Top Tourist Destinations for the Christmas Holidays

Congratulations!!! It’s the Christmas season once again. The holidays offer a chance for you to get out and have fun with your family and friends. Where will you go? There are numerous places around Nigeria you can choose to have your vacation. We at Sarauta Network came up with a list of some of the famous vacation spots around Nigeria where you and your loved ones can have a more dazzling and memorable experience than ever before. Have a look and see what piques your interest;

LA MANGA LUXURY BEACH VILLAS ILASHE – LAGOS

If you have a thing for the spectacular and invigorating view of the Atlantic in a quiet and private environment, then La Manga Luxury Beach Villa is the place for you. A little piece of paradise nestled along the Atlantic Ocean, on the beautiful island of Ilashe in Lagos, bordering the Badagry creek and surrounded by luscious and towering coconut trees. A 15-minute boat ride from Victoria Island and Ikoyi, it contains luxurious amenities to help you relax and listen to the uninterrupted sounds of the breeze and the waves on the beach. Facilities such as an open-air gazebo for dining and lounging, beachfront bamboo canopies for relaxation, quad bikes and water sports activities like jet skiing and boat cruises, La Manga Luxury Beach Villas provides a lovely getaway experience for you and your family.

USUMA DAM, BWARI AREA COUNCIL – ABUJA

Serene with an incredible view of the lake, The Usuma Dam is a pleasant spot to visit with family and friends this Christmas. It was built in 1990, the beautiful and picturesque dam is the fifth largest in the world and it is located on the Usuma Lake. It is an excellent place for picnics, and hikes that provide you with an incredible view of the lake and other fun activities. You can either go alone or go with friends, to be educated on the history of the dam. Climb some of the hills if hiking is your preferred sport or take a canoe ride on the lake.

ERIN-IJESHA WATERFALLS – OSUN

Erin-Ijesha waterfalls in Osun state also known as Olumirin falls is renowned for its ambience and beautiful scenery. Discovered in 1140 AD, the fall features seven tiers, with each level providing a whole new outlook when compared to the previous level. On the top lies the village of Abaka. At the waterfall, visitors are encouraged to swim if they so desire, or to climb to the last tier of the waterfall and enjoy the scenery. If you are considering this place for Christmas, swimmers are advised to come along with their swimming gear.

KAJURU CASTLE – KADUNA

Situated on the outskirts of Kajuru village, about 40 kilometres away from Kaduna lies the luxury villa known as Kajuru castle. Said to be built between 1978 and 1983 by a German citizen, the castle began commercial operations in 1989. With a European style of architecture containing towers and a dungeon, a lot of tourists look forward to visiting the castle. All rooms are unique with designs of medieval Germany. The castle is surrounded by a moat-like a real castle with live crocodiles present in the moat. It can accommodate 12 people and provides fun activities like barbecues, swimming pools, Finnish sauna, hiking and many others. You will however have to make preparation for food services. The castle contains three modern kitchens and guests are advised to bring their food along.

YANKARI GAME RESERVE – BAUCHI

Take a trip to the Yankari Game Reserve and enjoy the natural warm springs and a variety of flora and fauna. The Yankari Game Reserve is a large wildlife park, located in the south-central part of Bauchi State in northeastern Nigeria. Its location in the heartland of the West African savannah makes it a place for tourists and holidaymakers to watch wildlife in its natural habitat. It was originally created as a game reserve in 1956 but later designated as one of Nigeria’s biggest National parks in 1991. It is a popular destination for tourists, students and leisure travellers.

OHUM (AWHUM) WATERFALL AND CAVE – ENUGU

Those in search of natural tourist attractions and some form of spirituality can find their way to the awhum waterfall and cave. Located about 24 kilometres from the capital city of Enugu near the Awhum Monastery, in Amaugwe village. The waterfall is 30 metres high and a section of the water stays warm throughout the season. Rolling grassy hills, valleys and caves surround the town of Awhum making its beauty unique. People visit to meditate or say a prayer for loved ones. Others visit just to bask in the sweet ambience of the cave.

