Amazing Natural Wonders in Nigeria

Nigeria is a beautiful country endowed with many natural attractions. These natural attraction sites found in Nigeria will leave you breathless with suspense and excitement. The eyes of our fore fathers have feasted upon them and now our own eyes are now gazing on them. Yet, after all these centuries, the beauty of these natural wonders have not diminished in any way.

These natural jewels are spread across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

Let’s read through to see Nigeria’s most amazing natural wonders;

Ikogosi Warm and Cold Springs: The Ikogosi warm and cold springs is located in Ekiti West Local Government area of Ekiti State. This natural wonder is sited in a valley where the warm spring rises from a valley while the cold spring flows down from another source separate from the warm spring. They connect in a pool but each spring maintains its thermal identity. The warm spring has a temperature of about 700c at the source and 370c after joining the cold spring. The spring water is believed to have healing properties and is used to treat diseases like guinea-worm and rheumatism. The traditional belief of the people about the origin of the springs and the undulating hills is another interesting aspect of visit to this sight. The Ikogosi Warm and Cold Springs has many recreational facilities like the warm water swimming pool, chalets, beautifully manicured garden, reception building and a 1000 capacity Amphitheatre, arts and crafts centre.

Owu Falls: Owu Falls situated in Ifelodun Local Government area of Kwara State is the most amazing natural water fall in Nigeria. The water fall is about 120 metre above water level and flow 330 feets down to a pool of ice cold water below. The water falls is encircled by hills, natural vegetation and a beautiful natural ambience that makes it an amazing sightseeing destination. Imagine a place with a water fall of ice cold water and spectacular rock path enveloped in evergreen vegetation; it’s simply put so beautiful.

Confluence of the River Niger and Benue: River Niger and Benue are the two largest rivers in West Africa. The two great Rivers meet at Lokoja forming a Y-shaped structure which flows into the Atlantic. River Benue has a greenish color while River Niger has a brownish colour. Ferry and boat services and other cruising facilities are available within the view of the confluence to enable tourists explore this spectacular wonder; two giant arms of water spread-eagled on an expanse of land dotted with green vegetation. The array of settlements around the confluence which they sprout from have probably made aerial approach to this nature’s wonder more enrapturing. A view of this confluence from an aircraft or choppers is a sheer bliss.

Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary: The Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest forest reserves in Nigeria and an amazing natural wonder.  The sanctuary is home to many wildlife animals such as the buffalo, monkey, chimpanzees, horn bills and the popular white throated monkey which has been said to be in danger of extinction.

Olumo Rock: Olumo Rock is an ancient formation of granite rocks located in Abeokuta Ogun state. The rock is a monument of traditional religion of the Egba people which they believe offers them protection. The peak of the rock is 137m 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 the favourite tourist attractions in Ogun State.

Sukur Kingdom:  The sukur Kingdom is located in Adamawa state. It is the first Nigerian site to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1999. The breathtaking unspoilt landscape of the Sukur Kingdom is a magnificent scenery, stunning array of rare wildlife, rich variety of birdlife, fascinating botany and majestic location atop one of the highest plains on the Mandara Mountains in North-East Nigeria, close to the Cameroonian border. Characterized by its grand palace, terraced fields and historic villages unchanged for many centuries, the Sukur Kingdom offers a treasure trove of archaeological discoveries as one of Africa’s most resplendent cultural landscapes. Set 1,000 metres above sea level, the cherished realm of the Sukur community is a fine example of a critical stage in human settlement and its relationship with the local and natural environment.

By Mercy Kukah