| Nigerias greatest asset its wealth of native races | | | | of Ikom, on the road to Cameroon, which has |
| and religions, its vibrant population, the largest of | | | | curious carved monoliths set in circles, believed to |
| any country in Africa have also proven its | | | | be ancient monuments assembled in reverence to |
| downfall on countless explosive occasions. It is a | | | | ancestors. |
| shame that Nigeria is not currently able to entice | | | | The Cross River National Park piques a curiosity in |
| visitors other than those seeking a slice of the oil | | | | nature, rather than humanity. In the Rainforest |
| dollar. After all, this country is blessed with | | | | Conservation area, this is a place of majestic |
| hundreds of miles of coastline, national parks and | | | | mountains and rolling hills, with wildlife including |
| fascinating ancient sites. | | | | leopards, buffalos, chimpanzees, gorillas, baboons |
| The climate varies from area to area. The | | | | and elephants. |
| southern coast is hot and humid with a rainy | | | | Elsewhere, the Yankari National Park in the |
| season from March to November. During the dry | | | | eastern half of the country is particularly good for |
| season, the wind blows from the Sahara. The | | | | bird watching. Animals which can be viewed here |
| norths rainy season is from July to September. | | | | include elephants, crocodiles and monkeys. The |
| Nights can be cold in December and January. | | | | park has accommodation, restaurants and a |
| In the predominantly Muslim north, the most | | | | swimming pool. The title of Nigerias most scenic |
| important festival is Sallah, celebrated three | | | | national park might also go to the Gashaka Game |
| months after the feast, particularly in the towns | | | | Reserve near Yola, which provides opportunities |
| of Kano, Katsina, Maiduguri and Zaria. Every family | | | | to view birds and animals and is home to some |
| is required to slaughter a ram and festivities last | | | | highly endangered species. |
| for several days, with horseback processions, | | | | Circumnavigate the walled old town of Kano, |
| musicians and dancers. Featured also in northern | | | | formerly the largest of the ancient Hausa cities, |
| communities are Durbars, long lines of horsemen | | | | and soak up its lingering medieval atmosphere. |
| led by a band, the horses in quilted armour with | | | | Despite this atmosphere, reinforced by the wall, |
| the riders wearing quilted coats and wielding | | | | Kano was founded at least 1,000 years ago, being |
| ceremonial swords. | | | | of strategic importance on the trans-Saharan |
| Watch out for Nigerias wonderful selection of | | | | trade routes. The Emiras Palace remains an |
| homemade crafts. | | | | outstanding example of Hausa architecture. |
| Walk where the capital of the Yoruba Empire | | | | Picnic without breaking a sweat in Jos, a favourite |
| once was, and admire Oyos Old Portuguese style | | | | holiday centre on account of its location and |
| houses. | | | | consequent pleasantly cool climate. The nearby |
| Marvel at some of Nigerias magnificent views. | | | | Assob Falls and many streams and dams make |
| Journey through the Cross River National Park. | | | | this an extremely pretty area. |
| The best base from which to do so is the town | | | | |