Nigeria’s film industry is booming, and location scouts are increasingly searching beyond Lagos, Asaba, and Abuja for Nigerian locations for movie scenes. The country’s lesser-known locations offer dazzling natural backdrops that can elevate any production. Here are eight remarkable sites, each with unique moods and practical considerations, sure to inspire directors and location scouts seeking fresh cinematic scenery.
What are the 8 Nigerian Locations for Movie Scenes?
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Wikki Warm Spring (Yankari National Park, Bauchi State)
Settled in the savannah grassland, Wikki Warm Spring is a natural oasis in Yankari National Park (Bauchi State). This geothermal spring maintains a constant 31 °C, with crystal clear turquoise waters gushing from a sandstone cliff. The pool is about 13 m wide and 200 m long, surrounded by lush vegetation.
On camera, Wikki offers a tropical, almost spa-like setting, ideal for romantic or fantasy scenes featuring serene waters. The mood here is tranquil and revitalising, late afternoon shoots can capture warm light shimmering on steam.
In practical terms, Wikki Spring is accessible by road from Bauchi city, but is in a protected reserve. Filmmakers must coordinate with park authorities for permits. The terrain is flat, and the spring area is fenced so that equipment can be set up on solid ground.
The best shooting season is during the dry months (October to March); in the rainy season (April to July), heavy rains can affect the flow and muddy park roads. Local guides and a Park ranger are usually required on site. Village communities near Yankari are accustomed to visitors, so arranging local hospitality is feasible with advance notice.
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Gurara Waterfalls (Niger State)
Though only about an hour’s drive from Abuja, Gurara Waterfalls in rural Niger State is a hidden gem and far more tranquil than city attractions. Spanning some 300 m with a 50 m drop, this multi-tiered cataract gushes through a rocky gorge.
In the wet season (April–November), the falls carry massive volume, ideal for high-energy action or adventure scenes, while the lean season turns it into a placid river suitable for romance or meditation shots.
Its lush surroundings (monkey-puzzle hills and greenery) lend a dramatic, natural mood. Logistically, Gurara is reasonably accessible by paved road. Small villages dot the area, and local people are generally friendly towards filmmakers, though scouts should coordinate with local chiefs.
There is a small entry fee and basic picnic facilities, but no large infrastructure. Shooting here requires advance notice to village authorities and transport of gear (the main cameras, generators, etc., can be trucked).
During peak rains, the paths can flood; for drier conditions, the best time to film is November–March. The falls can double as a tropical idyll or a prehistoric frontier. Either way, the sight of Gurara’s massive curtain of water is bound to captivate the lens.
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Mazzah Falls (Jos Plateau, Plateau State)
On the cool Jos Plateau in north-central Nigeria, near the city of Jos, lies Mazzah Falls. It’s a series of small cascades tumbling over red granite outcrops into clear pools amid pine forests.
The site’s open, calm character, cloudy hills, and gentle falls create a serene, nostalgic tone. Filmmakers might use it for reflective dramas or pastoral sequences, capturing the plateau’s unique blue skies and highland light. The flourishing vegetation and craggy rocks of Mazzah are visually distinctive, they look unlike the rest of Nigeria’s scenery.
Mazzah is quite accessible, it’s near a road from Jos. There is no formal park, just an unspoiled spot. Scouts should arrange permission from local landowners and possibly hire guides. There is limited shade and no commercial facilities, so crews must bring generators, tents and supplies.
The plateau’s weather is cooler, and nights can be chilly. The falls are most scenic after the rains (April–June) when the streams run clear. Hiking around the falls is easy, but precautions should be taken in the wet season, as rocks can get slippery.
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Awhum Waterfall and Cave (Enugu State)
Hidden in the forests of eastern Nigeria, Awhum is a sacred waterfall near a village monastery in Enugu State. A stream plunges 30 m over a sheer granite cliff to form Awhum Falls. Below the falls lies a small cave (monks call it the “calvary cave”) that ends in natural pools.
The cinematic appeal is profound. The jungle setting, massive boulders, and cathedral-like cave give Awhum a mystical, almost spiritual mood. Productions have used it for scenes evoking mystery, folklore, or romance. Filming logistics are moderate.
The waterfall is reached by a 50-minute footpath hike from the parking area. Crews should carry equipment on foot, pack light, or use porters. Community relations are important as the site is managed by a local monastery and villagers.
Permission fees are charged, and the team must respect the monastery’s rules. The area is usually quiet, heavy rains make the trail slippery, so many scouts schedule shoots during the dry season.
