Edo: Discover Rainforest and Benin Art

Edo offers two different perspectives on Nigeria’s natural environment and cultural heritage. Okomu National Park in Edo State is home to a rainforest ecosystem; the Benin City National Museum houses Benin art and historical antiquities from various parts of the country. The Palace of the Oba of Benin is the Oba’s home. These are distinct themes to consider when planning your trip: nature, art and history. If you’re looking for hotels in Edo, first consider which of these interests will shape your stay.

Rainforest and activities in Okomu National Park

Okomu National Park is a rainforest ecosystem; in 1935, it was designated a protected area from the former Okomu Forest Reserve. The park service describes Okomu as the smallest of Nigeria’s seven national parks; the number of national parks may change.

A 2023 brochure lists wildlife viewing, climbing in the treehouse, swimming, birdwatching, sport fishing and picnicking as activities. It also mentions a wilderness experience, canoeing on the Osse and Okomu rivers, a visit to Odighi Pond and a walk along the elevated canopy walkway. For planning purposes, these options can be grouped into wildlife viewing, water activities and trails. Before your visit, check which of the listed activities are currently available.

Art, history and visitor attractions in Edo

The Benin City National Museum houses Benin art and historical antiquities from various parts of Nigeria. The Palace of the Oba of Benin is the Oba’s home and provides a different cultural point of reference from the museum collection. Gelegele Historical Port is also listed as a visitor attraction in Edo State. If you plan to include it in your itinerary, check the visiting arrangements in advance.

Nigeria in a broader context

The following examples broaden the perspective to Nigeria as a whole. The country’s climatic differences create a north–south gradient of different habitats and ecosystems. The ancient settlement of Sukur in Nigeria has a history of iron smelting, flourishing trade and strong political institutions dating back to the 16th century. Terraced fields, dry-stone buildings and paved stone paths shape Sukur’s landscape. The Hidi is the political and spiritual head of the community; his palace is made of dry stone and surrounded by numerous shrines, some of which are made of ceramic.

Many disused iron-smelting shaft furnaces have been preserved in Sukur. They were operated with bellows and were usually located near their owners’ homes. Traditional terraced farming and its associated ritual systems continue. Regularly observed festivals and ceremonies are considered signs of cultural continuity.

Another example is the annual procession festival at Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove. It lasts twelve days in July and August, renews the bond between the goddess and the people of the town, and helps preserve living Yoruba cultural traditions. The Sango Festival of Oyo marks the beginning of the Yoruba Traditional New Year in August. It is a form of ancestral worship in Sango near the ancient Koso Temple. At the start of the festival, on the eve of the Yoruba New Year, followers and worshippers of Sango share and eat roasted new yams with palm oil.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ewu-Esan, Benin City, Adamawa, Oyo, Yobe, Delta, Osun, Niger.

Go to the main travel overview: Nigeria.