Fugar Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, must-try dishes, cultural attractions, safety tips, and transportation options in Fugar with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Fugar

Fugar is a vibrant community located in Etsako Central Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. It is home to many ethnic groups like the Afemai tribe, Nupes, Hausas, and Fulanis, making a melting pot of cultures.

List of Places to Visit in Fugar

There are many fascinating places to visit in Fugar, from museums and historical sites to natural parks and outdoor activities.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Fugar is steeped in history and culture, which can be seen in its museums and historical landmarks. Some of the must-visit places in Fugar include:

  • Idah Fort: Built during the colonial era, the Idah Fort is a significant historical site that served as a slave route, military fort, and center for governance. Today, it’s been converted into a museum featuring a collection of artifacts and antiques from the colonial era.

  • Royal Palace: The palace, locally called “Ogieneni”, is a beautiful and well-preserved ancient palace. Visitors can admire the ornate carvings, traditional architecture, and enjoy a guided tour provided by the locals.

  • Kukuruku Hills: This natural hill formation provides visitors with a great view of Fugar’s beautiful landscape while also offering a peek into Fugar’s history as it’s believed to have been used as a strategic point during ancient wars.

Natural Attractions of Fugar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Edo State is blessed with amazing landscapes from hills, rivers, waterfalls, and parks, and Fugar is no exception. Some of the fantastic outdoor activities include:

  • Inependent Hill: Visitors can hike to the top of this beautiful hill to take in breathtaking views of the countryside. With well-maintained trails, it’s a popular spot for picnics and outdoor events.

  • Ososo Hills and Resort: This popular tourist destination is located about 20 minutes away from Fugar. It’s famous for the hot and cold springs that serve therapeutic purposes, a perfect place to relax and unwind.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Fugar

Fugar is home to some of the best hiking and biking trails in Nigeria. Some of the most popular include:

  • Idanre Hills: With an elevation of over 900 meters, this hill offers stunning views of Edo State. The trails are well marked, and the trek takes approximately three hours.

  • Erin-Ijesha Waterfall: The waterfall is nestled in a forest and is part of the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO world heritage site, and attracts visitors from all around.

Best Things to Do in Fugar: Activities and Tours

Visitors to Fugar can enjoy a wide variety of activities and excursions. Some popular ones include:

  • Fugar Carnival: This event is usually held in December and is a celebration of Fugar’s culture and heritage. Visitors can enjoy a parade, concerts, art exhibitions, and food vendors.

  • Fishing Excursion: Fugar is close to the Niger River, which provides excellent opportunities for fishing trips. Visitors can fish for catfish, tilapia, and other fish species.

Week-Long Itinerary for Fugar

For those who want to experience Fugar’s best attractions in a week, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day Itinerary
1 Arrival in Fugar and tour of the town
2 Visit to Idah Fort and the Ososo Hills and Resort
3 Tour of Kukuruku Hills and the Royal Palace
4 Hike to Independent Hill and visit to Erin-Ijesha Waterfall
5 Fishing excursion and exploration of Fugar’s local markets
6 Participation in Fugar Carnival and visit to nearby towns like Auchi and Okpella
7 Departure from Fugar

Food and Drink Scene of Fugar

Fugar boasts of delicious traditional dishes unique to the Edo state. Some notable ones include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pounded Yam: This is a staple food in Fugar and is served with a soup or stew made with vegetables, fish or meat.

  • Owo Soup: This is a vegetable-based soup made with pumpkin leaves and is traditionally eaten with eba or pounded yam.

Local Beverages

  • Palm wine: This is a refreshing alcoholic drink made from the sap of palm trees.

  • Soborodo: This is a sweet and spicy drink made from soft drinks and sweeteners mixed with spices, served chilled.

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

There are many options for accommodation in Fugar, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious guesthouses. Some of the most popular places to stay include:

  • Thralplace hotel: This is a top-class hotel with well-appointed rooms, conference rooms, swimming pool, and restaurant with international cuisine.

  • Fountain Hotel and Suites: This is a mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms, a bar, and restaurant services.

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

Fugar is known for its intricate hand-carved wooden items like masks and figurines, traditional fabrics, and locally grown produce like cassava and yam. These make great souvenirs to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Fugar

The Afemai tribe dominates Fugar culture, and visitors can experience the richness of its cultural heritage through its music, dance, and festivals.

Best Time to Visit Fugar

The best time to visit Fugar is during the dry season, which runs from November to February when the weather is cool and dry. However, visitors can visit Fugar all year round as the weather is generally hot and humid with occasional rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Fugar

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Fugar:

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques and other religious buildings.
  • Ask for permission before taking photographs of people or their property.

Don’t:

  • Consume alcohol in public spaces.
  • Litter the environment or engage in disruptive behavior.

Safety and Health

Safety in Fugar

Fugar is generally safe for visitors, but it’s advisable to take common-sense precautions, such as avoiding unlit and isolated areas at night.

Health in Fugar

Visitors should drink bottled water to avoid waterborne diseases like typhoid fever and diarrhea. It’s also advisable to get vaccinated before traveling to Nigeria.

Getting to Fugar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Fugar is accessible through different modes of transportation, including air, road, and rail.

Airports Near Fugar

The nearest airport to Fugar is the Aminu Kano International Airport, located about 200 kilometers away in Kano State.

Bus Stations Near Fugar

Fugar is accessible through several Nigerian bus stations, including Benin City, Auchi, and Lokoja.

Other Options

Visitors can also arrange for private transportation, including taxi services or car rentals, to travel to Fugar.

How to Get Around in Fugar

There are many ways for visitors to get around Fugar, including motorcycle taxis and car rentals.

Where to Go Next from Fugar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many exciting places to visit near Fugar, including:

  • Auchi: This is a historic town located about 30km from Fugar and is famous for its ancient relics, ethnic festivals, dance, and crafts.

  • Okpella: This town is known for its impressive natural and cultural landscapes and a hub for tourism.

Conclusion

Fugar is a hidden gem located in Edo State that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. With its scenic views, delicious cuisine, and friendly people, visitors to Fugar are sure to have an unforgettable experience.