Nigeria is a country blessed in every sense as it is rich in mineral resources, layered in culture, and home to landscapes that genuinely deserve more attention than they get. With over 200 million people and more than 500 ethnic groups and languages, the country’s diversity alone makes it one giant, unexplored map of experiences waiting to happen.
Sure, insecurity and inconsistent maintenance mean these places don’t always get the spotlight or upkeep they deserve but that hasn’t stopped them from being absolutely breathtaking. A quick heads-up before you go: always do your research ahead of time, and make sure you’re comfortable and prepared before setting off to explore.
The Nollywood Reporter has compiled a list of stunning, underrated destinations across Nigeria that are perfect for the adventurous traveler or anyone simply craving a new kind of experience.
- Riyom Rocks, Pleateau
Located along the Jos- Abuja road, there is no doubt that Riyom is one of the most wonderful scenes in the country which drives you directly into the world of fantasy. The most popular of such rocks are the ‘three stones’ locally known as ‘Beta Betat’, which translate into ‘three stones’. The way the boulders are arranged on top of each other, according to their size is almost a mystery and a spectator’s wonder.
The rock’s arrangement defies gravity with its tip on top of another rock and the whole body up, looking at Riyom from a certain angle gives the shape of Plateau state on the map of Nigeria. The rock is very popular for hiking, rock climbing and photography.
- River Ethiope, Delta
Believed to be the deepest inland waterway in Africa, the River Ethiope, is a famous 50- kilometer long wonder, celebrated for its crystal- clear turquoise water.
Unlike sources of other rivers, it originated from the foot of a giant silk-cotton tree at Umuaja in Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State and by the time it courses to Sapele through Abraka, it has become cavernous enough to harbor ocean-going vessels. It is open for swimming, boat rentals and relaxation along the scenic green banks.
- Owu Waterfalls, Kwara
Owu Waterfalls is a waterfall located in Kwara and is the tallest waterfall in West Africa which cascades 100 metres (330 ft) down an escarpment, with rocky outcrops into a pool of ice-cold water below and is considered one of the most spectacular natural waterfalls in Nigeria.
The trail passes through thick vegetation and small streams before reaching the falls. The area is usually less crowded than many tourist sites, making it a good option for people who prefer a quieter outing.
- Iyake Lake, Oyo
Iyake Lake is a small lake atop the Oke Ado Mountain in the town of Ado-Awaye, Oyo State, South Western Nigeria and is said to be one of only two suspended lakes in the world, the other being the Hanging Lake in Colorado, USA. The lake, fed by rain water runoff, is a naturally occurring body of water, approximately 350 m2(3,800 sq ft) in surface area, that sits on a mountain approximately 300 m (980 ft) above sea level.
It is oval-shaped and is filled with still, dark green water. In the modern era, interest in Iyake Lake has increased beyond local and regional people with the advent of nature tourism in Nigeria.
- Ten Commandment Monument, Plateau
Located in Plateau State, the Ten Commandments Monument was installed on the New Jerusalem compound, in Dwoi (also spelled Doi). Funded by Senator and former Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang through the Yeshua Kingdom Foundation International, it was erected before 2017 but formally dedicated in December 2021, with an altar and an open-air amphitheater with a capacity for 5,000 people.
The monument is 25 ft. high and is one of the largest representations of the sacred tablets in Africa. It consists of two towering tablets carved with the sacred commandments with specialized rooms, a prayer altar located and a large pool designated for water baptism rites.
- Holy Mountain, Cross River
The Holy Mountain is a famous spiritual and scenic hiking spot located inside the Obudu Mountain Resort (formerly the Obudu Cattle Ranch) in Cross River State. It sits high in the cool mist-covered highlands, offering panoramic valley views and serving as a dedicated place for prayer and meditation.
The mountain has a high altitude with cool mountain weather, surrounding clouds that make the peak feel close to the sky. Visitors and pilgrims hike to the summit to pray, drop prayer stones, and seek quiet spiritual reflection in a serene atmosphere.
- Dala Hill, Kano
Dalla Hill (also spelled Dala) is a hill in Kano, which is 534 metres (1,753 ft)high and contains a stairway with 101 steps from the bottom to top. In the seventh century, the hill was the site of a community that engaged in iron-working called the Tsumburbura shrine from 700 CE up until the credo’s collapse as a result of Islamic dominance later in the 13th century. Kano was originally known as Dala, after the hill.
Today, the climb is a rite of passage for any traveller. Reach the summit just as the call to prayer echoes across the city; the 360-degree view of the sprawling, flat-roofed metropolis at sunset is, quite simply, spiritual.