Water levels are fullest after rains, offering dramatic flow, but safety is better in late dry months when the pools are calmer.
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Mambilla Plateau, Taraba State
The Mambilla Plateau is Nigeria’s highland wilderness, the country’s coolest, most temperate corner. Rising to 1,600+ m in eastern Nigeria (continuing Cameroon’s Bamenda Highlands), this plateau is a patchwork of rolling hills, deep gorges and mountain peaks.
Mist-shrouded valleys, pine forests and tea plantations spread out under dramatic skies. One description notes that the plateau is hilly with deep gorges, and travellers encounter “panoramic views” at every turn. In cinematic terms, Mambilla can stand in for almost any mountain setting, be it a misty jungle trek, highland fortress or fantasy sight.
Cultural context here adds flavour: Mambilla is home to the Mambila and Fulani peoples, with cattle herders and mountain villages set against ancient megaliths. Film crews have lauded its cloud forests and waterfalls for scenic shots.
A local director remarked, “The whole area feels like another world. We shot a chase scene over green hills under heavy clouds, and it looked epic.” (Though not frequently used in Nollywood films, indie and documentary crews have begun scouting here.)
Filming Information:
- Access: You can reach Mambilla by road from Jalingo or Yola. The highway into Gembu is winding and can be rough; a 4×4 is recommended. There is a small airport at Gembu for charter flights.
- Permits: Apply via the Nigerian Film Corporation and coordinate with Taraba State tourism. (If flying drones, check national aviation rules; remote areas may require police escort.)
- Infrastructure: Facilities are basic. Guests lodge in Gembu or new eco-lodges (e.g., Mambilla Resort). Expect intermittent power (diesel generators at lodges) and limited internet. Local guides are essential.
- Best Season: The plateau is coolest during the dry season (Nov–Feb), offering clear skies and lush greenery. Heavy rains (Mar–Sep) bring fog and road washouts. The late dry season (Mar) is particularly scenic, with misty mornings
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Kajuru Castle (Kaduna State)
In the semi-arid north lies an unexpected gem, Kajuru Castle. Built in 1989 atop a hill outside Kaduna, this medieval-style stone castle features turrets, battlements and a dungeon. It feels like a European knight’s keep dropped into the Nigerian savanna.
For film, Kajuru provides a unique historical/fantasy setpiece. Its sandy courtyards, stone walls and wood-beam interiors create a dramatic, fairy-tale mood. Daylight shoots highlight its bright white facades against red-orange earth, while night shoots can use torches for an eerie medieval feel.
Logistically, Kajuru Castle is relatively easy to find. It’s signposted from Kaduna City and reachable by tarmac road. The castle itself offers accommodations (luxury rooms and a pool), so crews can stay on-site.
Permission must be arranged with the owners (currently a German-Nigerian expatriate family). Because this is a private venue, filming is subject to rental fees. Seasonal weather is like Kaduna’s scorching dry season (April–May) and cool, dry harmattan (November–February). Rain is sparse, but the grounds can be muddy when it falls (Aug–Sept).
For filmmakers, the castle’s imposing turrets, dungeons, and dramatic walls provide a ready-made set with minimal art direction required, ideal for historical epics or fantasy worlds set in medieval Nigeria.
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Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary (Cross River State)
Deep in Nigeria’s south-south, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary is a rugged highland forest reserve. Its submontane rainforest and rocky outcrops are home to rare species like Cross River gorillas and chimpanzees. Visually, Afi is rich in contrast, with cloudy-covered peaks overlooking deep jungle valleys.
The cinematography here feels mystical. Filmmakers might shoot adventure or conservation-themed stories, using the sanctuary’s dense flora as a background. The mood is intense, with sunlight filtering through tall trees and the distant calls of wildlife, perfect for nature documentaries or tense survival dramas.
Access is challenging but doable. Afi is remote, and the long roads from Ikom reach it. Crews need rugged vehicles. A local conservation office must grant permits, and experienced trackers are required for treks.
There are no visitor centres at the falls; crews essentially enter a live sanctuary, so safety (health, wildlife encounters) is a significant consideration. The climate is cooler than the lowlands, but still humid.
The rain (April–October) makes trails slippery, so many hikers plan for the dry months (November–March) for better footing. Nonetheless, the sanctuary’s rocky peaks and submontane forests are captivating. Scenes filmed here, with gorilla calls or forest mist, evoke a sense of raw adventure and wonder seldom found elsewhere.
