Abuja is Nigeria’s capital city and one of the most planned modern cities in Africa.
It has many attractions that showcase the culture, history, and nature of Nigeria and attract various types of visitors.
No matter what you are looking for, whether it is a peaceful vacation, an exciting adventure, or an educational experience, you can find it in Abuja.
In this article, we will show you the best 7 tourist attractions in Abuja that you should not miss.
1. Millennium park
Millennium Park in Abuja is the largest public park in the capital city of Nigeria.
It was commissioned in 2004 by Queen Elizabeth II of England and designed by an Italian architect Manfredi Nicoletti.
The park has a river that divides it into two parts: one with natural vegetation and wildlife, and the other with a formal garden and fountains.
The park is a popular destination for picnics, walks, birdwatching, and cultural events. And its the most visited park in Abuja.
2. Zuma rock
A huge, single piece of rock, called an inselberg, stands in Niger State, Nigeria. It is made of gabbro and granodiorite, two types of igneous rocks. This is Zuma Rock, and it is on the 100 naira note.
You can see it from the main road that connects Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, and Kaduna, another major city. It is near Madala, a small town in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State. Some people call it the “Gateway to Abuja from Suleja”.
Zuma Rock is about 300 meters (980 ft) high. That is very impressive for Nigerian geography.
It is much taller than NECOM house, the highest building in Lagos as of 1979. It is also taller than Aso rock and Olumo rock put together.
Zuma Rock looks like it has a face, with a mouth, a nose, and eyes. Sometimes, it catches fire in the rainy season. This happens because of the friction between the rocks that move on the slope of the rock.
The Gwari people, who live near the rock, believe that Zuma Rock is sacred.
They have a legend that says that Zuma Rock is a god, who protects them from their enemies.
The Zuba people of Niger State discovered the rock in the 15th century. They named it zumwa, which means “a place of guinea fowls”.
They lived around the rock and worshiped it as a spiritual mentor. They offered sacrifices to the rock to keep them safe.
Zuma rock attracts many visitors to Abuja. There is also a resort close to the rock, called Zuma rock resorts. It has cozy rooms and pools.
3. Jabi lake
Located in the Jabi district of Abuja, Nigeria, Jabi Lake is an artificial lake that was originally built to supply water to the city’s inhabitants. However, over time, it transformed into a recreational spot and a fishing destination.
The lake covers about 1,300 hectares (3,200 acres) of land and is encircled by a park, a mall, and a boat club.
The park is a green oasis with trees, flowers, and benches. The mall is a modern shopping complex with various stores, restaurants, and cinemas. The boat club is a place where you can rent boats, kayaks, and jet skis.
At Jabi Lake, you can have fun in many ways, such as having picnics, taking walks, watching birds, riding boats, and shopping at Jabi lake mall.
Jabi Lake is one of the most visited lakes in Abuja and a wonderful place to relax and enjoy.
4. BMT African Garden
BMT African Garden, another great tourist attraction in Abuja, is named after its founder, Bamanga Muhammed Tukur, who was a military governor and a politician in Nigeria.
The garden offers a variety of attractions and facilities for visitors, such as:
– A zoo that houses many animals, such as lions, hyenas, ostriches, peacocks, and parrots. You can see them up close and learn about their habitats and behaviors.
– A gym and a football field where you can exercise and play sports. You can also join fitness classes and tournaments at the garden.
– An event hall that can accommodate parties, weddings, and conferences. You can book the hall for your special occasions and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the garden.
– A restaurant and a bar that serve delicious food and drinks. You can choose from a range of cuisines and beverages at the garden.
– A train and a swimming pool that are designed for children’s entertainment. You can take your kids to the garden and let them have fun on the train and the pool.
BMT African Garden is a place where you can have a good time with leisure, sports, arts, and food.
It is open 24 hours a day, so you can visit it anytime you want and visitors love this place.
5. Nike art gallery
Nike Art Gallery in Abuja is a branch of the famous Nike Art Gallery in Lagos, which belongs to Nike Davies-Okundaye, a well-known textile artist and painter in Nigeria. Her name is pronounced as ‘nee-keh’.
The gallery is situated in Piwoyi Village, a rural area close to the Abuja International Airport Road.
It displays a variety of artworks from Nigerian artists, featuring different styles and mediums, such as paintings, sculptures, textiles, batiks, and beadworks.
The gallery also hosts workshops, exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year, where visitors can learn about and appreciate African art and culture from the experts.
Nike Art Gallery in Abuja is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of African art and discover the stories and skills behind the artworks.
6. Central park Abuja
Central Park Abuja is a theme park in the capital city of Nigeria, Abuja, that provides various activities for people of all ages and backgrounds.
You can have fun at the water park, slides, go-kart, playground, cycle trail, and tapas on the green. You can also enjoy a variety of food and drinks from different vendors at the park.
The park also has its own multicuisine restaurant, where you can taste delicious dishes from different cuisines.
It also has a flower art gallery, where you can admire beautiful floral arrangements and artworks.
And has a special event space, where you can host parties, weddings, conferences, and other occasions.
Central Park Abuja is located near the Kebbi Hotel (former GSM village), which is a convenient location for visitors.
It is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day, and it has free entry on weekdays, it is a place where you can enjoy leisure, sports, arts, and food with your family and friends.
7. Magic land Abuja
Magic Land is an amusement park in Abuja, Nigeria, that has various activities for people of all ages and backgrounds.
You can have fun at the water park, slides, go-kart, playground, cycle trail, and tapas on the green.
You can also eat at the multicuisine restaurant, see the flower art gallery, or rent the event space for your special occasions.
The arcade has food and drink booths inside, so you can take a break and enjoy refreshments without going out.
The arcade also has affordable prices and many arcade games, such as Rodeo Bull Game, Jungle Land, Ghost Squad, Crazy Hops (Basketball), Battle Gear 3, Space Jungle, Hippo Park, Diddan Paradise, and more.
Magic Land is near the Abuja city gate and is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
You can enter for free on weekdays. Magic Land is a place where you can relax and have fun with your family and friends.
Directions
Locating any of these tourist attractions is relatively easy, just book an uber or bolt to get to the destinations.
Let’s wrap it up here!
Abuja has many tourist attractions, but these are the 7 best ones. Make sure you plan your trip well.
