6 ‘hidden' tourist destinations in Nigeria
Nigeria is blessed with a number of tourist destinations but while a good number of these destinations have become popular sites for tourists, others have remained hidden or experienced less visits from tourists in and outside the country.
Contents1. Gashaka Gumti National Park2. Ado Awaye Lake3. The Mambilla Plateau4. Awhum Waterfall Cave 5. Kajuru Castle6. Ogbaukwu Cave and Waterfall
From Ogbunike caves to Ado Awaye lake and Kajuru castle, these and many more are little-known tourist destinations in Nigeria that are explored in this article.
1. Gashaka Gumti National Park
Gashaka Gumti National Park is top of the list of hidden tourist destinations in Nigeria.
Established in 1991, it is the largest national park in Nigeria, and is located at the international boundary of Cameroon in the North Eastern region of Taraba and Adamawa states.
It houses an incredible array of wildlife, from elephants to chimpanzees to leopards. The landscapes are equally impressive, with formidable mountains and lush rainforests.
2. Ado Awaye Lake
The Ado-Awaye suspended Lake, located in the Iyake Mountains of Ado-Awaye in the Oke Ogun area of Oyo State, is another hidden tourist destination in Nigeria.
Also known as the Iyake Lake, it is one of the only two suspended Lakes in the world; with the other being the Hanging Lake located at Glenwood Canyon in the State of Colorado, United States. Ado-Awaye is home to a beautiful Lake and eccentric mountains.
3. The Mambilla Plateau
The Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State, Nigeria is another not so popular tourist destination in Nigeria. It is Nigeria's northern continuation of the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon.
The Mambilla Plateau is the highest in Nigeria with an average elevation of about 1,600 metres above sea level and is home to Nigeria and West Africa's only highland tea plantations.
4. Awhum Waterfall Cave
The Awhum waterfall is located in the beautiful scenic community at Amu-Ugwu village of Awhum town in Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria.
The cave, which is formed as a result of a massive outcrop of granite rock, is a sight to behold. Water cascades down from the top to form a stream at its base with white sand along its shores. The cave itself stands at 30 meters (98 feet) high. The water flowing down the waterfall remains warm throughout the seasons.
Awhum's waterfall is also believed to have healing powers and the ability to ward off evil spirits
5. Kajuru Castle
Kajuru castle is a unique and hidden tourist destination in Nigeria. It is a luxury villa, built between the years 1981 and 1989, at Kajuru (Ajure) village in southern Kaduna State, Nigeria. It was said to have been built by a German expatriate in Nigeria, living in Kaduna at the time.
6. Ogbaukwu Cave and Waterfall
Ogbaukwu Cave and Waterfall is a hidden tourist attraction in Owerre-Ezukala town in Anambra State, Nigeria.
The cave is a natural site of limestone formation. It has a never-ending waterfall cascading beautifully into a river near its major entrance. It is considered the largest cave in West Africa, with unique and roomy compartments that collectively can accommodate an entire village.
Others include Obudu cattle ranch, Idanre hills, and Ogbunike cave.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
14 hours ago
- Zawya
Oando Profit-After-Tax up 267% to N220 billion in FY2024 Audited Results
Oando PLC ( Africa's leading integrated energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), posted robust Audited Full Year (FY) 2024 financial results with a 44% increase in revenue to N4.1trillion compared to N2.9 trillion in FY 2023. In the upstream, Oando's production witnessed a 3% increase to 23,727 boepd; made up of crude oil production which increased by 27% to 7,558 bopd, while NGL production and gas decreased respectively by 35% to 156 bpd, and 5% to 16,013 boepd. The company's 2P reserves grew 95% year-on-year to 983 MMboe (2023: 505 MMboe), representing a 188% reserves replacement ratio and underscoring the strength of the company's upstream portfolio post-acquisition. The company also reported a sustained operational uptime of 86%, supporting off-take reliability and reducing deferred production. Similarly, other indigenous players have also reported significant revenue growth following the recent wave of International Oil Company divestments. Seplat recorded a revenue of ₦1.65 trillion, representing a 137% increase from 2023, while Aradel posted ₦581.2 billion in revenue, a 162% increase compared to the previous year. Speaking on the company's upstream performance, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC, Wale Tinubu said, ' 2024 was a defining year for Oando, with the successful acquisition and integration of NAOC marking the culmination of a decade-long strategic growth journey which has significantly deepened our upstream portfolio, resulting in our assumption of operatorship of the OML 60–63 series and the doubling of our working interest in the assets from 20% to 40%, as well as our 2P reserves from 500 million barrels of oil equivalent to 1 billion barrels.' In the downstream, Oando's trading subsidiary reported that it sold 20.7 million barrels of crude oil in 2024; a 37% decline from 2023 due to structural changes in the Nigerian oil market. Additionally, refined product volumes declined by 64% to just over 599 kMT, due to weakened domestic demand, driven by the challenging macroeconomic in-country. Projections for global oil prices and demand in 2025 remain uncertain due to persistent macroeconomic and trade policy uncertainties. JP Morgan pegs Brent to peak at $66/bbl in 2025 and $58/bbl in 2026 while the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) predictions project Brent