Owerri Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local tips for Owerri, Nigeria. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Owerri

Owerri is the capital city of Imo State in the southeastern region of Nigeria. It is home to several tourist attractions, including rich cultural and historical sites, amazing natural scenery, and vibrant local culture.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, group, or family visitor, Owerri has something for everyone looking for a unique vacation experience. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to Owerri, with information on the best places to visit, things to do, local food and drinks, where to stay, safety tips, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Owerri

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Some of the culturally significant attractions to visit in Owerri include:

1. Ahiajioku Center

The Ahiajoku Center is a cultural center dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Igbo people, including dance performances, art, music, and literature.

2. Mbari Cultural and Art Center

The Mbari Cultural and Art Center was built in the 1960s to display bronze sculptures, carvings, and other forms of art from the Igbo tribe.

3. National Museum of Unity

The National Museum of Unity is a significant cultural center in Owerri that displays the diverse cultural heritage of Nigeria, from its pre-colonial history to the present day.

Natural Attractions of Owerri: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

There are many beautiful and scenic places to visit in Owerri, including:

1. Oguta Lake

Oguta Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Nigeria and provides a serene environment for water sports activities such as boating, skiing, and fishing.

2. Nekede Zoo

The Nekede Zoo is home to different animal species, and visitors can observe the numerous species in natural habitats.

3. Ezeogba waterfall

The Ezeogba waterfall is a stunning natural waterfall located just outside the city of Owerri, providing beautiful scenery and a refreshing atmosphere.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Owerri

For outdoor enthusiasts, Owerri boasts various biking and hiking trails, including:

  • The Ngwa road trail is a 10-kilometer trail suitable for biking and hiking routes.
  • The Njaba River trail provides a stunning view of the Njaba River and surrounding scenery.

Best Things to Do in Owerri: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the exciting activities and tours visitors can engage in while in Owerri:

  • Enjoy the local nightlife by visiting a popular club such as Blue Ribbon or Villa Garden.
  • Participate in a traditional Igbo village tour, to learn about customs and culture, such as carving and weaving.
  • Attend a cultural festival, such as the New Yam Festival, which is celebrated in August of every year.

Week-Long Itinerary for Owerri

Here is a week-long itinerary to guide visitors on the best places to see on their trip to Owerri:

Day Location Activity
1 Ahiajoku Center, Mbari Cultural Center Cultural tour
2 Oguta Lake Water sports and picnic
3 National Museum Sightseeing
4 Nekede Zoo Wildlife viewing
5 Ezeogba waterfall Hiking and swimming
6 Cultural festival Attend local events
7 Souvenir shops Shopping

Food and Drink Scene of Owerri

Must-Try Dishes

Owerri is known for its unique cuisine, and visitors can enjoy some of these local dishes:

  • Ugba and Okporoko
  • Nkwobi
  • Abacha

Local Beverages

For a true taste of Owerri, visitors must try the following local beverages:

  • Palm wine
  • Ogogoro
  • Star Beer

Where to Stay in Owerri: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Owerri has an array of accommodation options suitable for different kinds of travelers. You can choose from the following:

  • Owerri Transcorp Hilton
  • 4 Point By Sheraton
  • Delight Hotel and Resorts
  • Immaculate Mak Hotel
  • Valley View Hotels and Suites

What to Buy in Owerri: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can buy unique souvenirs to take home, such as:

  • Local fabrics
  • Handmade crafts
  • Beaded Jewelry

Local Culture and Customs of Owerri

The Igbo tribe is the dominant ethnic group in Owerri with rich cultural customs such as dancing, carving, and weaving. Visitors can experience the rich Igbo culture by attending the different festivals and cultural events held throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Owerri

The best time to visit Owerri is during the dry season, from November to February.

Do’s and Don’ts of Owerri

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Learn common phrases in the local language.
  • Keep an open mind and be willing to explore the culture.

Don’t:

  • Take pictures of people and places without permission.
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Wear revealing clothing in public.

Safety and Health

Safety in Owerri

While Owerri is relatively safe, visitors must take some precautions, such as:

  • Avoid walking alone at night.
  • Take official taxis or reputable transportation services.
  • Avoid carrying large sums of cash.

Health in Owerri

Visitors to Owerri must protect themselves against mosquito bites, which causes malaria. It is advisable to take prophylactic medication, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use insect repellent.

Getting to Owerri: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Owerri

The closest airport to Owerri is the Sam Mbakwe International Airport, which is a 30-minute drive to the city center.

Bus Stations Near Owerri

Visitors can also take a bus to Owerri from different parts of the country. Some of the popular bus stations include Wazobia and Peace Mass.

Other Options

Visitors can also choose to take a taxi, Uber, or car rental services to explore the city.

How to Get Around in Owerri

Visitors to Owerri can use different modes of transportation to get around, including:

  • Taxis
  • Danfo Buses
  • Motorcycles

Where to Go Next from Owerri: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can visit different destinations near Owerri, including:

  • Port Harcourt City
  • Asaba, Delta State
  • Enugu City

Conclusion

Owerri offers visitors an array of activities to experience, from visiting museums and cultural centers to outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, and swimming. Our comprehensive travel guide provides essential information for planning your holiday experience in Owerri, Nigeria. Plan a trip today and explore the richness of Nigeria’s culture and tradition.

A roundabout in Owerri A roundabout in Owerri Hero's Square contains several statues of prominent Nigerian political leaders. Hero's Square contains several statues of prominent Nigerian political leaders.