Osun-Osogbo Sacred Groves
The sacred groves of Osun, the goddess of fertility and one of the most popular deities in Yorubaland, are located on the outskirts of Osogbo, which is about 230 kilometers from Lagos. The groves, which are dotted by shrines, sculptures, and artworks, represent a time when people dedicated areas outside their settlements to deities, areas which are regarded as sacred. The Osun-Osogbo grove itself is located in a dense forest that is one of the primary high forest in southern Nigeria.
IDANRE HILLS
The hills of Idanre are found in Ondo State in the southwest of Nigeria, about 300 kilometers from Lagos. The hills are about 680 steps from the bottom to the peak and have mysterious handwritings etched into the rock, which have never been decoded. On the hill also is a magical footprint that fits any foot put in it. The town of Idanre has other historical sites, including the building of the first primary school built in 1896 which still stands, as well as a law court and adjoining prison built in 1906 by colonialists. There the inner court of the Oba’s palace is also an interesting place for tourists, with its various sculptures, crafted many years ago. The Idanre hill was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in October 2007, in the cultural category.
OLD OYO
Old Oyo in southwest Nigeria is a said to be the former city of Oyo (known as Oyo-Ile), which was deserted in the 18th century after a war with Hausa/Fulani raiders. The site lies within the confines of Old Oyo National Park, and on it are the ruins of buildings built by people who lived there in the past, such as the old palace compound, outer walls with ditches and a water reservoir. There are also wells, cisterns, and grinding hollows which are proof of an extensive past settlement. Within the park is also the famous Agbaku Cave, which served as shelter for the ancient warriors of the Oyo-Alaafin Kingdom during times of war.
Alok Ikom Monoliths, Cross River
The mystery of how the Alok Ikom Monoliths came into existence has been a subject of debates and many tales. It has 300 carved stones with varying heights standing upright in circles and facing one another. The images and markings inscribed on the stones, believed to be from prehistoric civilisation, are yet to be decoded.
Ancient Kano City Walls
The ancient city walls of Kano are a clear testimony of undefined sophistication and rare specialisation of the Nigerian people in ancient times. The 14-kilometre radius earth monument was built to protect and control trade. An Emir's Palace, Kurmi Market and the famous Dala hills are within the walls.
Ogbunike Caves, Anambra
Known as one of the greatest wonders of Eastern Nigeria, the Ogbunike Caves, according to legend, was discovered by a hunter called "Ukwa". It has spiritual and historical significance and can be descended in 317 steps. The Ime Ogbe festival is celebrated in commemoration of the discovery of the caves.
Sukur Cultural Landscape, Adamawa
This destination is Nigeria's first landmark to be listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The magnificent site holds a palace and ritual-featured terrace fields decorated with stones and granites, which make the village setting look exceptional.
Oban Hills and landscape
Oban Hills are part of the Cross River National Park, which is contiguous with Korup National Park in Cameroon. The Oban Hills are home to a variety of wildlife including the Nigerian-Cameroon chimpanzee, which has brought about a lot of conservation efforts in the hills and the surrounding landscape.
Ogbaukwu Caves and Waterfall
Located in Anambra State in the southeastern part of Nigeria, Ogbaukwu caves are said to be the largest in West Africa and have enough roomy compartments to accommodate an entire village. Not much is known about the caves as they are largely unexplored, but local legend tells a story of a brave warrior who defeated lions that lived in the caves. The waterfalls are an aesthetic beauty and attract many tourists.
Sungbo’s Eredo and Iya of Benin
These are a series of defensive walls found in the southwest of Nigeria, in Ogun and Edo states. Sungbo’s Eredo are walls that were said to have been built in honor of a female chief, Bilikisu Sungbo. Her story was linked to the biblical Queen of Sheba, which was later disproved by archaeologists. The Eredo walls are presumed to have been the inspiration for the ‘Iya’ (walls) of Benin which are said to be the largest earthwork in the world.