IDANRE HILLS – ONDO

In 2007, the Ancient hills of Idanre, about 30 minutes drive from Akure in Western Nigeria, were added to the list of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. There is a unique blend of natural beauty and culture at idanre. With about 3000ft above sea level, climbing the Idanre hills (which takes about 675 steps to the top of the hill) makes it an ideal location for any fun-loving adventurer or tourist. Once at the top, the view is so spectacular, clear and peaceful. Tourists get to see the first school built by the missionaries who explored the area, a law court that includes an ancient prison, the agboogun prison and many others.

GASHAKA GUMTI NATIONAL PARK – TARABA

Beautiful scenery surrounded by mountains, as well as waterfalls and rivers with fast-flowing water, welcomes you to the national park. Officially labelled as one of Africa’s “important bird areas” and established in 1991, Gashaka Gumti National Park is Nigeria’s largest National Park. Home to a diversity of wildlife such as Lions, African Elephants, African Buffalo, Chimpanzees, Leopards, over 500 species of birds and so much more animals. It derived its name from two of the oldest and most historic settlements. The Gashaka village in Taraba state and the Gumti village in Adamawa state. The National Park has been an appealing destination to tourists for adventure, research and amusement.

OBUDU MOUNTAIN RESORT – CROSS RIVER

Situated on a plateau at 1576 metres above sea level on the oshie ridge of the Sankwala Mountains, lies the Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River State, close to the border of Cameroun. The Obudu Mountain Resort offers idyllic tranquillity, beautiful scenery and breath-taking views for the lone adventurer, families on a reunion, young couples and holiday groups. The spectacular birdlife on this side of the world and the magnificent scenery are some of the fun parts of the trip. Don’t miss the view from the cable car system. At 4km per hour, the cable car gently transfers guests (and their bags) from the hospital climate at the base of the mountain to the hotel reception area on the mountainside. The Obudu Mountain Resort provides an unforgettable experience.

TARKWA BAY RESORT – LAGOS

If you are looking for a beautiful island, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Lagos, Tarkwa Bay should do it for you. It is located near the Lagos harbour and is popular with swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. While cruising to the island on a boat, you will enjoy a magnificent view of some places in Lagos like the Radisson blu hotel, the Lagos Yacht club and the Lagos harbour. At Tarkwa bay you can escape from the loudness of Lagos, enjoy some fresh coconut juice from the husk, swim, surf, enjoy a game of beach volleyball or numerous other beach games with your friends and family this Christmas.

OLUMO ROCK – OGUN

If the city of Abeokuta happens to be your ideal location for the holiday, a visit to Olumo rock provides so much splendour. At Olumo rock, you would be treated to attractions like natural tunnels, unusual trees, natural cantilevers, gardens on the rock, broken pathways, monuments of the belief system of the rock primaeval settlers, three escalators at the characteristic height of the rock as well as an aerial and atmospheric view of the antique city of Abeokuta. Standing at a height of 137 metres above sea level, Olumo rock is a must-see for tourists holidaying in the region.

MATSIRGA WATERFALLS – KADUNA

The Matsirga waterfall takes its source from springs on the Kagoro hills. Situated in Madakiya, close to Kafanchan, about 227 kilometres South of Kaduna, the water drops 30 metres into a gorge that beautiful rocks have supported. The fresh cool breeze around the area has something to offer tourists. At the point of impact with the river, the cascading showers of the fall create a rainbow-like mist that appears and disappears mysteriously. A natural rock shelter at the river bank forms a cover and resting place for picnicking.  Also, the proximity of the Kagoro Hills and Nok Museum provides an advantage to tourists visiting the area.

Whether you choose to visit any of these delightful spots or to celebrate the season at home, we at Sarauta wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.