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Okomu National Park (Edo State)
Okomu National Park in southern Nigeria is one of the country’s last great rainforests. Its thick canopy, winding trails, and hidden clearings set the stage for jungle adventures, wildlife films, or atmospheric horror.
The park covers over 200 km² of primary and secondary forest, with giant trees (some >40 m high) and palms. Elephants, monkeys, and a myriad of birds reside within. Cinematically, Okomu can double as any tropical jungle, from the Congo River to the Amazon, making it ideal for action scenes or dramas requiring deep-forest backdrops.
The mood here is wild and exploratory; shafts of sun through foggy greenery can look enchanted or ominous. For filmmakers, Okomu is semi-remote. It’s about 60 km from Benin City, on a mostly paved road.
Inside the park, roads are unpaved and rutted; sturdy 4×4 transport is a must. The park authority requires filming permits and a dedicated ranger guide. No heavy infrastructure means crews must be mostly self-sufficient (camping gear, portable generators, food).
The weather is humid year-round, avoid the peak rains (April– July) when trails can become impassable mud. Despite this, most producers note that local communities are supportive if approached respectfully. Filming at dawn or dusk yields the best atmospheric light under the rainforest canopy.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s natural and heritage locales are a filmmaker’s dream on paper, and one expert insists they are within reach if properly pursued. Indeed, the country’s views are so varied that they can stand in for almost any African or exotic locale.
As one commentator put it, Nigeria is a film-friendly country, especially open to any business that promotes the country, especially film projects. Yet today, international tourism in Nigeria is still “almost non-existent”. That gap suggests huge room to grow film tourism. Showcasing these eight sites on screen could attract both Nollywood fans and global viewers, turning movie productions into passport stamps for viewers.
Local filmmakers and officials are beginning to push this vision. Nollywood figures argue that state governments should actively woo shoots to parks and museums, building infrastructure around film economics.
The hope is that as more films escape the city, Nigerian movies will add depth and authenticity by featuring real locations, and local communities will see job creation and tourist interest. With planning and support, producers could help the country shed its image for violence and instead brand it a filmmaker’s paradise.
FAQs
How do I obtain filming permits in Nigeria?
Outside Lagos, the Nigerian Film Corporation issues a general film permit. You must submit a script synopsis, shooting schedule, cast/crew list, and equipment manifest. The NFC permit (typically a few hundred-dollar fee) takes about one to two weeks to process.
Additional permits may be needed for parks, heritage sites, or drone use, which should be arranged with local authorities in advance. For example, shoots in national parks or around dams require extra clearance. Hiring a local fixer/producer is highly recommended, advisor notes that shooting in a Nigerian city without local infrastructure or knowledge would be very difficult, so working with local contacts can streamline approvals.
When is the best time of year to film at these Nigerian movie locations?
Nigeria’s dry season (roughly October–April) is best for outdoor shoots. Roads are passable, and the light is clear. In the northern and central sites (Yankari, Kano, Sukur, Mambilla), avoid the summer rains (peaking April–July), which can flood roads and shoot locations. In the south (Obudu, Osun-Osogbo, Idanre), the heaviest rains are May–September; however, the post-rain greenery can also be beautiful if crews can handle wet logistics.
Do note regional climate, Taraba’s Mambilla remains cool year-round, Kano can get very hot in the dry season, and Cross River’s Obudu is verdant but foggy in the rains. Planning around local weather patterns is crucial (e.g. the Nigerian dry season is an ideal window for filming wildlife and landscapes.
What about safety and security?
Nigeria’s security situation varies by region. Major cities and resort areas (Lagos, Calabar, Abeokuta) are relatively safe, and there is a robust police presence.
However, some rural or northern locations require caution. Filmmakers usually hire local security and liaise closely with authorities when shooting in higher-risk areas.
Travel advisories and on-the-ground updates should guide crew movements. In practice, many international teams work successfully in Nigeria by taking sensible precautions, moving equipment in marked vehicles, hiring trusted fixers, and avoiding filming in the dead of night or known conflict zones.
Can I hire local crews and equipment?
Yes. Nigerian cities host abundant film talent. As one UK director observed on a Lagos shoot, the majority of his crew were Nigerian, with some international heads of department and lighting was sourced locally.
Most large towns and state capitals have video production crews experienced in Nollywood shoots, and standard camera/grip equipment (cameras, cranes, etc.) is available for rent.
For specialised needs (high-speed cameras, large cranes), you may import the kit via Calabar or Lagos international airports. However, local sound, camera, and production professionals are eager collaborators, and hiring them is more cost-effective than bringing an entire foreign crew.