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