Zenith International Film Festival's Tour Guide for Movie Locations in Nigeria
Scouting for filming locations is one of the most important aspects of pre-production in film making and commercial photography. And it is the responsibility of the location scout and location manager.
We have seen many awesome locations in countless movies in America, Europe, Asia and Australia. And these locations have been used to promote the tourist attractions of these countries and have attracted millions of tourists and making millions of dollars for them in international tourism. But we have not seen many exotic locations for movies in Africa, except the over played pictures of the African Safari. And the scenery of the safari has become the best postcard of Africa and giving the erroneous impression that the jungle is the best picture of Africa. But Africa has many exotic locations that are more captivating than the wild life. And you can find many of such exotic locations for movies in Nigeria.
The following is a selection of the most exotic filming locations in Nigeria, but ignored by both the Nigerian and foreign filmmakers. Imagine the kind of movies that can be made at these awesome locations.
Azumini Blue River Rose
Azurnini Blue River is located in Abia State towards its boundary with Akwa lbom State. The River has become a resort for tourists because of the pleasantness it offers. The attractive features of the River include its crystal-clear blue water; canoe rides; sandy beaches with such relaxation facilities as chairs and tables. At the beach also, BBQ grill are delicacies provided for picnickers.
The water is so clear in fact, that the Aba Glass industry uses the uniquely bright and colourful stones as their raw materials when making products. The only down side to the river is that you might get tired trying to count all the fish that you can so clearly see swimming around.
Matsirga Waterfalls
Matsirga Waterfalls take its source from springs on the Kagoro hills cascading from four different natural funnels off the sheer rock cliff from about 25 metres to form a large pool at the bottom.
Situated in Madakiya close to Kafanchan, about 227 kilometers south of Kaduna, the water at Matsirga Waterfalls drops 30 meters into a gorge that has been supported by beautiful rocks. The fresh cool breeze around the area has something to offer for tourists.
At the point of impact with the river, the cascading showers of the fall create a rainbow-like mist which appears and disappears mysteriously.
The river formed by Matsirga Waterfalls increase with the rainy season overflowing its banks. A natural rock shelter at the river bank forms a cover and resting place for picnicking. Like a half umbrella, it provides shade for tourists amidst the wondrous continuous waterfall.
A heritage resort known as Madikiya Heritage Resort is being developed by a private investor within the fall area to serve the relaxation needs of tourists and visitors.
Also, the proximity of the Kagoro Hills and Nok Museum provides an added advantage to tourists visiting the area.
← National Ecumenical Centre
Cross River National Park
The Cross River National Park is Nigeria’s only national park with a tropical rain forest. The park is enclosed by a humid tropical rain forest that covers the northern and central parts, mangrove swamps covers the coastal areas with the forest being criss-crossed by rivers and little streams. The Cross River National Park can be found in the southeastern corner of Nigeria, and it covers a terrain of just about 4,000 km².
The park is being run as 2 divisions, with the Okwangwo Division being in the north and the Oban Division in the south. The Cross River National Park intends to look after and preserve the last remnants of the fauna and flora in this magnificent rain forest. By doing this, they also intend to endorse eco-tourism in Nigeria. The park is about an hour’s drive from Calabar, and it can also be connected through the Port Harcourt route.
Most tourists ultimately want to see the indigenous white-faced monkeys and the gorillas, and the Kanyang Tourist Village will give them unlimited opportunities to experience the Mbe Gorilla and the Obudu Cattle Ranch. The park is biologically very varied, and is host to species of plants and animals that are almost certainly undiscovered. Rare species of Baboon, Gorillas and Leopards dwell in the Cross River National Park - making it one of the ultimate tourist destinations for those wanting to spend some time with these glorious animals. Other striking animals such as Buffaloes, Wild Pigs, Forest Elephants, Antelopes, Chimpanzees, Manatees and other monkeys can also be found in the amazing environment.
Lake Kainji National Park
The Lake Kainji National Park can be found in Kwara State and was founded in 1979. This park integrates the Borgu Game Reserve as well as the Zugurma Game Reserve which is to the southeast in Niger State.
