Owerri travel guide | Where to go, what to do, where to stay in Owerri |
City & Town

Owerri travel guide

Located in south-eastern Nigeria, Owerri, set in the heart of the Igboland, is the capital city of Imo State. This city has an estimated population of about 400,000 as of 2006 and it is approximately 40 square miles (100 km2) in area. Owerri is bordered by the Otamiri River to the east and the Nworie River to the south.

The city is currently under the kingship of His Royal Highness, Eze Dr. Emmanuel Emenyonu Njemanze (The Ozuruigbo of Owerri). The stool of the Eze Owere was founded in the 14th century when the first Owerri traditional ruler, Eze Eke Onunwa was installed. Christianity is the dominant religion in Owerri with Catholics and Anglicans having the largest followers. The city can be reached

Getting there
Owerri is served by Sam Mbakwe Airport which is about 14 miles (23 km) south of the city. The airport is served by Aerocontractors, Air Nigeria, Arik Air and Chachangi Airlines offering daily connections to Lagos and Abuja. The city is also connected by road directly to Port Harcourt, Aba and Onitsha. Some major roads within the city are Douglas Road, Weathral Road etc.

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Oguta Lake, Oguta
Oguta Lake is the largest natural lake in Imo State and is supposed to have originated from a natural depression. The lake is of immense value to the people of Oguta, Orsu, Nkwesi and Awo. In the colonial era, the Oguta Lake was a port for the evacuation of palm products and the relics of the jetties used by the United African Company (U. A. C.) still exist today. During the civil war, the Oguta Lake was a marine base for the Biafran Navy. Visitors can take a cruise on the lake or play a round of golf on the 18-hole course on the bank of the lake.


Amusement Park, Owerri
This Park was created for relaxation and entertainment for families, visitors and children within the Owerri community.


Nekede Zoo
This is a biological garden complex located at old Nekede in Owerri. The Zoo has stock of different animals ranging from Lions, Pythons, Monkey, Ostrich, Crocodile, Cattle Egret, Guerrilla, and different birds.


Ada Palm Plantation Complex
Established in 1974, Ada palm is the biggest and most viable oil palm plantation in West Africa. The palm plantation, which occupies about 4,310 hectares of land, with a housing estate, was one of the nation’s major sources of foreign exchange before the discovery of petroleum. This plantation lies in the parcel of land between Amafor and Egbema in Ohiji/Egbema LGA. Access is Owerri to Port-Harcourt road; turn right to Amafor about 20km from Owerri.


Asumpta Cathedral
Located in the centre of Owerri, it is reputed to be the biggest Catholic Church in West Africa, fashioned in Italian architectural design.


Mbari Cultural & Art Centre, Owerri
Mbari centre is situated at Ikenegbu in Central Owerri. It is being housed by the Imo State council for Arts and Culture. Mbari is an open air museum that houses monumental arts that depicts peace, prosperity and social life in Igbo land.

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Renny’s
The restaurant serves fast food with a wide range of continental and African dishes from fried-rice to ‘soups ‘n’ swallows’. With sizzling hot dishes and a wide variety of local drinks, Remmy’s fast food would surely blow your mind and leave you wanting for more. Contact: 45 Ekwema Crescent, off Wetherall Rd, Owerri. Tel: +234-803-854-3207


Jevinik Restaurant and Bar
This is a top restaurant that offers a variety of Igbo dishes like Oha soup, Nsala soup, Ukwa, Egusi and bitterleaf soup as well as fresh fish peppersoup. It also offers continental dishes with delicious flavours and fresh ingredients. Opens 9.00am to 10.00pm. Contact: 19 Umez-Eronini Street, Ikenegbu Layout, Owerri. Tel: +234 805-220-3649


Crunchies
Crunchies is one of the top fast food eateries that offer good quality food such as pies, burgers, scotch eggs, sausage rolls, jollof, fried rice fried and grilled chicken as well as sticky ice cream. Contact: Plot 79 ITC Junction, Owerri. Tel: +234 N/A


Mr. Biggs
This is one of the top fast food eateries that offer good quality food in Nigeria. Mr Biggs has outlets all over the main cities and towns across the country. Contact: Sapele Road, Benin City. Tel: +234 N/A


Mess 77
This is a popular drink joint where the locals enjoy their evening with live band and cold beers, wines, soft drinks and the usual roster of snacks – isi-ewu, fish peppersoup, and nkwobi, the popular south-eastern speciality usually made from cow tail. Contact: Dan Anyaim Stadium Complex, Weatherall Road, Owerri. Tel: +234 N/A

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Oguta Lake Motel & Golf Resort
Located about 40km away from Owerri, this motel and tourist resort is a 3-star hotel aimed at attracting tourists to Oguta Lake. It was originally established as a retreat and get away spot for the colonial rulers and this resort has been upgraded and equipped with modern facilities to help boost tourism potential of Oguta Lake. While there, visitors can take a cruise on the lake or play a round of golf on the 18-hole course on the bank of the lake. Address: Oguta Lake, Oguta LGA, Imo State. Tel: +234 803-322-1662


Imo Concorde Hotel
The hotel has 245 well-furnished rooms, including 18 royal suites, one concorde suite and one presidential suite with air-conditioning, cable TV, writing desk, bedside lamps, internet access etc. Address: New Owerri, Off Port Harcourt Road, Owerri.


All Seasons Hotels
Set in the new business district of Owerri and arguably one of the top hotels in south-east, the hotel has 124 exquisite rooms and suites designed to make you feel at home every seasons for all reasons. Address: 5047 – 5049, All Seasons Avenue, off Port-Harcourt Road, New Owerri, OwerriTel: +234 (0)8074764433, 0803 7327667


Owerri Hotel Plaza
Located in Owerri, the hotel is only 30mins drive from Sam Mbakwe airport. It offers well-equipped ensuite rooms, tastefully decorated rooms, events/conference hall, lounge, pool bars and restaurants. Address: Plot 80 Port-Harcourt Road, New Owerri Capital Territory. Tel: +234 (0)83 304617, 0803 2778378


Newcastle Hotel
Whether you are on business trip or a relaxing vacation, this hotel holds a promise of personalized service down to the smallest details. All rooms have individual air conditioning system, cable TV, refrigerator etc. Address: Plot 14, Area A, New Owerri Off Owerri-Port Harcourt Express Way, Owerri. Tel: +234 (0) 803306082, 08035731493


De Legend
The hotel offers luxury and exquisite rooms furnished to taste with air-conditioning, cable TV, outdoor & indoor pool, sauna/spa, gym, non-smoking rooms, conducive relaxation, bar and restaurant, has a live band and a barbeque stand as extra facilities. Address: Plot 5044 New Owerri behind Imo State Assembly, Owerri. Tel: +234 (0) 83 307 414


East Gate Hotel
Located on the exclusive Ugworji Layout and surrounded by beautiful gardens and magnificent landscaping, the hotel is spread over two buildings and offers spectacular views of the city. Address: Pot C/11 Ugwu-Orji Layout, Owerri. Tel: +234 (0)80-30926937, 080-38843715


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