15 Places to go and Things to do in Warri

Warri is a city in Delta State of Nigeria. Due to the discovery of oil and it's closeness to the coast, Warri has become a hub for petroleum related activities and in Nigeria. Warri is also known for its other exports, great comedy. Every comedian or wannabe wants to be associated with Warri from their unique style of pidgin which is practically a second language here to the unusual and boisterous way of life of the Warri people. All of this make Warri rich in sights and sounds for you.

1.The Palace of the Olu of Warri

Always polite to greet the ruler of a land while you're in his territory. In the Warri the Olu is King. His palace is located in the centre of Ode-Itsekiri and it is home of Olu of Warri the paramount ruler of the Warri Kingdom. A striking architectural work, only part of the palace is open to the public as it is actually a private home. The furniture and interior are European-style.

2.Warri Kingdom Royal Cemetery

Standing on a large expanse of land in Ijala is the final resting place of the past 18 Olus of Warri. Unlike other cemeteries the gravesite of the Olus bear no grand markers or cenotaphs, but at the death of every Olu an Iroko tree is planted. This makes for the most luscious of vegetation and wildlife. A grove to honour the dead, so full of life. With trees as old as 400 years, it is truly a site to behold. At the end of the grove is a stream that flows into the Atlantic Ocean, it is said to medium that carries the spirit of the Olu to the afterlife.

3.Chief Nana's Palace

Located at Koko in Warri-North Local Government Area of Delta State, the Palace is Nigeria's only living history museum and has now become recognised and approved as a National Monument. Chief Nana Olomu was a nineteenth century indigenous entrepreneur. As a reflection of his achievements, he built this magnificent edifice at the turn of the century. It houses his personal effects and evidence of his contact with the Queen, administrators and traders of the British Empire.

4.Effurun Garden Park

Located at Effurun round about in Warri. The park with its wild gardens and luscious vegetations is the place to relax and unwind. Come here to throw a picnic, on a date with a special someone or just to lie down and read a great book.

5.Red Mangrove Swamp

One of the sights solely unique to Warri, the Red mangrove swamp is worth the experience. Best enjoyed while on a local canoe with a guide leading you. The swamp Gand its unique geography and vegetation is no place to get lost in.

6.Abraka Turf and Country Club

Close to Warri's red mangrove swamp is Abraka Turf and Country Club. Reputed to be Nigeria's only equestrian country club, the Abraka Turf and Country Club is located in the Ethiope river valley. Lush vegetation and a stream springing from the club make for a magical environment. With a unique combination of luxury, great atmosphere and welcoming staff make certain a visit to the club is ever memorable. Activities available to visitors include horse back riding, golf, kayaking, fishing, swimming and deep water diving.

7.Abraka River Resort Motel

With the many water bodies in Warri, its beaches are a most wonderful experience. The Abraka River Resort with its own sandy beach on a river that flows through a beautiful forested area is arguably the best of them. The best part of this resort is swimming and boating in the springfed crystal clear waters.

8.Gordon's River Resort

Also located in the Abraka region of Warri. Gordon River Resort is another great spot which is a delight for those wanting to get away into the kind of serenity that an African jungle can offer. With the River Ethiope's pristine waters flowing through the resort it presents the raw undiluted beauty of nature.

9.Delta Shopping Mall.

Located at Effurun Round About in Warri. The Delta State shopping mall is a place to stop by at to buy anything from furniture to foodstuffs. There's always a bargain to be made. After all the shopping you can stop at any of its food courts and get a good meal.

10.Uwie Modern Market

A move by the Delta State government to sanitise and improve the environment. The Uvwie modern market combines all of the vivaciousness of an open air market with the hygienic conditions of a mall.

11.Gold Tulip Hotels

Warri's very own 4 star hotel. Asides from the great hospitality and luxurious accommodations, the hotel is home to Silverbird Cinema in Warri. Hang with friends or just come to see a great movie, either way you're guaranteed a great time.

12.Warri Township Stadium

Warri Township Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Warri, Nigeria on Cemetery Road. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the regular home for Warri Wolves F.C. The stadium has a capacity of 20,000 people, all covered. Asides from international standard football facilities, Warri Township Stadium also has international standard track and field facilities.

13. Try Banga Soup

One of Warri's best known delicacies, you've not had proper banga soup till it's made in Warri by Warri.

14.Go to a bar in Warri

Warri bars are like no other, filled with life and Wafarians. Not every indigene is a comedian but with the mix of their unique pidgin and daredevil antics there's never an end to the laughter and theatrics. It's also a great place to get to know more about the people.

15.Okiroro (Okere) Festival

The Okiroro Festival is celebrated by the Okere people of Warri, and is generally celebrated in July or August. This marks the festival for the ancestors, as the forefathers and mothers of the people are honored. The highlight here is the “Okere Juju”, a masquerade where a large number of the tribes’ people gather together for some dancing and singing. These people come from the various sites where the shrine of their ancestors are – representing the various clans coming together as one and meeting at the heart of Okere where some traditional tribal dancing and singing can be seen. Warri culture at its finest.

Related: Here are some great places to go in Asaba