The Bourgu sector by itself covers an area of over 3,929 sq. km. which consists of savanna forest. The Zugurma region covers an area of almost 1,370 sq. km. The Kainji National Park is also home to the Kainji Dam, which is a man made lake – the town of Old Bussa used to be at this location. It is believed that the voyager, Mungo Park, experience great grief at this location in 1805. It is for this reason that this lake was build so that it could conceal the scene of the accident.
Lake Kainji is 136 km long, and tourists would be glad to know that tours of the dam are available – special permission should just be obtained from the Nigeria Electric Power Authority. The Borgu Game Reserve office, at Wawa, can also arrange trips on the Lake Kainji. In order to decrease the cost, it is advised that several visitors plan these trips together. Visitors are also allowed to fish on the Lake Kainji.
The Lake Kainji National Park also boasts numerous animals which include the big five – a sight that many wants to experience in Africa. Other animals include antelopes, roan antelopes, jackals, baboons, hartebeest, monkeys and crocodiles. This park is open from December until June, and a definite must see.
The gorgeous water features and rampant bird life puts this park a step above the rest. The accommodation at the park includes 49 standard chalets and a conference facility which can host 140 people.
Nigeria’s Highest Mountain, Chappal Waddi
Welcome to Chappal Waddi inhale the jungle and let remote paradise penetrate your soul. A phenomenally exhilarating climb awaits you from the vast hilly and rugged terrain crossed by leopards and grazed by buffalo to the fabulously lush emerald green jungle inhabited by fascinating primates, Chappal Waddi is truly a feast for your senses.
Located in the Southern sector of the Nigerian Gashaka Gumti National Park on the border of Cameroon, Chappal Waddi is considered the highest peak in Nigeria at 2419 meters. It is largely undiscovered leaving the door open for you to venture into a world very few, if any, have experienced. Feel the rocky riverbed under your feet, see the strange and wonderful fish swim around your legs as you walk the cool flowing rivers. As the Black & White, Colobus and Putty Nose monkeys peer at you through the big leaves of this emerald gem and you hear the Red River Hogs and Warthogs charge through the jungle let the thrill of this wonderful Eden seep under your skin.
Plunging valleys leave you breathless and the churning in your stomach feels like you just swallowed the brilliantly multi-coloured butterflies that flit around you on the thick forested slopes. As you step through this adventure with thrilling trepidation at what wonderful site you are going to encounter next you explore further into a vast fantasy come to life. Mischievous chimps, gushing waterfalls, crystal pools, paradise is attainable it’s just the world’s best kept secret.
Wase Rock
Wase Rock is located in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Its geologic origin has been attributed to volcanic activities in the Benue Trough and was exposed by subsequent erosion; hence, it is referred to as a volcanic plug.
Its remarkable inselberg rising abruptly 250 metres above the plain of Wase town. A notable topographic feature of 800-foot- (250-metre-) high hill, rises sharply above the savanna. It is a rock climber’s heaven.
Gashaka-Gumti National Park: Nigeria's Birdwatcher’s Paradise
The Gashaka-Gumti National Park is situated in a hilly area in the northeastern part of Nigeria. The park is next to the international border with Cameroon, and to the north of the Mambilla Plateau. Visitors to this secluded region will find no roads here, but only a small amount of footpaths snaking through the wooded mountains in the direction of Cameroon. Visitors to the Gashaka-Gumti National Park would be able to take pleasure in the flourishing forests, the extensive sweeping grasslands, the fresh highland plateaus, the rocky mountains, rich wildlife and the captivating ethnic cultures. All of this is pooled within a single sheltered area.
There are only a small number of places in the world that holds such stunning surroundings and assorted animals. Gashaka-Gumti National Park is in a concealed corner of West-Africa, and without a doubt one of the Africa’s best kept secrets.
The Gashaka-Gumti National Park is the biggest park there is in Nigeria, and consists of about 6,600 sq km of pure wilderness. The name of the park has been derived from Gashaka village in Taraba State and Gumti village in Adamaw State, which are two of the most historic settlements in the region. Gashaka-Gumti National Park was established as the result of a Federal Decree in 1991 when the Gashaka Game Reserve merged with the Gumti Game Reserve.
