populated country in all of Africa, home to over 140 million people with a vibrant age-old culture that goes back more than 10,000 years. Few African cultures rival the Nigerian culture, its captivating history, or its extravagant beauty.
Nigeria has an elaborately diverse landscape from the northern Sahara desert, the Lagos estuary in the heart of the country, down through the misty rainforest, and all the way to the magnificent beaches in the Gulf of Guinea. Wildlife in Nigeria is equally as diverse with the largest habitation of butterfly species in the world, indigenous drill monkeys, leopards, elephants, and gorillas. The countryside will delight travelers with its seven majestic Olumirin Waterfalls, the Ikom circle of monoliths in The Cross River National Park, and the Rainforest Conservation area, which is overflowing with exotic African wildlife, plants, and trees. The Gashaka Game Reserve is a protected sanctuary of many extremely endangered animal species. The Yankari National Park in especially popular with birdwatchers and wildlife photographers snapping the next National Geographic magazine cover.
Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, is rapidly growing and has an exceptional number of attractions for those seeking an African getaway. The city's most recognizable feature is the 400-meter tall monolith known as Aso Rock. It is the seat of major government buildings including the Presidential residence, the Nigerian Supreme Court, and the Nigerian National Assembly. Abuja Stadium hosts many sporting events, especially widely watched football games. The Abuja Amusement Park and Zoological Park are sure to entertain. Several shopping districts abound such as the Grand Square, Ceddi Plaza, and the Silverbird Galleria offering a wide array of local handmade crafts, hand carved tribal masks, unusual jewelry, purely regional foods and drinks, and local musicians banging their Gongon drums.
Outside Abuja, you can get lost in Nigeria's long and storied history. Kano, an expansive medieval walled city, is the largest example of ancient Hausa architecture. The Oyo state is home to many sites of historical significance including the incredible Oshun Shrine, the medieval town of Ile-Ife with its many ruins, and the archaic Benin City moats.
English is the official language, although there are more than 500 regional dialects spoken by natives. West African cuisine is marked with heavy usage of spices, herbs, flavors, and colors. Nigerian feasts tend to be quite lavish, wonderfully aromatic, and extremely colorful. Local specialties include egussi soup, suya, and kilishi.
Nigeria's climate is typically hot year round. There are only two notable seasons, the wet season lasting from April to October, and the dry season lasting from November to March. Nigeria is an amazing country that is fast becoming one of the most popular African destinations. To mingle with a time-honored African culture that is embracing its future, Nigeria is the doorway to Africa's heritage and the path to its spirit.
