By Adeoye Falade
For those already afflicted with wanderlust, travelling is an enjoyable pastime to be indulged in at every opportunity. It’s an interesting way of learning more about the world and its people up close (trust me, NatGeo or books won’t tell you everything). Exploring people and places is a healthy activity too, as it helps one to take time off the daily grind and get some much-needed relaxation.
Travelling is undeniably fun, even for outdoor-hating hermits like me – who’s only compelling reason for leaving our bedrooms is the need to earn a living and let the world know we’re still alive.
Some of us would go for the more popular exotic locations and even do repeat visits while others wouldn’t mind exploring every interesting spot on earth. But for every magnificent island in Greece or tourist hotspot in Nigeria, there’s a hidden beauty in need of some time in the sun too. So this time let’s take a look at a few fairly unheralded locations and historical sites in Nigeria.
- Kajuru Castle (Kaduna)
Got a thing for medieval themes? Then you’ll love Kajuru Castle, located on a steep hill which makes it even more breathtaking. Built by German businessman, Gerhard Huebner in the 80’s, this tourist site gives you taste of its amazing decor, hike-worthy topography, Castle with its 4 bedrooms, barbecue pit, and Finnish sauna can be conquered as an adventurous meet for a small group of 12 or as a destination wedding location with close family and friends.
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Chad Basin National Park (Brono/Yobe)
Located in North-Eastern Nigeria, Chad Basin National Park is an ecological haven of adventure – well, for anyone brave enough to venture near Boko Haram. Visitors are bound to be spoilt for choice when it comes to the myriad of fun activities that include boating, watching an amazing assortment of migrant birds taking refuge from Europe’s winter or animals like the hippos and crocs in their natural environment.
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Oke Ado Mountains (Oyo)
Situated in Ado Awaye, 20km West of Iseyin, this group of mountains look like a fence surrounding a tiny town. One is, however, more interesting due to the presence of a suspended lake at the top. Those who love hiking will have 350 steps leading to a section of the hill housing before trying to overcome the rugged terrain which takes about an hour to climb. The route to the lake contains many shrines and notable historical spots that make a tourist delight.
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Nok Village (Kaduna)
Remember that legendary village we first came across in our Social Studies texts? Nok village, the home of terracotta is located in Jaba, Southern Kaduna. It’s an archaeological marvel, where you can explore various life-size antiquities adored in galleries across the globe. However, despite its coveted place in African civilization, it’s amazing how Nok remains a little village till date. Not a bad place to visit if you’re up North, especially when you’ll be greeted with a beautiful view.
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Osun Sacred Grove (Osun)
Found on the outskirts of Osogbo, the dense forest of the Osun Sacred Grove is regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility Osun. A meandering river, named after the goddess flows through the grove which is dotted with sanctuaries, shrines, sculptures and art works in honour of Osun and other deities. Unlike most of the spots mentioned in this article, attracts some level of international attention, the sacred grove, which is now seen as a symbol of identity for all Yoruba people, is probably the last in Yoruba culture.