Birdwatchers would be glad to know that this is a birdwatcher's paradise, and there are a wide variety of bird species. The Gashaka-Gumti National Park is known as one of the most important bird areas in Africa. Birdwatchers are able to find more than 500 species here, and this is no overstatement. Visiting bird watchers constantly add new species are constantly added to the list by visiting bird watchers.
Springs Of Wikki At Nigeria’s Biggest National Park
In the south-central part of the Bauchi State lies Nigeria’s biggest national park. The Yankari National Park is an exceptional place where you can pretend you are actually at home in the comfort of a warm bath, apart from taking off your clothes that is. It is however home to over 50 species of animals and a spectacular freshwater ecosystem due to its freshwater springs and the Raji River.
There are four different warm water springs in the Yankari National Park that came about due to underground geothermal activity. The area is called Wikki springs because it was named after the largest of the four which is approximately 13 metres wide and 1.9 metres deep. The name Wikki means “where are you?” in the local Duguri language while the other warm water springs are named Dimmil, Nawulgo and Gwan. There is a fifth spring in the park but it only sprouts cool water, named Tungan Naliki.
Wikki spring on the other hand sprouts out beautiful spa-bath-worthy warm water that has a temperature of 31.1 degrees celsius all year round and amazingly it pushes out 21,000,000 litres of clear spring water out in the Gaji River. Located about 42 kilometres from the main entrance of the park, you can stay in one of the many furnished chalets at the “Wikki Camp” which is the tourist centre of the Park and you can make use of this graceful and elegant natural phenomenon!
Nok Village in Kaduna
Nok village is located in the Kaduna State of central Nigeria, 160 kilometres northeast of Baro. The Nok civilization was discovered in 1928 due to tin mining that was happening in the area and earned it’s name due to the Nok civilization that used to inhabit the area from around 500 BC. Mysteriously the people of the village vanished in a bout 200 AD. These people were known for their extremely advanced social system and were the earliest producers of life-sized Terracotta in the Sub-Sahara.
Hugely historical, archeologists have found human skeletons, stone tools and rock paintings around this area, not to mention the main act. The inhabitants of what is now called Nok Village, were known to make some of the oldest and culturally intriguing sculptures found in Africa. This led to discoveries that the ancient culture of Nok has been around for some 2500 years. When strolling through the village your senses will be delighted to rediscover an amazing group of people culturally and socially.
Not much is known about the purposes of these popular sculptures but some theories have suggested they were used to as charms to prevent crop failure, illness and infertility. You’ll really feel as if you’ve had the best history lesson of your life. Weapons of war, terra cotta heads of man and animals are abundant as you realize your dream is actually a reality. Nok village is a great place to take your family and be able to learn together about our world’s amazing past.
The Long JuJu Shrine of Arochukwu
Arochukwu is the third largest town in Abia State (after Aba and Umuahia) in southeastern Nigeria. It is one of the few existing kingdoms, not only in Nigeria but in Africa as a whole; it still practices the monarchical system of government. A few personalities have their roots in Arochukwu such as the late Educationalist Mazi Alvan Ikoku (1900-1971) and the football sensation, Nwankwo Kanu who played for the likes of Ajax and Arsenal in the European football leagues.
Apart from being the place of birth of such influential Nigerian personalities, Arochukwu also boasts several historical tourist sites, most notably the shrine or oracle known as Ibinu Ukpabi, or the Long Juju. What makes this shrine stand out among the other historical sites in the region is the role it played in the slave trade era and thus the impact it made in Nigeria’s history. The shrine is about a kilometre long and existed from the 17th century. The shrine was administered by a group of cultists, who were led by a chief priest. They ran an economic and sociopolitical ring that effectively controlled the region east of the Niger River, and as such had an effect on many people even before the arrival of colonialism.
