Nigerian Summer Destinations

Can we take a break from all the economic madness and acknowledge the fact that Nigeria is a beautiful country? Obviously, I didn’t expect you to so I have decided to shove it in your face. I can relate to you not being willing to take your summer break in Nigeria, seeing as I have my body clock tuned to when P.H.C.N wants to be fair, and the idea of restocking for my wardrobe is just hilarious. However, the one thing we will always be able to do is travel. And this is the best time of the year to some and she is called ‘Summer’.

So dear summer, if you ever happened to wander into the head of my fellow Nigerians, tell them they can travel within the country. Just like the New Yorkers go to the Hamptons, we should create our summer destinations and even though they won’t be like the Eiffel tower in Paris, it would definitely be a heavenly sight embedded in our memory.

 Our top picks for summer destinations:

Agodi Gardens

One of the recent tourist attractions in Nigeria, and definitely a prime summer destination just happens to be located in Ibadan, Oyo state.  Agodi Gardens is just like an oasis; it is quite different from the general city scape and offers an amazing relaxation space for almost anything; from swimming to picnics to a fair share of natural elements.

Tinapa

Located in Cross River, Calabar, Tinapa offers the perfect balance for summer. It has a shopping center which is awesome because it is in a free trade zone. It boasts of the waterpark which is a fun way to spend some down time with family after shopping or window shopping. Also there is the Tinapa Lakeside Hotel which has the perfect scenery to make your summer worthwhile. Another side attraction in Tinapa is the Ebonylife TV studio which means you just might run into your favorite celebrity.

Kajuru Castle

Certainly one of Nigeria’s best kept secret, the castle is located about 45 kilometers from Kaduna on the Southern Kachia road is the local government of Kajuru. The castle was built in 1978 by a controversial German expatriate who lived in Kaduna at the time. It includes a guest tower of 4 rooms, a central building with an authentic knight` hall and a master suite as well as a dragon tower. It also has a stainless swimming pool, a BBQ and a Finnish sauna.

The castle operates on exclusive basis and would the perfect summer spot for 12 guests to lodge comfortably.

Badagry Coconut Beach

One of the top beaches in Lagos, this tropical beach is located in the coastal town of Badagry, about 20 miles towards the border of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin West of Lagos. The beach is attractively set in an area surrounded by beautiful coconut trees which gives it its name. Attractions for this summer destination include local restaurants, music, jamborees and the perfect beach scene away from the bustling life of Lagos. There are a number of safe hotel around the environs to definitely give you that much deserved break.

Obudu Mountain Resort

This ranch and resort is located on the Obudu Plateau in Cross River State, Nigeria. This resort screams adventure on every turn and we don’t just mean the winding roads leading to the resort. Attractions at the mountain resort include the Becheve nature reserve canopy walk, golf course, the ancient Anape village, the cable car (one of the longest cable car system in Africa and in the world, it is 4-kilometer long.), a water park, gorilla viewpoint camp, Cameroon viewpoint and a view of over 2,000 species of birds.