crude oil prices to fall from an average of $81 per barrel (b) in 2024 to $74/b in 2025 and $66/b in 2026 citing an increase in global production coupled with slower global demand growth. Within its renewable energy business, the company continued to advance its clean energy agenda recording measurable progress across multiple verticals. By the end of 2024 the electric mass transit programme had covered 121,145 km, transported over 205,000 passengers, displacing 163,546 kg of CO₂ emissions and saving more than 60,000 litres of diesel. Other notable achievements include signing MoUs for wind projects with Cross River and Edo State as well as launching a geothermal feasibility study in collaboration with NNPC, exploring the conversion of mature wells to renewable power assets. As the company continues to integrate its expanded portfolio following its most recent strategic acquisition, current projections show it's gone into 2025 with strong momentum and clear ambition. Tinubu remarked 'Looking ahead, 2025 will be our year of execution. Our key priorities shall include unlocking synergies from the acquisition, addressing above-ground security risks through the implementation of a revamped security framework aimed at curbing the persistent theft of oil, cost optimization, balance sheet restructuring, enhancing operational efficiency, and leveraging technology to improve productivity across our operations. In our bid to ramp up production towards achieving our target of 100,000 bopd and 1.5 tcf of gas by 2029, we shall pursue a dual-track approach of rig-less interventions and well workovers, complemented by an aggressive drilling program. We are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead and remain committed to delivering enhanced shareholder returns, shared prosperity and maintaining our position as a leading player in Africa's evolving energy landscape.' The published audited FY 2024 results also include approximately four months of contribution from Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), following the completion of the acquisition on August 22, 2024. Following this, the company has set a production guidance of 30,000–40,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in its 2025 outlook. This aligns with its post-acquisition optimisation plans to maximise portfolio value and supports its four-year target of reaching 100,000 barrels per day. It is evident that local players, particularly those that have become operators following the recent IOC divestments, are increasingly well-positioned to drive the future of the Nigerian energy sector. These indigenous companies possess unique insights and contextual experience that enable them to more effectively manage onshore and shallow water assets. This shift is expected to generate a ripple effect across the economy by increasing local employment, enhancing capacity development, and improving government revenue through taxes retained within the country, revenue that was previously repatriated to the home countries of the International Oil Companies (IOCs). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Oando PLC.
Zawya
15 hours ago
- Zawya
Middle East tourism spend to jump 50% to $350bln by 2030
The total tourism spend in the Middle East by 2030 will be 50% higher than in 2024, generating expenditure of nearly $350 billion, according to A new report compiled by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM). The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 reveals insights into the trends and transformations redefining the travel sector in the Middle East and worldwide, including the surge of business travel, the growth of the luxury segment, and the boom in regional sports tourism. The report highlights exceptional growth in Middle East travel spending, projected to exceed 2019 levels by 54% this year and anticipates an annual growth rate of over 7% from 2025 to 2030. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'The report's findings confirm that travel growth in the Middle East is incredibly strong, with annual growth averaging more than 7 per cent through 2030. Bold national visions, game-changing developments, and enhanced connectivity are some of the key factors driving this momentum.' Underscoring the Middle East's strong position in global tourism, inbound travel from outside the region is set to grow by 13 per cent annually up to 2030 and outbound business travel forecast to surge at 9 per cent per year. European source markets make up 50% of all leisure travel to the Middle East, with India and the United Kingdom the top two inbound international leisure source markets. China is also a critical market, ranking third by value with leisure spend expected to increase by 130% by 2030. Furthermore, tourism nights by visitors from Asia Pacific and Africa, are expected to increase by over 100% between now and 2030. For outbound travel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt dominate regional flows, while Thailand and the United Kingdom lead as preferred long-haul destinations. The four largest airlines in the region – Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Saudia – have placed nearly 780 aircraft orders with Boeing and Airbus, representing major expansions to their existing fleets. This significant investment underscores the region's strategic focus on becoming a global aviation hub and meeting rising passenger demand over the coming decade. The Middle East's rise as a global hub for business events is another key highlight of the report, which states that spending on Middle East business travel will grow 1.5 times faster than the global average through to 2030. The region's strategic location at the centre of Asia, Africa, and Europe supports business and leisure travel, with the latter on a particularly