Enugu state in Nigeria is a delight for tourism, because of its ancient historical relics and beautiful crafts. The coal city, its slogan is known to be a blend of ancient ambience and modern convenience; thereby depicting culture but serving all your contemporary needs at the same time.
Enugu is located in southeastern Nigeria. The name “Enugu” is derived from the two Igbo words Énú Ụ́gwụ́ meaning “hill top” denoting the city’s hilly geography. An aside being a hub for harnessing creative talents and the home of the legendary ‘Okpa’ meal, the coal city is a well-organized city, making it an ideal tourist destination. Let’s explore certain places to visit in Enugu.
- Enugu Museum:
Enugu Museum was shortly established after the civil war, and is known as the National Unity Museum. It was established with the aim to foster unity and houses a variety of relics from the Stone Age through to the post colonial era and several military defense artifacts from the Biafran war.
It is one of the richest stores of the culture of the people in Enugu and beyond. And it is a must stop to get acquainted with the history of the city.
- Enugu Golf Course:
Enugu Golf Club is located at Mount Street, Enugu and plays host to both local and international tournaments in collaboration with Golf Associations around the country. It is an ideal place for golf tourism, relaxation during and after the tournament.
The club has a beautiful 18 holed golf course with an all year round season which has been become a solid attraction for both locals and tourists alike. It also features a clubhouse and a well stocked bar.
- Milken Hills:
The name Milken hills was gotten from one of the earliest administrators in Enugu. It is a hill located at Ngwo in Enugu North LGA, about 100 meter above sea level, offering beautiful standpoint for a panoramic view of Enugu metropolis, especially at dawn and dusk.
The hill is rich in coal and beautiful tunnels can be found underneath. The first tarred road leading into Enugu city passes through the foot of the hill. The Iva Valley lies beneath the Milken hills, and tourists can enjoy mountaineering activities.
- Awhum Cave and Waterfall:
Awhum waterfall is located within Amaugwe village, close to Awhum Monastery in Udi Local Government Area. Surrounded by a breath-taking scenery, this 30 meter high waterfall cascades through an evergreen vegetation as well alive with varieties of biological species including wild animals and a wide variety of birds.
The water from the fall is believed to have therapeutic effects and curative powers, and can be used to subdue evil forces wherever it is sprinkled. A section of the fall is warm through the season.
- Ngwo Caves and Waterfall:
Ngwo Caves and Waterfall is such an appealing sight to behold. It is surrounded by the beautiful trees of Ngwo Pine Forest. The valley floors feature gently flowing stream of spring water; and to get to the Ngwo Cave, you have to get on a trek amongst the trees of the pristine Ngwo Pine Forest.
The pine forest comprises of an intimidating waterfall and several caves that are tucked away into the rock, some within reach, and some others, not.
The caves are sculpted in limestone rocks while the waterfall cascades down from a small opening in the roof of the cave. The waterfall also has warm and hot water that comes out together from one source.
- Polo Amusement Park:
The first thing you’d see when visiting the Polo park mall is a giant Ferris Wheel, one of the main attractions of the place.
The Polo Amusement Park is renowned amongst tourists as the go-to spot in the city. It is a place for maximum entertainment, relaxation and comfort; ideal for leisure travelers in town.
The mall, which is frequented daily by tons of tourists and residents, has several food courts, supermarkets and other shopping outlets.
- Nike Lake Resort:
Nike Lake Resort is one of the best places to relax and lodge as a result of its beautiful landscape and tranquil ambience. It lies on the banks of the Nike Lake, in Enugu. It also 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. All rooms overlook the well manicured gardens or the lake and each room provides the comfort and luxury that is expected from an international hotel.
- Ugwueme and Udi Hills:
Udi hills is the site of the first coal mine in Enugu, opened in 1915 but later replaced with the Iva Valley Mine in 1917. It lies at about 100m above sea level. These hills are perfect for mountaineering activities, picnics 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 main attraction at the lake is the presence of crocodiles which are regarded as goddesses. The traditional nature of the people of Enugu is seen on display as the crocodiles 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 must 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.
- 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.
Usually held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in the month of October, Mmanwu festival is a colorful event and serves to honor the ancestral spirits represented by the masquerades while the new yam festival is usually held between August and October to mark the harvesting and feasting of the new yam.
The Enugu Festival of Arts which highlights African culture and traditions is also organized by the Enugu Council of Arts and Culture.
