Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, offers a rich mix of wildlife, culture, and coastal beauty. Things to do in Nigeria range from wildlife safaris at Yankari Game Reserve to walking Africa’s longest canopy bridge in Lagos. The country welcomes history buffs, beach lovers, and adventure seekers alike.
With over 200 ethnic groups and varied terrain, every region presents something different. This guide covers the must see places in Nigeria, their timings, entry fees, and practical tips for your visit.
1. Yankari Game Reserve
Your Nigerian adventure should begin at Yankari Game Reserve, the country’s largest wildlife sanctuary. Located in Bauchi State, this 2,244 square kilometer park was established in 1956 and remains one of the top things to do in Nigeria for nature lovers.
The reserve shelters over 50 mammal species, including around 100-150 elephants, making it home to Nigeria’s largest surviving elephant population. Lions, buffalo, waterbuck, and hippopotamus roam freely across the savanna woodland. For things to do in Nigeria for tourists who love wildlife, this reserve stands unmatched.
- Google Rating: 4.1/5 stars
- Location: Yankari, Mainamaji 234077, Nigeria
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Entry Fee: Gate fee ₦2,000/ INR 125 per person, Safari ride starting from ₦5,000/ INR 314, set aside 4 to 6 hours for a proper visit
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2. Lekki Conservation Centre
Switch from savanna to swamp forest at the Lekki Conservation Centre, managed by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation since 1990. This 78-hectare nature reserve sits right in the heart of busy Lagos and ranks among the fun things to do in Nigeria for families seeking a break from city noise.
The main attraction here is Africa’s longest canopy walkway at 401 meters. Suspended 22.5 meters above ground, it sways gently as you walk through the treetops. Below, mona monkeys swing between branches while monitor lizards sun themselves near the swamp. This spot works well for things to do in Nigeria today when you want nature without leaving Lagos.
- Google Rating: 4.3/5 stars
- Location: Km 19 Lekki – Epe Expy, Lekki Penninsula II, Lekki 106104, Lagos, Nigeria
- Timings: Monday 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Adults ₦4,000/INR 251, Children (1.2-1.4m) ₦2,000/ INR 125, set aside 3 to 5 hours for guided tours
3. Olumo Rock
Travel an hour from Lagos to Abeokuta for one of the most striking must see places in Nigeria. Olumo Rock towers 137 meters high and has served as a shelter for the Egba people since the 19th century during tribal conflicts. The city’s name, Abeokuta, literally means “under the rock” in Yoruba.
The climb takes about an hour through carved steps and narrow passages that early settlers used to navigate the rock. Ancient caves along the way once housed entire families during times of war. Inside these chambers, you can still see grinding holes where women prepared food and spots where warriors kept watch over approaching enemies.
- Google Rating: 4.3/5 stars
- Location: 49X6+2Q3, Abeokuta 111102, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Timings: Daily 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Monday 8:00 AM – 5:00 AM)
- Entry Fee: Adults ₦2,500/ INR 150, Children ₦1,500/ INR 94, set aside 2 to 5 hours for guided tours
4. Nike Art Gallery
Art enthusiasts will find the Nike Art Gallery a treasure trove of Nigerian creativity. Founded by renowned artist Nike Davies-Okundaye, this five-story building in Lekki houses over 8,000 artworks from various Nigerian artists across all 36 states.
Each floor presents different art forms. Traditional Yoruba batik fabrics hang alongside contemporary oil paintings. Wood carvings from the Niger Delta share space with intricate beadwork from the north. Bronze sculptures echo the famous Benin artistic tradition. This spot works well if you’re looking for things to do in Nigeria today without spending much money.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: 2 Nike Art Gallery Rd, Lekki Phase I, Lekki 106104, Lagos, Nigeria
- Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sunday 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Entry Fee: Free of cost, set aside 2 to 3 hours to see everything
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5. Obudu Mountain Resort
For a change in temperature and scenery, head to Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River State. Sitting 1,576 meters above sea level on the Obudu Plateau, this highland retreat was developed in 1951 by Scottish ranchers and offers weather that feels nothing like tropical Nigeria. Temperatures here drop to 15°C, sometimes requiring sweaters and jackets.
Africa’s longest cable car system stretches 4 kilometers from the base to the resort, climbing 870 meters while providing aerial views of the Sankwala Mountains. The journey itself counts as an attraction. This ranks among the top things to do in Nigeria for tourists wanting an escape from lowland heat.
- Google Rating: 4/5 stars
- Location: Obanliku, Obudu Plateau, Bechere 551110, Cross River, Nigeria
- Timings: Daily operations, cable car 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Prices vary, set aside 1 to 2 days for the full experience
6. Tarkwa Bay Beach
When Lagos heat gets intense, locals escape to Tarkwa Bay Beach, an artificial sheltered beach near Lagos Harbour. Accessible only by boat, this island destination offers calm waters perfect for swimming and water sports. The boat-only access keeps crowds smaller than mainland beaches.
The 15 to 25-minute boat ride from Victoria Island or Marina adds adventure before you even reach the sand. Speedboats depart from Tarzan Jetty near Lagos Oriental Hotel, Fiki Marina under Falomo Bridge, and CMS Ferry Terminal. This stands out among fun things to do in Nigeria for beach lovers.
