The natural and cultural values of Nigeria

Although Nigeria is not a popular tourist destination these days, this large geographically diverse country has many surprising and little known attractions. The country has rainforests, mountains, deserts, beaches, mangrove forests and enormous rivers. As you can see, every tourist will be able to find something that suits his interests. Most Nigerian attractions have both natural and cultural values.

Zuma Rock is one of the most impressive standing stones of the world and belongs to the natural landmarks of Nigeria. It rises like an enormous rock with a height of 725 meters. You can also discover the many remarkable waterfalls such as Owu Falls, Gurara Falls, Qua Falls and more.

Outstanding Nigerian man made landmarks include the ancient Old City of Kano with its city walls. Also the Osun-Osogbo sacred forest which grows alongside the Oshun River is monumental. Furthermore you can find the Olumo cave shelters, Ogbunike Caves, ruins of Hidi's palace in Sukur and numerous other unique monuments with unbelievable histories.

Africa’s largest ancient monument is situated in Nigeria and is called Sungbo’s Eredo. It is located only an hour away of Lagos. It takes place in the rainforest off the main road in the south-western of Nigeria. Sungbo’s Eredo is one of the largest monuments in sub-Saharan Africa and consists of a wall and canal. These have a length of 160 kilometres. The construction of this wall is believed to have begun a millennium ago. The Eredo encloses an area about 40 kilometres from south to north and 35 kilometres from west to east. The height difference between the bottom of the ditch and the upper rim of the bank can reach 20 metres.

The monument was founded around a kingdom of the Yoruba. This is one of the three main ethnic groups in Nigeria. It was built in honour of the noblewoman Oloye Bilikisu Sungbo. The Eredo surrounds several towns and villages. You can recognise it by its reddish, vertical wall that glistens with patches of moss. The Eredo served a defensive purpose when it was built in a period of political confrontation in the rainforest.

Most of the people in Nigeria have managed to reach a harmony with the environment. Nigerians attribute spiritual characteristics to many of their beautiful natural and cultural monuments and there are many unusual stories told about them.

Sources:

http://www.cometonigeria.com/history-culture/sungbos-eredo-nigerias-hidden-wonder/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sungbo%27s_Eredo

http://www.wondermondo.com/Nigeria.htm