The Southern part of Nigeria which is also called South-South is made up of 6 states. With a population of over 21 million multi-ethnic people, the states in Southern Nigeria include Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Edo.
Forests, swamps, and mangroves can be found in these regions. The rainy season usually starts in the month of April and run through till October. The environment and weather are more welcoming during the dry season, which is starts in October and ends in March.
The South-South is rich with activities and places to explore. Generally, there are a lot of tourist destinations you can visit in South-South Nigeria. Here are some of these spots and the states you can find them:
Edo State
A land filled with cultural references and home to one of the strongest empires in West Africa. You should expect nothing but thrills and reverence as you behold some of the ancient works of art that can only be found there. Here are some tourist spots you need to visit in order to the Edo State experience:
- Ogba Zoo
- The Oba of Benin Palace
- Somorika Hills
- Ughoton
- The tombstone of Captain James Phillip
- Igun-Eronmwon Quarters
- Chief Ogiamen’s House
- National Museum, Benin City
- The Benin Moat
- Okomu National Park
- Ososo Tourist Centre
- Igun Bronze Casters and Crafts Centre
- The Giant Footprint of Ukhuse Oke
- The Emotan Statue
Delta State
Here are some tourist spots you should visit when you come to Delta State:
- Kwale Game Reserve,
- Araya Bible Site
- Nana Living History Museum
- Warri Township Stadium, Warri
- Otuogu Beach, Asaba
- The Residency, Asaba
- Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Asaba
- The Palace of Olu of Warri, Warri
- Warri Kingdom Royal Cemetery, Warri
- Chief Nana’s Palace, Warri
- Effurun Garden Park, Warri
- Red Mangrove Swamp, Warri
- Abraka Turf and Country Club, Abraka
- Mungo Park House, Asaba
- Lander Brothers Anchorage, Asaba
Akwa Ibom State
Remember that old song that goes like this ‘I’m from Akwa Ibom… Home is Home, there is no place like home… The song invited us to visit Akwa Ibom and I believe you will. Here are some places you need to go to and experience what the songwriter felt when he sang that song:
- Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo
- Lord Luggard’s Residence, Ikot Abasi
- Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Center, Uyo
- Ibom e-Library, Uyo
- Bridge of No Return, Ikot Abasi
- Ibiobio Museum and State Park, Uyo
- National Museum of Colonial History, Uyo
- The Amalgamation House
- Presbyterian Church, Uyo
- Oron Museum, Oron
- The Ibeno Beach
Cross River State
Donald Duke during his tenure had put this beautiful state rich in culture in the limelight. He was the first to organize Africa’s biggest street carnival which runs throughout the month of December. But apart from the carnival, there are numerous spots you need to go to and some of them are:
- Calabar Slave Museum
- Afi Mountain Ranch
- Culture and Civic Centre
- Calabar Free-trade zone
- Agbokim Waterfalls
- Kwa Falls
- Slave History Museum
- Obudu Mountain Resort
- Tinapa Resort
- Drill Ranch
- Cross River National Park
- Mary Slessor’s House
- Torutuga Island
- Calabar Carnival
- Alok Ikom Monoliths
- Oban Hills
Rivers State
Here are some of the tourist spots you need to visit when you come to Rivers State:
- Port Harcourt Zoo
- Isaac Boro Garden Park
- Ifoko Beach
- Izumini River
- Bonny Island
- Port Harcourt Tourist Beach
- Elechi Beach
Bayelsa State
Home to an ex-president of Nigeria, Bayelsa State is intriguing. You have to put these locations down as a must-see when you come around:
- Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro Monument
- Okpoama-Brass Beach
- Odioma Beach
- Bayelsa Ferry Terminal and Resorts
- Ox-Bow Lake
- Kontiki Amusement Park and Resort
- Peace Park
- Akassa Lighthouse
- Akassa Slave Transit Camp and Tunnel