Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Owerri, Nigeria
1. Oguta Lake
A serene freshwater lake surrounded by forests and lush vegetation, offering boat tours, fishing, and birdwatching. Provides a habitat for diverse aquatic life.
- Sustainable Boat Tours: Eco-friendly boats are used to minimize environmental impact.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Promotes the preservation of aquatic species and their habitats.
- Community Involvement: Empowers local communities by providing employment opportunities.
2. Ise Creek Forest Reserve
A lush forest reserve teeming with diverse wildlife, including primates and bird species. Offers guided tours and hiking trails.
- Wildlife Conservation: Supports the conservation of endangered species and their habitats.
- Educational Tours: Provides opportunities for learning about local flora and fauna.
- Community-Based Conservation: Encourages local communities to participate in conservation efforts.
3. Abigboro Wildlife Park
Home to various African wildlife species such as chimpanzees, monkeys, and a variety of bird species. Offers guided tours and educational programs.
- Animal Welfare: Ensures the well-being of rescued and orphaned wildlife.
- Conservation Education: Provides visitors with insights on conservation efforts and wildlife preservation.
- Community Involvement: Engages local communities in wildlife conservation initiatives.
4. Ogbanje Hill
A scenic hill offering panoramic views of Owerri city and the surrounding countryside. Features a nature trail and cultural exhibits.
- Nature Conservation: Promotes the preservation of natural habitats and ecosystems.
- Cultural Education: Offers insights into local Igbo culture and history.
- Sustainable Development: Employs sustainable practices in infrastructure development and maintenance.
5. Ihube River
A scenic river flowing through lush forests, offering opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and birdwatching. Provides a vital habitat for diverse aquatic life.
- Aquatic Life Conservation: Supports the preservation of river ecosystems and aquatic species.
- Sustainable Recreation: Promotes environmentally friendly recreational activities.
- Community Empowerment: Provides employment opportunities for local communities.
6. Nekede Organic Farm
An organic farm promoting sustainable farming practices, offering farm tours and workshops on organic agriculture.
- Organic Agriculture: Promotes the use of natural farming methods without harmful chemicals.
- Sustainable Development: Employs environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.
- Community Engagement: Engages local communities in agricultural initiatives and skill-building.
7. Akokwa Elephant Sanctuary
A sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of elephants. Offers guided tours and educational programs.
- Elephant Conservation: Supports the conservation of elephants and their habitats.
- Educational Programs: Provides insights into elephant behavior, ecology, and conservation efforts.
- Community Involvement: Engages local communities in conservation initiatives and skill-building.
8. Nekede Forest Reserve
A forest reserve teeming with diverse wildlife, including primates and bird species. Offers guided tours and hiking trails.
- Wildlife Conservation: Supports the conservation of endangered species and their habitats.
- Educational Tours: Provides opportunities for learning about local flora and fauna.
- Community-Based Conservation: Encourages local communities to participate in conservation efforts.
9. Oguta Lake Bird Sanctuary
A bird sanctuary located on Oguta Lake, offering guided tours and birdwatching opportunities. Provides a habitat for diverse aquatic life.
- Bird Conservation: Supports the preservation of various bird species and their habitats.
- Sustainable Birdwatching: Promotes environmentally friendly birdwatching practices.
- Community Involvement: Empowers local communities by providing employment opportunities.
10. Nekede Orchid Garden
A beautiful orchid garden showcasing a variety of exotic and native orchids. Offers guided tours and educational programs.
- Orchid Conservation: Promotes the preservation of various orchid species.
- Educational Programs: Provides insights into orchid ecology, cultivation, and conservation efforts.
- Community Engagement: Engages local communities in horticulture and orchid conservation initiatives.
11. Umuaka Rice Terraces
A scenic rice terrace farm offering tours, workshops on sustainable rice farming, and cultural experiences.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Promotes environmentally friendly and sustainable rice farming practices.
- Cultural Education: Offers insights into local Igbo culture and rice terrace farming history.
- Community Empowerment: Provides employment opportunities for local communities.
12. Oguta Cultural Village
A living museum showcasing the culture, traditions, and crafts of various Igbo tribes. Offers cultural performances, workshops, and tours.
- Cultural Preservation: Supports the preservation and promotion of indigenous cultures.
- Educational Programs: Provides insights into Igbo culture, traditions, and crafts.
- Community Engagement: Engages local communities in cultural preservation initiatives and skill-building.
13. Akokwa River Rafting
An eco-friendly river rafting experience on the Akokwa River. Offers guided tours and adventure activities.
- Sustainable Adventure: Promotes environmentally friendly adventure activities.
- Community Involvement: Provides employment opportunities for local communities.
- Conservation Education: Raises awareness about river conservation and ecosystems.
14. Owerri City Forest Reserve
An urban forest reserve in the heart of Owerri city, offering guided tours, hiking trails, and educational programs.
- Urban Green Spaces: Promotes the creation and preservation of green spaces within urban environments.
- Educational Programs: Provides opportunities for learning about local flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
- Community Engagement: Engages local communities in urban forest conservation initiatives.
15. Nekede Butterfly Farm
A butterfly farm dedicated to the conservation and education of various butterfly species. Offers guided tours and educational programs.
- Butterfly Conservation: Supports the preservation of various butterfly species.
- Educational Programs: Provides insights into butterfly ecology, lifecycle, and conservation efforts.
- Community Engagement: Engages local communities in butterfly conservation initiatives and skill-building.