As colonial Britain began its assault on kingdoms around the River Niger, the shrine brought these communities together as it became something of an apex court for people living east of the Niger. Due to the great influence of the Long Juju, shrine stewards and lower members of the Juju cult migrated to clans south of the Niger and settled. In their new abodes, they served as emissaries and informants to the Long Juju. They relayed information on disputes to the shrine and equally arranged trips to the latter and thus a Long Juju network was established in the region. As the slave era peaked, the Long Juju deviously used its influence in the area to profit from the transatlantic slave trade. With the Long Juju network already established, trading posts and slave quarters together with satellite shrines were set up in different villages all over the region where small litigation could be handled. Those found guilty were almost always sent to the cave temple of Chukwu as sacrifices to appease the Great deity Chukwu (whom the shrine symbolized). However these people were sold to European slave merchants. Thousands met their fate in this manner.
The Long Juju stronghold was however destroyed by the British as their quest for colonial power led to their decision to wage war on the Long Juju and the network it had established in the region. The mystic Long-Juju shrine, the slave routes and other relics of the slave trade era have become important tourist attractions in the area as a result of what they represent in Nigeria’s history.
Lake Chad, The “Disappearing Lake”
At the intersection of Chad, Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon lies Lake Chad. Once one of the world’s largest lakes, it is now a shadow of its former self. It is still economically important however, providing water to the more than 20 million people who live in the countries surrounding it. Lake Chad is believed to be a remnant of a former inland sea. This body of water has expanded and contracted with climate changes over 13,000 years. Around 4000 BC, Lake Chad would have been at its largest at around 400 000 km2. Since 1966 Lake Chad has shrunk from 30,000 km2 to just 3,000 km2. The region has experienced a significant decline in rainfall over this period while demand on the water from the local population has accelerated significantly.
Up to one million water birds flock to the lake in the palearctic winter. The many floating islands are home to a wide variety of wildlife including crocodiles, hippopotamus, fish, waterfowl and shore birds. In April 2008 the Lake Chad Wetlands in Nigeria was added to the Ramsar List, a List of Wetlands of International importance.
4WD and a guide are required when traveling in this area. Abandoned once thriving fishing villages can be seen dotted along the route, the closest shores of the lake now some 10km away. A fishing industry does still exist, with some fishing villages having sprung up in the middle of the drying lake.
The Lake Chad Game Reserve is currently the only protected area on Lake Chad. It occupies 150km along the western shore which constitutes more than half of the Nigerian shoreline of the lake and covers 7,044 km2.
The Exotic Beaches of Nigeria
Nigeria has over 700km of unpolluted sandy beaches which provides “Blue Lagoon” privacy and seclusion. Paddle to Calabar Beach which is situated at the mouth of the new Calabar River which is about two miles long and 500 feet wide. Calabar Beach is flanked by a swamp and can only be reached by boat or canoe that ensures a mystical adventure on the water as anybody else at the beach will also be stranded. There are fewer tourists at this uninhabited beach and the only sign of habitation is a solitary fisherman's hut.
The beach is virtually isolated and lends visitors the luxury of privacy Not just for water sports enthusiasts, these tourism developments of caves, tunnels and waterfalls attracts even the most dedicated couch potato to the active lifestyle. The weather is mostly normal along the coast as Nigeria lies in the tropical zone so an island adventure is guaranteed. The temperature rises up to 32 degrees but high humidity makes the nights extremely hot and the romance steamy or the adventure more heated.
Ibeno Beach
One of the numerous fine beaches in Nigeria is the Ibeno Beach in Akwa lbom State. A lover of water sport finds the Beach which stretches to James town on the Atlantic most inviting.
Ogbunike Cave
Ogbunike Cave can be described as the very wonder of nature. The Cave, segmented into sections, is found in Anambra State, some few kilometres away from the Onitshamarkettown. There are different stories about the various sections that constitute the cave. The stories are better told by the native tour guides.
lgbo-Ukwu
African kingdom of lgbo-Ukwu is an ancient town located in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State which has remained an attraction to tourists because of its bronze artifacts. The bronze which was first noticed in 1938 was later excavated by Thurstan Shaw, an English archaeologist.
The bronzes which date back to about the 9th century are of high value because of their historic relevance.
Shere Hills
This is one of Plateau’s highest peaks and most rugged, and offers unrivaled opportunities to the mountain climbers and lovers of adventure. It is about 10 kilometres to the East of Jos. The hills serve as a camping spot to the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre.
