Nigeria’s tourism movement in 2025 reflected a steady return of travel confidence, stronger domestic tourism, and renewed international interest in culture, nature, and heritage.
From major cities to conservation areas and historic landmarks, visitor movement showed clear patterns around accessibility, experience, and storytelling.
Below are the five most toured destinations in Nigeria in 2025, based on visitor flow, tour activity, and travel itineraries, compiled by Fishe.
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Lagos tops Nigeria’s tourism chart in 2025
Lagos emerged as the most toured destination in Nigeria in 2025, maintaining its role as the country’s main entry point for travellers. The city recorded the highest number of domestic and international visits during the year, driven by its mix of culture, history, leisure, and business travel.
Tourism in Lagos did not rely on one attraction. Instead, visitors moved across several sites that offered varied experiences. The Lekki Conservation Centre remained one of the most visited nature spaces in the city, with its canopy walkway attracting steady foot traffic throughout the year.
Cultural tourism also remained strong. Makoko floating community tours drew visitors interested in daily life, heritage, and water-based settlements. Badagry continued to receive heritage travellers following the slave trade route and visiting museums linked to Nigeria’s transatlantic history.
Beach visits also played a role, with locations such as Tarkwa Bay and Elegushi appearing frequently in travel plans. Food events, fashion shows, concerts, and social gatherings further boosted Lagos’ tourism activity in 2025.
For many travellers, Lagos served as the starting point before connecting to other destinations across Nigeria.
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Obudu Mountain Resort sustains visitor traffic
Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River State remained one of Nigeria’s most toured natural destinations in 2025. Often referred to as the “African Alps”, the resort continued to draw families, couples, and tour groups seeking landscape-focused travel.
The cable car remained central to visitor movement, offering access to the plateau and views across the surrounding area. Nature trails, water points, and walking routes recorded consistent use throughout the year.
One of Obudu’s key draws in 2025 was its climate, which offered a contrast to many parts of the country. This factor continued to influence travel decisions, particularly during peak holiday periods.
Obudu’s ability to combine accommodation, transport access, and outdoor experiences kept it on both domestic and international tour schedules.
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Yankari Game Reserve retains its place on safari routes
Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State remained Nigeria’s most toured wildlife destination in 2025. The reserve continued to appear on organised tour routes due to its range of animal life and natural features.
Safari drives remained a major activity, with visitors seeking sightings of elephants, lions, antelopes, and bird species. Guided tours supported both education and conservation-focused travel.
The Wikki Warm Springs continued to attract visitors looking for relaxation after safari activities. Swimming and leisure visits around the springs remained a regular part of tour schedules.
Yankari’s mix of wildlife, water features, and guided experiences ensured its continued relevance within Nigeria’s tourism space in 2025.
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Olumo Rock remains a cultural tourism mainstay
Olumo Rock in Ogun State continued to receive high visitor numbers in 2025, reinforcing its status as one of Nigeria’s most toured cultural landmarks.
Visitors climbed the rock or used the elevator system to reach viewing points overlooking Abeokuta. These visits often included guided explanations of the site’s role in historical resistance and community protection.
The surrounding area supported tourism activity through local markets, crafts, and cultural displays. Many travellers combined their visit to Olumo Rock with broader cultural exploration within the city.
Its location, accessibility, and historical relevance kept Olumo Rock firmly on travel itineraries throughout the year.
Waterfall tourism records strong movement
While no single waterfall site surpassed the top four destinations, waterfall tourism as a group ranked among the most toured experiences in Nigeria in 2025. Eco-tourism and adventure travel drove interest across several states.
Erin Ijesha Waterfalls remained one of the most visited, with travellers exploring its multi-level routes and forest surroundings. Owu Waterfalls gained increased attention in 2025, appearing more frequently in organised tour plans due to its scale and setting.
Agbokim Waterfalls in Cross River State also recorded steady visitor movement, supported by its forest environment and proximity to other nature sites.
Together, these locations highlighted the growing role of nature-based travel within Nigeria’s tourism landscape.
