10 MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN ABUJA

Surprise! Surprise!! So you thought Abuja was all about boring corporate meetings and the likes right? Well, I’ve got good news for you. It’s not, it’s about much more, a whole lot more. Visit these 10 most beautiful places in Abuja in no particular order of relevance and tell me how much your mindset has changed about the fabulous capital.

1.       Abuja Art and Craft Village

Now who would expect culture at the heart of Abuja’s business district? But there you have it, a whole village dedicated to the showcasing and sales of various beautiful arts and crafts. So beautiful even locals are amazed at the artwork when they visit. Art and culture lovers, this is your spot, avail yourself of beautiful craftworks from wood carvings to hand made leather and gift items, ceramic sculptures as well as stunning paintings with a little bit of historical items.

2.     Wonderland Amusement Park

This recreational park now known as Magicland Amusement park is as the name implies a magic land built for the purpose of entertaining children as well as adults. On-site, you may want to take a ride on the roller coaster, Ferris-wheel or other different outdoor rides, enjoy water sliding, play arcade games, visit the restaurants, café and candy shops available or you could even stay cooped up in the leisure gardens. It also serves as an ideal location for a picnic or birthday party for kids. With the wide range of choice activities present for all ages, fun is assured here.

3.      Gurara Waterfalls

About 30 meters in height, this waterfall lies on the Gurara River flowing along the Suleja-Minna road. The tranquil, airy and serene atmosphere the location offers is a prime spot to appreciate nature, surrounded as it is by rocks, trees, and shrubbery. During the rainy season, it is most impressive with muddy water; during the dry season, when the water levels are considerably lower, the water is clearer and serves as an ideal spot where visitors can swim. An early trip to the location may give you the opportunity to watch local fishermen at their game as well as various wildlife. A token is paid for entrance.

4.                       National Children Park and Zoo

National Children Park and Zoo is a wildlife park located close to the Aso Rock and just behind the Presidential Villa. It is as much for viewing various exotic wildlife as it is for educating yourself on this said wildlife. There’s also a playing area (Toddler’s Lane) for kids as well as a beautiful lake and many snack shops. It’s a very safe, fun and excitable place to be. The grounds of the park could also be used for a picnic or celebrations.

5.Pedam Lake

Pedam Lake is a very private lake not known to many living in Abuja. It is easily the largest lake in the North of Nigeria, sprawling towards Nasarawa State as it is. Although not well developed for tourism, the site is very beautiful and quiet; an ideal spot to relax and unwind. It is accessible through the Abuja Park and Zoo or through less known routes such as Udoma Street in Aso Rock.

6.                       Zuma Rock

Popularly referred to as “the gateway to Abuja from Suleja”, this giant monolith of a rock is a sight to behold. Its unique feature stems from the unchanging natural facial imprint that can be found on it. Rock Climbing here we go! Yes, the climb takes about 5 hours and well worth every bit of time and effort put in. On a clear day, you get a beautiful aerial view of Abuja and its environs and on rainy days, a spectacular view of the Zuma Rock Fire as the apex of the rock catches fire under heavy rainfall. Visiting Zuma Rock is as much an opportunity to learn about its history, interact with other fellow tourists and visitors at the Zuma Rock Nigerian Village as it is to hike and climb the mountain.

7.                       Abuja National Mosque

The prestigious Abuja National Mosque is actually the National Mosque of Nigeria. Built-in 1984 originally as a worship center for the Muslim faithful, its impressive architectural design makes it a worthy tourist attraction site. Open to Muslims as well as non-Muslims, tourists can use this privilege to say a prayer while on-site as well as pay a visit to the library housed within the complex.

8.        Millennium Park

Patterned by Manfredi Nicoletti and commissioned in 2004 by Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II of England, this park is a perfect blend of nature and design. Easily the largest park in Abuja, it poses as an ideal spot for relaxation amongst many other things. A walk could be taken alone or with a pet down the beautifully designed walkway bordered on each side by glistening grass winding down to a refreshing fountain; as well as a picnic with friends on the grounds of the park. The untouched natural part of the park entertains wildlife, a perfect avenue for bird watching! With a narrow river running through its center, a perfect scenic view is guaranteed. Its uniqueness from every other park is that its night view is not to be dismissed as regular; more like it is spectacular.

9.         Aso Rock

Another monolith that is a must-see is the Aso Rock. Housing three major seats of power of the Nigerian Federal Governmental; Presidential Villa, National Assembly and the Supreme Court, security is pretty very tight but notwithstanding, with the right clearance, tourists are allowed access to the grounds and climbing sites. Visiting at daytime is the perfect time to take a tour of the Presidential Villa, watch Supreme Court proceedings, view children parliament, and the plenary session of the legislature in action.

10.                 Jabi Lake Park

This Park is an awesome place to be, with lots of exciting activities to be a part of. The closest you would find to a beach at Abuja is the Jabi Lake, a fun place to enjoy the sun with a book or take a boat ride; a dip in the lake is always an option too, picnics are not left out as well as horse riding. East of this lake is the impressive Jabi Lake Mall and with it a chance to window shop or make a purchase or two.

With all the fun it has to offer, I’m wondering why the Jabi Lake Park is not number 1 on this list. But like I wrote earlier, this is written in no order of beauty or fun ranking. Therefore, have beautiful moments as you experience the magic within the heart of Abuja and don’t forget your cameras. See yah!