Assop Falls
The site is an area of Guinea Savanna on the slopes and top of a mid-altitude ridge of the Jos Plateau, beside the Jos-Kagoro road, about 70 km from Jos. The vegetation comprises gallery forests surrounded by grasslands. The Assop river, which feeds the picturesque rapids and falls, drains part of the Jos Plateau.
Idanre Hills
The historic Idanre Hills are another marvelous Tourist attractions in the State.
Idanre Town, the location of these hills is about 24 kilometres southwest of Akure the state capital.
The town is divided into viz, the new settlement which is at the foot of the hills and Oke- Idanre the old settlements on the top of the hills.
There is the hill top sanctuary of Idanre, which consists of about 640 steps. These had necessitated, in addition, the construction of five resting posts along the steps to the top. At the top of the hill, there is an intriguing footprint, which is widely believed to enlarge or contract to accommodate every foot. It is as well believed that anybody whose foot does not exactly fit into the footprint is considered to be a witch or a wizard.
The cultural relics in term of gods, goddesses and traditional arts can still be seen in addition to the old palace built around the 17th century. The panoramic view of the new Idanre never fails to fascinate first time visitors.
Olomo Rock
Olumo rock, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria, West Africa, sits in the ancient city center of Abeokuta – a name which means “Under the rock”. Abeokuta was originally inhabited by the egba people who found refuge at the Olumo rock during inter-tribal wars in the 19th century. The rock provided sanctuary to the people as well as a vantage point to monitor the enemy’s advance leading to eventual triumph in war. The town of Abeokuta eventually grew as these new settlers spread out from this location.
Obudu Mountain Resort
Obudu Mountain Resort is located in Cross River Slate towards the Nigeria-Cameroon border in the South-East. The Ranch is over 1,524m, has temperate weather condition to ensure green vegetation and grazing of cattle round the year. The Ranch is a tourist delight as a result of its divergent attractions. There are a natural swimming pool, horse riding, beautiful waterfall to behold, gorilla camp, bird watching, sporting facilities and accommodation.
Agbokim Waterfalls
Some short distance away from the Nigeria-Cameroon border is the very captivating sight called Agbokim Waterfalls. The Falls situated in Cross River State lies less than 30km from Ikom and is highly recommended for picnics. The falls are pleasantly surrounded by green vegetation.
Sillicon Hill
Near the Nkpologu campus of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) is found this very important mineral deposit. The hill which is more than 300 metres above sea level and almost half a kilometre long has silica, an important raw material fofthe manufacture of glasses. The surrounding environment is very captivating with hills, valleys and plaips beautifully wrapped up such that one cannot ignore it’s breath-taking views and awe-inspiring blend.
Zuma Rock, Abuja
Zuma Rock is a large monolith located in Niger State, Nigeria. It is immediately north of Nigeria's capital Abuja, along the main road from Abuja to Kaduna, and is sometimes referred to as "Gateway to Abuja."
Zuma Rock is 725 meters above its surroundings, and stands at 623 ft high.
Birnin Kudu Rock Paintings
Birnin Kudu town lies in the South of Jigawa State. Birnin Kudu is noted for the presence of rocks. Fascinating are the ancient paintings on these rocks. The different paintings are eloquent information on the styles of the early settlers in These particular paintings are dated as far as 1000 years back and are the oldest in Nigeria.
Chief Nana’s Palace, Koko
Chief Nana Olomu was a powerful nineteenth Century indigenousentrepreneur. As a reflection of the grandeur of his achievements, he built this mag nificent edifice at the turn of the century.WaterfallIt houses his personal effects and evidence of his contact with the Queen, administrators andtradersof the British Empire. Located at Koko in Warri -NorthLocal GovernmentArea of Delta State, the Palace has now become recognised and approved as aNational Monument.
Araya, Where a copy of the Holy Bible descended from heaven
A copy of the Holy Bible is believed to have descended miraculously in Araya in Delta State from heaven around August, 1914. It was discovered by an old woman named Mrs. Ofuonwaikie Esievo. The spot now attracts Christian Pilgrims from all over the country, especially during the Easter season.
Osun Sacred Grove
Osun-Osogbo or Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a sacred forest along the banks of the Oshun River just outside the city of Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.
