Are you planning an adventurous trip to Nigeria, or do you want to fill yourself in on juicy information regarding Nigeria’s most famous historic sites? Then this article will be an exciting read for you.
There are a handful of places to see and exciting things to do in Nigeria. To stay updated, check out other articles on this page.
However, in this article, we will explore Nigeria’s various famous historical sites and tourist attractions.
1. Awhum Waterfall
Awhum is in Awhum town in Udi Local Government Area, Enugu, Nigeria. Enugu is a state in the eastern part of Nigeria. Ninety minutes from Enugu, you’ll arrive at the monastery attached to the Awhum Waterfall.
Photo Source: Ibiene Magazine.
The waterfall is attached to a monastery, which means there are specific rules and regulations you have to adhere to if you want to visit. One of them is that women are not allowed to wear trousers.
The Awhum Waterfall is 30 metres high and formed from a huge outcrop of granite rocks. Water flows at the top, forming a stream.
The water in this waterfall is believed to have healing powers and to be capable of casting out evil forces. As a famous historic site and tourist attraction, people from all over the world visit the waterfall to explore.
2. Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most famous historic sites.
This historical site is referred to as the home of the goddess of fertility, who is believed to make the barren bear children.
The wife of thunder god Sango was the fertility goddess. Rumour has it that the goddess became a river after falling out with Oba, her co-wife.
The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is the biggest of the sacred groves still in existence in Nigeria. Susanne Wenger transferred it into a centre for African art.
3. Yankari Game Reserve
This famous historical site is currently owned and managed by the Nigerian government. The reserve is a massive tourist centre for wildlife in Bauchi State, Nigeria.
There are lots of things to see and do at the Yankari Game Reserve, such as its rich flora and fauna, the Wikki warm springs, the Anfara iron smelting site, the confluence where river Gaji and Wakki warm springs meet, and the ancient sandstone cisterns (Marshall Caves).
Photo Source: Daily Trust.
Nigeria’s famous historic site also features the Tunga Dutse, a museum, and a variety of other warm springs, such as Mawulgo Springs, Gwana, Dimmil, and Tungan Maliki—the only spring in the park that produces cold water. The best times to visit the Yankari Reserve are during the dry season and pre-harmattan periods.
4. Esie Museum
The Esie Museum is the first-ever museum in Nigeria and home to Africa’s largest stone carvings. It is located in Iropodun, Kwara State.
It houses more than 1,000 carvings, and rumour has it that these carvings are humans who have transformed. The story is that these stones are the people of the Yoruba tribe who were supposed to come to settle in the town.
However, the king of Esie disappointed them, and they became rebellious. The god of the land turned them into stones.
You’d find swords, necklaces and bracelets, facial masks, clothes, a crown, and hair accessories in this historic site and tourist attraction, believed to be owned by the people who were turned into stones.
5. Ogbunike Cave
This cave was said to have been discovered by ‘Ukwa’, a spectacular hunter who lived many centuries ago.
It is situated in Oyi, Anambra State, Nigeria, and is one of Nigeria’s famous historic sites and tourist attractions. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Ogbunike Cave is a set of caves believed to have supernatural meaning, which is why festivals are held yearly to honour the cave’s discovery. This festival is generally called ‘Ime Ogba’.
It’s against the traditions for visitors to climb the cave wearing footwear. The cave is positioned in a valley, and it takes about 317 steps to reach the top.
Before you enter the cave, you’ll see a vast open room about 5 metres high with various tunnel openings in different directions.
Each tunnel has a large room inside, with several other tunnels, some of which are interrelated. Another exciting feature of the Ogbunike Cave is the streams; one of these streams naturally flows into the Nkissa River.
The point where the Nkissa River meets with the stream mysteriously has a warm and cold feel; the cave produces a warm feel, while the river produces a chilly feel.
6. Arochukwu Long Juju Slave Route
Another historic location was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007. It is located in Abia State, Nigeria, and is a haven to the shrine of Ibin Ukpabi.
This site is a frightening representation of Kamalu, the ancient warrior god. Kamalu is a sacred altar that doubles as a supreme court where unappealable judgements are made.
Offenders are made to walk through a ditch that leads into different tunnels in the holy temple. If found guilty, these offenders are killed, and the flow of their blood in the river signifies their death.
On the other hand, if the offender walks back alive, it means they are innocent and wrongly accused. This historic site is a tourist attraction where people from all over the world come to explore Nigeria’s deepest history and culture.
7. Idanre Hills
Idanre, located in Ondo State in southwestern Nigeria, is a remarkable town renowned for its striking giant stones and rich historical significance. The Idanre Hills are home to nine ancient wonders and legends that draw visitors and highlight the town’s cultural heritage.
One of the most notable tales is that of Agboogun, a legendary hunter and warrior. Tasked with recovering Omo Oduduwa’s stolen crown, Agboogun pursued the thief into the Idanre Hills.
Photo Source: Ancient Origins.
Using a magical wand, he immobilised the hunter and ultimately beheaded him. To honour Agboogun’s bravery, the kings of Idanre don their crowns annually at the site of this historic event.
Among the wonders are Agboogun’s etchings on a hill, which are intricate crisscrossed markings, and his legendary footprint, which is said to fit anyone’s foot size except for a witch.
Another significant site is the Ancient King’s Palace, which showcases animal skulls symbolising the years of the reigning king.
Other intriguing features include unreadable inscriptions attributed to Agboogun, the Aopara water (or “thunder water”), where warriors would drink before battle—rumoured to foretell death if thunder rumbled while drinking.
The Orosun Hill, perpetually shrouded in smoke, and the Ibi Akaso, a steep ascent of 667 steps with limited resting spots, add to the area’s allure. The Arun River, famed for its healing properties, further enhances Idanre’s mystical reputation.
The hills are believed to have formed when a descendant of Oduduwa fled with the crown, ultimately settling in the area after exclaiming “Idan re!” meaning “This is a wonder.” Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in October 2007, the Idanre Hills embody the legends of Agboogun and the region’s rich cultural history.