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