Enugu, the coal city is renowned for its undulating plateaus, rich cultural diversity and scenic views. Are you planning to visit for leisure, a family getaway or looking to see the top attractions after your business trip to town?
Enugu State is a tourist delight, with ancient historical relics, several recreational spots and beautiful arts and craft. The people are friendly and hospitable, there are more than enough exciting places for both leisure and business activities.
Here is a list of the best 20 places to visit and things to do in Enugu:
- Enugu Museum:
Enugu Museum also known as the National Unity Museum, Enugu was established and commissioned shortly after the civil war to foster unity. The museum is under the national commission for museums and monuments. Enugu museum houses various relics from the post colonial era and several military defence artifacts from the Biafra War can be found at the museum.
- Enugu Golf Course:
Enugu Golf Course is located at 11 Park Avenue, Enugu just about 2 kilometres away from Park Lane Hospital. An ideal place for golf tourism, the golf club is an 18 holed, 330 meters (360 yards) green international standard Golf club.
Enugu Golf Club plays host to both local and international tournaments in collaboration with Golf Associations around the country. An ideal place for relaxation during and after the tournament, the club has a beautiful 18 hole golf course with an all year round season which has been become a solid attraction for both locals and tourists alike. Enugu Golf Club also features a clubhouse and a well stocked bar.
- Milken Hills:
The Milken hills located at Ngwo in Enugu North LGA was named after one of the earliest colonial administrator in Enugu. The hill offers a spectacular view of Enugu Metropolis especially at dawn and dusk.
The first tarred road leading into Enugu city passes through the foot of the hill. The hills is rich in coal and several tunnels can be found underneath. The Iva Valley lies beneath the Milken hills, and tourist can enjoy mountaineering activities.
- Ezeagu Tourist Complex:
Ezeagu complex is one of the major attractions in Enugu. With a 3-kilometre cave, waterfall, a lake as well as a cold and warm spring, Ezeagu Tourist Complex is a perfect place for picnics and several leisure activities.
With beautiful natural aesthetics, the complex is the perfect spot for family vacations and get together with friends.
- Awhum Cave and Waterfall:
Awhum waterfall is located within Amaugwe village of Awhum town close to Awhum Monastery in Udi Local Government Area. The waterfall flows from a massive outcrop of granite rock with water cascading over the top forming a stream. The fall is about 30 metres high and is believed to be therapeutic. Surrounded by a breath-taking scenery, a part of the fall is warm all year round and a variety of bird species can be spotted within the area.
- Ngwo Caves and Waterfall:
Another appealing place to see is the Ngwo Caves and Waterfall in Enugu. Surrounded by the beautiful trees of Ngwo Pine Forest, the valley floors feature gently flowing stream of spring water. Ngwo Cave was naturally formed in limestone by the waterfall dropping down from a small opening at the roof of the cave.
The waterfall form a shallow pool at the cave floor and flows out as a small stream. The water fall also has both warm and hot water that flow out together from one source. Behind the big mass of rock in which the cave is emplaced, there are more caves carefully tucked into the rock, some within reach and others needing a good climb to access.
- Iheneke Lake:
Iheneke lake is usually cool during the rainy season and gets cooler during the Harmattan season. A tropical lake with high density during the warmer seasons.
Iheneke Lake is a perfect place for relaxation, picnics and other leisurely activities.
- Opi Lake Complex:
Opi Lake Complex is made up of over 7 lakes connected to one another to form a network. These lakes include Ogelube, Eze-agu iyi, Orufu, Nkpo, Ikpa, Uhere and Ozzi.
Uhere River flows in between Eze-agu iyi and Ogelube lakes forming a beautiful sand beach with crocodiles and several other aquatic species.
Uhere waterfall is believed to help announce the death of people through intensive and frightening loud sound as it falls.
Ikpa Lake is located south of Eze-agu iyi and Ogelube lakes, forming a breathtaking landscape. Ikpa lake is unique for its religious implication, with the help of a tour guide, tourists can explore the whole of Opi-agu, the headquarters of the communities that these lakes inter-connect.
- Ogelube Lake:
Ogelube lake is a fresh water lake dominated by desmid phytoplankton with maximum density during warmer season. However, during the rainy season, the lake cools and there are more algae than desmids.
- Polo Amusement Park:
The Polo Amusement Park is renowned amongst tourists as the go-to spot in the city. A place for maximum entertainment, relaxation and comfort. Polo Park is the ideal place for leisure travellers in town.
- Nike Lake Resort:
Nike Lake Resort lies on the banks of the Nike Lake, Enugu. It doubles as a tourist attraction and has historical relevance as it was the site of the Biafran army headquarters during the civil war. The resort offers accommodation, leisure facilities ranging from tennis courts and outdoor pools to boating and fishing facilities.
- Ugwueme and Udi Hills:
Ugwueme and Udi Hills lie at about hundreds of metres above sea level. These hills are perfect for mountaineering activities and are great spots for landscape admiration. Coal mines can be found underneath the Udi hills and their beautiful tunnels that serve as tourist attractions.
- Ani Ozalla Lake:
Ani Ozalla Lake and Shrine is a natural lake that lies within Ozalla in Nkanu West LGA near Enugu. The major attraction at the lake is the presence of crocodiles which are regarded as goddesses. They only appear from the lake at the command of the chief priest to take offerings from supplicants. Tourists who will like to see the crocodiles most come with a fowl, palm wine and kola nuts which the chief priest offers to the crocodiles. There are other rules that most be adhered to before visiting the lake.
- The Old Government Lodge:
The Old Premier Lodge Enugu was once occupied by Nigeria’s first president, late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. The lodge houses some of his personal belongings like letters, books, reading glasses, pictures and several other items provided by his widow, Prof. Uche Azikiwe.
- Eastern Region Parliamentary Building:
During the first republic, Nigeria operated a parliamentary system of government with a premier leading the executive branch and a bicameral legislature. The position of governor existed as that of a figure head and was subordinate to the premier. The eastern region parliamentary building, Enugu served as the seat of government in eastern Nigeria.
- Bona Gallery:
An art gallery which holds various Nigerian exhibitions is one of the best attractions in Enugu. Here you can find various paintings, sculptures and artworks.
- Silicon Hill:
Silicon hill is situated near the Nkalagu campus of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). The hill lies at more than 300m above sea level, it is rich in the mineral deposit called Silicon.
The environment surrounding the hill is scenic and has captivating valleys and plains.
- Akpugoeze Monkeys:
Monkeys at Akpugoeze are preserved due to the tradition and culture of the people in the community. The people of Akpugoeze do not harm, hunt or eat monkeys.
The Sclater’s monkey found in Akpugoeze is a rare species that can only be found in south-eastern Nigeria.
- Macdavos:
Macdovas is a beautiful resort in Enugu located close to the Port Harcourt expressway. The stylish resort boast of a well tended garden. Leisure facilities and fun attractions like a bird cage, a swimming pool and tennis court can be found at the resort. Entertainment is provided and a restaurant & bar is available for use.
- Enugu Festivals:
Enugu is occupied by the Igbo ethnic group, whose two important annual Igbo traditional festivals are the New Yam festival and the Mmanwu festival. The new yam festival is usually held between August and October to mark the harvesting and feasting of the new yam.
The Mmanwu festival takes place annually in the month of November and features various displays by masquerades. This festival is usually held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
The Enugu Festival of Arts which highlights African culture and traditions is also organized by the Enugu Council of Arts and Culture.
Source: thecity.com.ng