- Google Rating: 4.3/5 stars
- Location: Lagos, Nigeria
- Timings: Best visited 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (boat schedule dependent)
- Entry Fee: Beach entry ₦1,000/ INR 62, and for a boat ride, you will have to pay extra, set aside 4 to 6 hours for a beach day
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7. New Afrika Shrine
Music lovers searching for night things to do in Nigeria must visit the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja. This open-air venue honors Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, who created the original Shrine in 1970 as both a performance space and political meeting ground. The original burned down in 1977, but Fela’s children rebuilt it in 2000.
Femi Kuti, Fela’s eldest son, performs every Thursday and Sunday night with his band The Positive Force. His brother Seun Kuti takes the stage on the last Saturday of each month with Egypt 80, their father’s original backing band.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5 stars
- Location: New Africa shrine, Agidingbi, Ikeja 101233, Lagos, Nigeria
- Timings: Open 24/7, Live shows typically 10:00 PM onwards
- Entry Fee: Free entry most nights, Special events may have a cover charge, set aside 3 to 5 hours for performance nights
8. Zuma Rock
Known as the “Gateway to Abuja,” Zuma Rock rises 725 meters above the surrounding plains along the Abuja-Kaduna highway. This massive monolith features a natural face-like formation on its surface that changes appearance with shifting sunlight. The rock once appeared on Nigeria’s 100 Naira note, cementing its status as a national symbol.
Water erosion over millions of years carved the face-like features into the gabbro and granodiorite surface. Eyes, nose, and mouth seem to stare out at travelers passing below. While formal tourism infrastructure remains limited, the sheer size and mystical quality make it worth a stop among things to do in Nigeria for tourists passing through the region.
- Google Rating: 4.3/5 stars
- Location: Kubwa 901101, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
- Timings: Accessible anytime, best visited during daylight
- Entry Fee: No formal entry fee, set aside 2 to 3 hours to explore the area
9. National Museum Lagos
History runs deep at the National Museum Lagos in Onikan. Established in 1957, this museum safeguards Nigerian artifacts spanning centuries and serves as the headquarters of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments. Collections include famous Benin bronzes, terracotta sculptures from the Nok civilization, and traditional masks from various ethnic groups.
Separate sections display royal regalia, pottery traditions, and musical instruments from across the country’s 200-plus ethnic groups. Items from the colonial period and the independence movement. This ranks among the top things to do in Nigeria for visitors wanting to understand the country’s cultural roots before exploring modern attractions.
- Google Rating: 3.9/5 stars
- Location: Onikan Rd, Ikoyi, Lagos 102273, Lagos, Nigeria
- Timings: Daily 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Closed on Sunday)
- Entry Fee: Tickets start from ₦1000/ INR 62, set aside 1 to 2 hours to explore the entire museum
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FAQs
What are the best things to do in Nigeria at night?
When the sun sets, Nigeria offers plenty of entertainment. The New Afrika Shrine in Lagos hosts live Afrobeat performances on Thursdays and Sundays. Victoria Island and Lekki have restaurants and lounges with music. Calabar lights up during its December carnival. For night things to do in Nigeria, these spots deliver memorable experiences.
What are the things to do at Lagos airport?
Murtala Muhammed International Airport has facilities to keep you busy during layovers. You can shop at duty-free stores, eat at various restaurants, or rest in airport lounges. Prayer rooms and currency exchange services are available. The airport also has ATMs and free WiFi in some areas.
What can you do in Nigeria for free?
Several attractions cost nothing to enter. Nike Art Gallery in Lagos has free admission. Zuma Rock requires no ticket for viewing. Public beaches like Bar Beach allow free access to certain areas. Walking through Millennium Park in Abuja costs nothing. Many markets and cultural sites welcome visitors without charge.
What is Nigeria famous for?
Nigeria holds fame for its oil production as Africa’s largest producer. The country gave the world Afrobeat music through Fela Kuti. Nollywood, its film industry, ranks second globally in movie output. The Benin bronzes represent some of Africa’s finest ancient artistry. Nigerian cuisine, particularly jollof rice, sparks friendly debates across West Africa.
Is Nigeria worth visiting?
Yes. Nigeria rewards curious travelers with genuine experiences. Wildlife enthusiasts enjoy Yankari’s elephants and lions. Beach lovers have options from Tarkwa Bay to Calabar’s coastal areas. Art and music scenes in Lagos rival any major city. If you appreciate real culture without heavy tourist commercialization, the things to do in Nigeria will satisfy you.
Is Nigeria expensive?
Costs vary depending on your choices. Budget travelers can manage on ₦20,000-30,000 daily for food, transport, and basic lodging. Mid-range hotels charge ₦50,000-100,000 per night. Theme parks and resorts like Obudu cost more. Local transport runs cheaply, while private cars and flights add up. Balancing paid attractions with free sites helps control spending.
Is Nigeria cheaper than Ghana?
Generally yes. Hotel rates in Nigeria tend to run lower outside premium locations. Street food and local restaurants cost less in Nigeria. Transportation is comparable between the countries. However, Nigeria’s larger size means more internal travel costs. Currency fluctuations affect this comparison regularly.
What is the best time of year to go to Nigeria?
Visit between November and March for comfortable weather across most regions. The dry season brings clear skies and easier travel on unpaved roads. Temperatures stay between 25°C and 35°C in southern areas. Northern regions get cooler at night during December and January. Rainy season from April to October can make some attractions difficult to reach.
Do Indians need a visa for Nigeria?
Yes, Indians require a visa to enter Nigeria. You need to apply before travel as Nigeria does not offer visa on arrival for Indian passport holders. Required documents include a valid passport, photographs, travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Processing takes about 5-7 working days. Before planning things to do in Nigeria, ensure your visa application is complete and submitted well ahead of your trip.
