By Ojugbele Omotunde
Southern Nigeria is home to more than 250 different ethnic groups, which immerses tourists in a vibrant tapestry of cultural richness. Every village contributes its distinct traditions, customs, and linguistic history to the region’s fabric, resulting in a colorful and captivating mosaic.
Specifically focusing on Southeastern Nigeria, the Igbo people, who are renowned for their persistence and spirit of enterprise, have had a profound cultural influence on southern Nigeria.
There’s the Okigwe’s rolling hills, where the rich cultural legacy of the area seems to dance with the changing scenery and the Amakama Wooden Cave, an incredible natural wonder that has provided generations of Igbo people with refuge during turbulent times.
The varied landscapes of southeastern Nigeria entice both adventure seekers and lovers of the natural world as the area offers a breathtaking tour through the magnificence of nature, complete with gorgeous beaches, serene lagoons, and thick rainforests with flowing waterfalls.
PORT HARCOURT RECREATION AREA
In Port Harcourt, Rivers, there is a public leisure area called PLEASURE PARK. Situated on a vast expanse of open terrain with round-the-clock internal security, it is strategically situated along the major Aba Road, with the Army Barracks (Bori Camp) and Air Force base intersection on either side. Numerous amenities are available at the park, such as a sizable kids’ play area, a small-sized soccer pitch, three-person paddle boats for drivers, and water steps.A golf course, elliptical trainers, massage chairs, and basic walkers are among the fitness equipment available. There are also dining options, a climbing tower, and a running track. A 5-star movie theater, PS4 games, Water Steps, a mini soccer field, a gyroscope, a bull rodeo, a carousel, paintball, a shooting range, table tennis, a kids’ boat ride, a train ride, a cart ride (a family off-road excursion), an Oculus game, virtual reality games, and a virtual reality fitness room are among the other amenities.
GARDEN CITY AMUSEMENT PARK
The ecologically friendly Garden City Amusement Park is a family-friendly amusement park featuring a full range of contemporary rides and games for kids, teens, and adults. With love and enthusiasm, Garden City Amusement Park was created to inspire, educate, amuse, recreate, and promote the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of all guests.
DISCOVERY PARK
With a large hall that can accommodate 1,200 people and reasonable options for food, drinks, barbecue, table tennis, and snooker, Discovery Park is a well-liked hangout in Akwa Ibom. It’s also a well-known, family-friendly resort and recreation area that’s great for events like concerts, picnics, school reunions, and parties. It provides an amazing view of a serene setting with greenery.
PEACE PARK IN YENEGOA
The Peace Park offers luxurious amenities, sporting opportunities, and a lovely atmosphere for relaxation. The heart of Yenagoa Peace Park now has an artificial lake that enhances aquatic activities and provides lovely curves to the surrounding landscape. Thousands of people visit Peace Park for leisure and as a holiday destination, acting as an entertainment park.
Reportedly, former Niger Delta militants in Bayelsa gave up their weapons and gave up militancy at this well-known vacation and recreation area. The park has recreational facilities, a space for relaxation, and an artificial lake.
IBENO BEACH
One of the beaches along the Ibeno shorelines on the Atlantic Ocean is called Ibeno Beach. It is situated in Ibeno, an Akwa Ibom local government area, and is the longest sand beach in all of West Africa. Ibeno Beach has a visually appealing shoreline with amenities for boats, beach volleyball, water sports, and leisure.
THE NATIONAL FOREST OF BAYELSA
Some of Nigeria’s last chimpanzees live in the Bayelsa National Forest. It includes a portion of the former Nembe Kingdom in Bayelsa, which is currently split between the Nembe and Brass local government districts. The reserve covers 9,324 hectares and contains a freshwater marsh forest. Hunters can enter the forest by following oil pipelines and through waterways.