5 fascinating sites to visit in Nigeria

If you ever find yourself in Nigeria, you shouldn’t leave without visiting these five fascinating sites for a full Nigerian experience.

Take a tour with friends and family and visit Nigeria's top most fascinating sites.

Ogbunike Cave, Oyi Anambra State. [wikipedia] Pulse Nigeria

1. Ogbunike Cave

The safety and refuge that the caves have provided across history are partly why they hold special importance to the indigenes of Anambra and the East of Nigeria.

They have an important spiritual heritage that dates back many years before the white man first set foot on African soil, to a time when they worshipped in its darkest recesses.

The Ogbunike caves are actually a system of many caves linked together by small, tunnels and passages. The main cave consists of a massive structure with a big open chamber of about 5m high, 10m wide and 30m long at the entrance.

It is said that the Ogbunike caves were discovered by a man named Ukwa, from the Umucheke family of Ifite-Ogbunike, about 4000 years ago.

Legends claim that the caves were created by a deity, Ogba, who they believe lives within.

The ancient Kano city walls. [theworldnews] Pulse Nigeria

2. Kano City Walls

Built between 1095 and 1134 by Sakri Gijimasu and completed in the 14th century, the Kano city wall tells the story of Kano in a nutshell.

The solid walls were constructed using mud and an ancient technique to fortify the city. In fact, parts of the wall are still standing till today.

Osun Osogbo Sacred groves [Sassy Funke] Pulse Nigeria

3. Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove

Regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility Osun, one of the Yoruba gods, the landscape of the grove and its river is dotted with sanctuaries and shrines, sculptures and artworks in honour of Osun and other deities.

The sacred grove, which is now seen as a symbol of identity for all Yoruba people, is probably the last in Yoruba culture. It testifies to the once widespread practice of establishing sacred groves outside all settlements.

This is the Ado Awaye lake ece-auto-gen

4. Ado Awaye Suspended Lake

Ado Awaye lake is a geologic wonder and is popular for its awe-inspiring beauty.

The fact that Ado Awaye is one of the only two Suspended Lakes in the whole world makes it an instant destination choice for tourists. The other suspended lake, Hanging Lake lies in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado.

The Ado Awaye lake is located on Iyake Mountains that sprawl around the sleepy town of Ado Awaye.

Locals claim the mountains were homes to immigrant Awori dwellers that chose the mountaintop as a refuge from rampaging Dahomey Armies in the 19th century.

Iyake Lake is the most prominent attraction on the mountains. It is a diameter shaped lake with green like water. No one knows the depth of the lake

Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls is a sanctuary of purity and beauty [aeeoaueditorial] Pulse Nigeria

5. Erin Ijesha Waterfalls

Erin Ijesha is a captivating waterfall located in a breathtaking natural spectacle. It is said that Erin-Ijesha waterfall was first discovered in 1140 AD and was called Olumirin, which means "another deity," because it seemed it had the appearance of a mysterious figure.

The natives of Eri Ijesha, at the time, believed the waterfall to be a sacred altar through which their souls can be purified. The waterfall is a collection of seven cascades which pour over a cliff, thus creating an impressive seven-part waterfall.

The seven parts can best be described as a stunning assemblage of seven unique levels, with each level providing a whole new outlook when compared to the previous level.