strong trajectory for growth. The sector plays a vital role in developing the region's reputation for hosting major events. It is expected to experience the second-fastest rate of business travel growth among all global regions, underscoring the increased potential for combining business and leisure travel, or 'bleisure'. Curtis commented: 'At ATM 2025, we recognised the industry's hunger for innovation in travel technology as well as the rising demand for business travel across the region. In response, we launched two dynamic new zones, IBTM@ATM and the Innovation Zone, designed to empower our growing audience to shape the future of travel with the speed and scale our exciting industry demands.' The region is also witnessing unprecedented growth in luxury and lifestyle tourism, attracting a new generation of high-net-worth travellers, drawn to exceptional Middle East hospitality, curated experiences and premium cultural events. According to the report global spending on luxury leisure hospitality is expected to continue growing briskly reaching over US$390 billion by 2028. 'Travellers drawn to the Middle East tend to spend more on travel overall, nearly 60% habitually spending on luxury experiences while travelling compared to under 40% among travellers who favour other destinations,' added Curtis. Of the more than 170 luxury hotel properties in the Middle East, nearly 100 are situated Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with 22 currently in development. With several luxury properties in the pipeline among Saudi Arabia's Giga projects, the region will continue to serve as a preferred destination for luxury and leisure travellers. Following in the footsteps of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and Dubai Expo 2020, the Middle East region has a proven track record for successfully hosting high-profile entertainment and sports events. According to the ATM Travel Trends report, the strong appetite for sports tourism in the region will lead to a potential growth rate of 63% in the coming years, with the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia set to continue this momentum. According to the report, golf, motorsports, football, cycling, and esports are all benefiting from heightened visibility and investment in the region. This surge in sporting and entertainment events is significantly boosting the travel industry, driving increased demand for hotel stays, flights, and related services, creating a ripple effect that supports broader tourism growth. ATM is the leading international travel and tourism event held annually in Dubai. It plays a vital role in shaping the future of global travel. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the 2025 edition welcomed over 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, achieving year-on-year growth of 16%. The next edition will take place from May 4-7, 2026. - Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
16 hours ago
- Zawya
Levene Energy to Spotlight Nigeria's Energy Diversification Prospects at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025
Yinka Adelodun, Executive Director of the Gas and Power Division at Levene Energy Holdings, will speak at this year's edition of African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies, highlighting Nigeria's evolving energy landscape and the role of integrated private sector players in advancing energy security and sustainability. Adelodun's participation reflects Levene Energy's pivotal role in driving Nigeria's energy diversification, particularly across the gas and renewables sectors. With over 80 million Nigerians still lacking access to electricity and proven natural gas reserves of 210 trillion cubic feet, the company is helping to harness domestic resources to support industrialization, power generation and inclusive energy access. At AEW: Invest in African Energies, Adelodun will contribute to strategic discussions and project showcases, spotlighting key investment and partnership opportunities within Nigeria's energy value chain. In the gas sector, Levene Energy is expanding midstream infrastructure through its subsidiaries. The company holds franchise licenses from the Nigeria Gas Marketing Company Limited for gas distribution in the Ibeju-Lekki and Badagry-Seme areas. Through its subsidiary Aegon Distribution Limited, Levene is also constructing pipelines for NNPC Gas Marketing, supporting the transportation of low-carbon gas as a substitute for diesel and addressing growing domestic demand. In the oil sector, the company is strengthening sustainability through She-Val Engineering, which provides emission reduction services for upstream projects. Levene Energy also owns two bitumen exploration and production assets in Ogun State, enhancing its vertically integrated model spanning upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. Levene Energy is further contributing to Nigeria's renewable energy ambitions through its partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency, focused on implementing rural generation projects and manufacturing solar PV systems in Ikotun. Coming into AEW 2025, Levene Energy is well-positioned to present its multi-sector investment portfolio and engage with partners to scale up energy solutions across Nigeria and beyond. 'Levene Energy is a strong example of how African companies can drive expertise and service delivery across the entire energy value chain. The company's 10-year footprint in Nigeria demonstrates the transformative impact of integrating oil, gas and renewable resources to achieve sustainable development,' said Oré Onagbesan, Program Director for AEW 2025. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber. About AEW: Invest in African Energies: AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event.