The Osun-Osogbo Grove is among the last of the sacred forests which usually adjoined the edges of most Yoruba cities before extensive urbanization. In recognition of its global significance and its cultural value, the Sacred Grove was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
The 1950s saw the desecration of the Osun-Osogbo Grove: shrines were neglected, priests abandoned the grove as customary responsibilities and sanctions weakened. Prohibited actions like fishing, hunting and felling of trees in the grove took place until Austrian, Susanne Wenger, came and stopped the abuse going on in the grove.
Queen of Sheba Wall, Eredo Ramparts in Lagos
A team of Nigerian and British archaeologists say the wall, which could be more than 1,000 years old, is genuine and not a modern construction.
The wall lies hidden in the Nigerian rainforest at a site called Eredo, just a few hour's drive from the capital, Lagos.
A team from Bournemouth University, working with British archaeologist Dr Patrick Darling, recently completed a preliminary survey of the Eredo earthworks.
They consist of a wall and ditch measuring 70ft (20 metres) high in places and approximately 100 miles (150km) long.
'Earliest rainforest kingdom'
While not approaching the complexity of a project like the pyramids in Egypt, the builders would have shifted an estimated 3.5 million cubic metres of earth during construction of the ramparts.
This is one million cubic metres more than the amount of rock and earth used in the Great Pyramid at Giza.
Credit: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/356850.stm
Staff of Oranmiyan
The Staff of Oranmiyan is over five meters tall in Moopa, Ile Ife town.
The staff made of granite obelisk with iron stud stands within the Oranmiyan shrine.
Oranyan Omoluabi, King of the Yoruba, also known as Oranmiyan, was a Yoruba king from the kingdom of Ile-Ife and heir to Oduduwa. According to Yoruba history, he founded Oyo as its first Alaafin at around the year 1170, and one of his children, Eweka I, went on to become the first Oba of the Benin Empire. Following the Oba Oranyan's death, his family is fabled to have erected the commemorative stele known as the Staff of Oranmiyan - Opa Oranmiyan in the Yoruba language - at the place where their father died.
The Great Benin Moat [Iya]:
The Great Benin Moat, also known traditionally as Iya,is the largest man-made earthworks in the world. One of the wonders of the world. It predates the use of modern earth-moving equipment or technology in these parts. The moat encircles the old perimeter precincts of the City and was constructed as a defensive barrier in times of war. {5th} Oba Oguola {about 1280-1295} dug the first and second moats to
fortify the City from invaders; Udo warriors "Iyokuo" under the command of Chief Akpanigiakon a powerful war lord, and the ruler of Udo. Oba Oguola further decreed that important towns and Villages should build similar moats as defence systems around their communities.This gave rise to twenty of such moats around Benin City and its environs. Oba Oguola succeeded in crushing Chief Akpanigiakon and his powerful armies at the battle of Urhezen about 1285 CE. An extension of the moat was constructed in the 15th century during the reign of {12th} Oba Ewuare the Great (1440-1473 CE).The Benin moat is over 3200 kilometers long.
"They extend for some 16,000 kilometres in all, in a mosaic of more than 500 interconnected settlement boundaries. They cover 6,500 square kilometres and were all dug by the Edo people. In all, they are four times longer than the Great Wall of China, and consumed a hundred times more material than the Great Pyramid of Cheops. They took an estimated 150 million hours of digging to construct, and are perhaps the largest single archaeological phenomenon on the planet."
~ Fred Pearce.
Bonny Island in Rivers State is located in the Niger Delta.
It is famous for having the Nigeria LNG Limited and Finima nature park where tourists can play with salt water hippopotamuses or see the sunrise and sunset at the Finima beach.
Produced by Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Contact Us for Filming Locations in Nigeria
Screen Outdoor Open Air Cinema
E-mail: ekenyerengozimichaelchima@gmail.com
Contributors Credits:
http://touristdeck.com/top-10-most-beautiful-places-to-visit-in-nigeria/
http://www.africanseer.com/travel/visit-nigeria/224917-azumini-river.html
http://www.logbaby.com/news/chief-nanas-palace_8185.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osun-Osogbo
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