Diplomatist Special Report Nigeria | Page 45

[SPECIAL REPORT] Zuma Rock Cross River National Park Other Attractions Apart from the ethnic festivals, the Nigerian landscape is also a backpacker’s delight! It includes rainforests, savannah, waterfalls, and other natural attractions. Protected areas such as Cross River National Park and Yankari National Park have rare primate habitats and unparalleled scenic beauty. One of the most distinct sites is Zuma Rock, a 725-metre tall monolith outside the capital of Abuja that’s pictures on the national currency. Visiting Zuma Rock between April and October, which marks the rainy season in central Nigeria where the rock is situated, aff ords one the opportunity of seeing the much talked about Zuma Rock Fire, as the apex of the rock catches fi re in during heavy rains. Over time, this has remained one of the wonders of the Zuma Rock. You may also experience nature in the country’s biggest wildlife retreat — the Yankari Game Reserve, in Bauchi Lekki Conservation Centre State, North-Eastern Nigeria. The reserve, is simply captivating! Marvel at the largest herd of elephants in the country, embark on a guided safari tour, and explore the tropical forests. While in Nigeria, be sure to visit the Lekki Conservation Centre — one of the best nature reserves situated in the capital city of Lagos. The 21-year-old conservation centre cum nature hub is run and managed by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). Generally regarded as an icon of nature conservation, LCC represents the fl agship project of Nigeria Conservation Foundation for the preservation of unique biodiversity, scenic, natural, scientifi c recreational values of the coastal environs of western Nigeria. Of course, there are many more sites to make your Nigeria experience complete! Nigeria-India• 2018 • 45