A selection of natural attractions to visit in and around Abuja City.

 

ZUMA ROCK

Opening hours: Outdoor venue

Address: Along the main road from Abuja to Kaduna

This massive 725-meter-high rock is perfect for a Sunday trip out of Abuja. Hire a car and a driver and drive through the exciting nature and observe the rock from a distance. As you get closer to the rock you will notice that it has a face. The local community around the rock says that it watches the villages around the rock and it is very picky.

 

GURARA FALLS

Opening hours: Outdoor venue

Address: Niger State along the Suleja-Minna road

Gurara Falls is on the Gurara River located in Niger State. Gurara Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in central Nigeria. This is an idle place for sightseeing, picnics and swimming. You will enjoy the scenery and it is worth a visit each time you are in Abuja because the Falls change their shape every season of the year. On the way to the Falls make sure to stop at Zuma rock, which is on the same route.

 

NATIONAL CHILDRENS PARK AND ZOO

Opening hours: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm

Address:  Asokoro District behind the Presidential Villa

The zoo is highly recommended for a family outing and is located off Murtala Mohammed expressway, Maitama.

 

JABI GARDEN AND LAKE

Opening hours: Outdoor venue

Address:  Across the lake from Jabi Lake Mall

Jabi Lake is less than a kilometer from Nordic Hotel and is a nice place to go for a picnic and a walk. This Lake is found at the Alex Ekuwueme Way, Jabi, located on the west of Abuja.

 

MILLENNIUM PARK

Opening hours: Daily, 7am- 8pm

Address: Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District

If you need to rejuvenate after a long work week, Millennium Park is a wonderful place to go for a walk. Well-kept with green grass, water fountains and beautiful flowers.

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Aso Rock

This 400m above sea level monolith that was left by water erosion. It is found in Asokoro, East of the city and also the largest rock formation in close proximity to the city. ‘Aso’ in the local language of the Asokoro people means ‘victory’ and thus, it is a symbol of strength and power. The rock has some caves within the structure which can be visited by tourists with the permission of the Local Priest. It is also worth noting that the Aso people used to take refuge in the cave during inter-tribal wars.

 

Gurara Falls

This spectacular fall is located along the Suleja-Minna road, Niger State, and approximately 100m from Abuja. Interestingly, it has a fall span of 200m across and a drop of 30m. Exciting feature to visit, as there are areas available to swim in the dry season.

 

National Arboretum 

Adjoining the mini-park located at the National Park along the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Expressway, Abuja. The arboretum was established to play significant roles in conservation of genetic resources for research, educational, medicinal and other scientific purposes. Comfortable concrete seats have been provided within the arboretum for visitors’ relaxation, meditation and quiet study of the environment. The purpose of the Arboretum is to maintain the forest and other plant life within it in their original natural condition. Birdwatchers can check out different species of birds within the city

 

SARIUS PALMETUM BOTANIC GARDEN

Address: 3259 Ibrahim Babangida Blvd, Maitama 900271, Abuja,

Biggest botanical garden in Abuja with a variety of plants and flowers that make for exciting viewing.

 

CRUSH ROCK LAKE 

Address: Maitama-Garui Rd Mpape, Abuja.

An abandoned quarry formed by grey rock and green grass surrounds a derelict lake., Good for rock climbing and hiking.

 

PEDAM LAKE

Address: Behind the Presidential Villa, Abuja

The lake is massive and lies in a serene spot  sprawling towards Nasarawa State. It is accessible through the Abuja Park and Zoo ​​