10 Must-Experience Year-Round Activities and Attractions in Makurdi Nigeria

Key Takeaways:

• Makurdi offers a riverside charm with vibrant markets, rich culture, and scenic views along the Benue River.

• Visitors can enjoy nature walks, local festivals, historic sites, and cultural institutions throughout the year.

• It’s an underrated destination perfect for cultural explorers, families, and nature lovers.

Makurdi, the capital of Benue State in Nigeria, is a city defined by its vibrant culture and life along the mighty Benue River. Known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” Makurdi thrives with agricultural richness, local hospitality, and historical significance. It serves as a gateway to Nigeria’s central region, offering both natural and urban experiences for all types of travelers. Whether you’re discovering the local cuisine, exploring riverside landscapes, or soaking in the culture at a market, Makurdi provides an authentic and welcoming Nigerian experience year-round.

Table of Contents

1. Visit the Benue River Waterfront

2. Explore the Makurdi Zoological Garden

3. Attend the Akata Fishing Festival

4. Discover the Aper Aku Stadium on Match Day

5. Shop and Eat at Wurukum Market

6. Walk the Old Railway Bridge

7. Check Out Local Art at Benue State Council for Arts and Culture

8. Hike the Hills Around North Bank

9. Visit the NKST Church Cathedral

10. Experience the New Yam Festival

1. Visit the Benue River Waterfront

The Benue River is the soul of Makurdi, and its waterfront offers a peaceful and scenic place to relax, walk, or watch fishermen in their daily routines. Whether you go at sunrise or sunset, the colors over the water are breathtaking and perfect for photos.

Local vendors line the edges of the river, selling grilled fish, sweet corn, and traditional snacks, making it an ideal spot for casual riverside dining. Some areas even offer boat rides across the river, giving visitors a fresh perspective of the city. It’s a great place to feel the pace of local life and take a break from the busier streets.

2. Explore the Makurdi Zoological Garden

Located within the Benue State Ministry of Agriculture complex, the Makurdi Zoological Garden is a quiet and educational spot great for both families and solo travelers. The zoo houses native and exotic animals including baboons, crocodiles, and antelope.

There are shaded paths and informative signs that explain the animals’ natural habitats and behaviors. The garden setting also features picnic areas and green lawns, which are great for relaxing after a walk. It’s an accessible way to connect with nature without leaving the city.

3. Attend the Akata Fishing Festival

One of the most vibrant annual events near Makurdi is the Akata Fishing Festival, held in Katsina-Ala but widely celebrated across Benue State. This traditional event features fishing competitions, cultural dances, and displays of Tiv heritage, attracting both locals and visitors.

While the main festival takes place in April, cultural echoes and smaller celebrations continue throughout the year, especially in Makurdi’s community centers. If you’re in town during this time, it’s a must-see spectacle of color, sound, and community pride.

4. Discover the Aper Aku Stadium on Match Day

Sports fans will appreciate the local energy at Aper Aku Stadium, where football matches bring crowds roaring to life. Home to Lobi Stars FC, the stadium is a central hub for athletic events and regional competitions.

Even if you’re not a football expert, the atmosphere is worth experiencing—vendors sell snacks, local musicians hype up the crowd, and chants echo across the field. On non-game days, the stadium often hosts community fitness sessions or cultural programs.

5. Shop and Eat at Wurukum Market

Wurukum Market is one of Makurdi’s busiest commercial centers and a prime place to experience everyday life. Vendors offer fresh produce, colorful fabrics, electronics, and local spices in a bustling, maze-like environment.

It’s especially popular for trying local dishes like pounded yam and egusi soup, served hot and fresh by street vendors. If you’re looking for souvenirs or simply want to observe the rhythms of a vibrant market, Wurukum is a must-visit stop in Makurdi.

6. Walk the Old Railway Bridge

Makurdi’s iconic Old Railway Bridge stretches over the Benue River and offers one of the city’s best panoramic views. Originally built during colonial times, it still functions as both a railway and pedestrian bridge, with locals using it for daily commutes and scenic walks.

A walk across the bridge gives you a bird’s-eye view of canoes on the river, surrounding hills, and city rooftops. It’s especially striking at dawn or dusk when the lighting softens and the breeze carries across the water. This spot is perfect for quiet reflection, photography, or just soaking in the atmosphere.

7. Check Out Local Art at Benue State Council for Arts and Culture

This cultural institution serves as a creative heartbeat of Makurdi, celebrating the diversity of Benue’s ethnic groups through performance, art, and traditional crafts. You’ll find rotating exhibitions, dance rehearsals, handmade textiles, and locally crafted masks and pottery.

Visitors are welcome to tour the facility or attend one of their regularly scheduled cultural showcases. It’s an inspiring way to understand the deeper stories of the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede people. You can even purchase authentic souvenirs directly from artists supporting their community.

8. Hike the Hills Around North Bank

Just north of the city across the river, you’ll find rolling hills perfect for short hikes or nature walks. These hills offer a peaceful retreat from the noise of central Makurdi and provide impressive views of the Benue River and cityscape.

Local guides or residents can point out well-trodden trails or interesting viewpoints. Bring water, a camera, and sun protection. If you’re a morning person, a sunrise hike here can be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.

9. Visit the NKST Church Cathedral

Makurdi is home to one of the most prominent NKST (Nongu u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar) churches, which plays an important spiritual and architectural role in the region. The cathedral is known for its massive structure, serene interior, and beautifully kept grounds.

Whether you attend a service or simply walk around, the NKST Church offers a peaceful space and insight into local religious life. Services are often filled with music, community, and powerful messages, making it a cultural as well as spiritual experience.

10. Experience the New Yam Festival

Celebrated between August and October depending on the region, the New Yam Festival is a cherished tradition among the Tiv people of Benue State. Even though the larger events happen in nearby towns, Makurdi hosts smaller community gatherings that bring the same energy and joy.

You’ll find live music, yam feasts, traditional dances, and storytelling. It’s a chance to witness centuries-old rituals up close and appreciate how agriculture and community remain intertwined in local life. If your visit aligns with the festival period, consider it a golden opportunity to experience Makurdi at its cultural peak.

What to do if you have kids?

Makurdi is a great place for families, with several low-key attractions perfect for children. The Makurdi Zoological Garden offers a fun and educational experience, while the Benue River Waterfront is ideal for walks and picnics. Wurukum Market can be a playful sensory experience for kids (with supervision), and local eateries often serve kid-friendly meals like jollof rice and fried plantains. For a quiet afternoon, parks and shaded church grounds are safe and welcoming for family time.

Where can I find free events in Makurdi Nigeria taking place this weekend?

To explore free cultural events, music nights, local festivals, or community gatherings happening in Makurdi this weekend, check out https://planmyweekend.ai. This tool curates up-to-date listings of what’s happening in cities like Makurdi, making it easy to discover fun, budget-friendly activities without endless searching.

Final thoughts

Makurdi is one of Nigeria’s best-kept secrets—a city filled with life, tradition, and riverside beauty. Whether you’re exploring cultural festivals, relaxing by the Benue, hiking scenic hills, or indulging in market flavors, the experiences here are raw, rich, and deeply local. It’s a destination for travelers who value connection, authenticity, and vibrant day-to-day culture. When you visit Makurdi, you don’t just see a city—you feel its heartbeat.