Anambra

Anambra State, in south-eastern Nigeria, is one of the most densely populated and economically dynamic states in the country. Its capital, Awka, is the traditional centre of Igbo blacksmithing. Its commercial giant is Onitsha, the river-port city on the east bank of the Niger River whose Main Market is reputedly the largest in West Africa by volume of trade. Anambra is the heartland of the Igbo people — the birthplace of the novelist Chinua Achebe (Ogidi), the writer Cyprian Ekwensi, and a host of Nigeria's most prominent business figures. The state is named after the Anambra River and is known for its industrious population, strong educational institutions (Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka), and vibrant traditional culture.

The dry season (November–March) is best. The Ofala Festival (October–December) in Onitsha is a major royal festival. The rainy season (April–October) brings heavy downpours that can flood Onitsha's streets.

Onitsha is the transport hub — the Niger Bridge connects the state to the west. Buses run between Onitsha and Awka (1 hr), Enugu (1.5 hrs), Lagos (7 hrs), and Abuja (7–8 hrs). Within cities, keke tricycles and taxis are the main options. The Onitsha–Awka road is the main axis.

• Awka — the state capital, known for its blacksmithing tradition and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University
• Onitsha — the commercial giant on the Niger River, home to the legendary Onitsha Main Market
• Nnewi — a major industrial city, the "Japan of Anambra," known for motorcycle and auto-parts manufacturing
• Obosi — a historic town near Onitsha, with the Obosi Palace and traditional Igbo architecture
• Nkpor — a suburb of Onitsha, a growing commercial and residential area
• Ogidi — the birthplace of Chinua Achebe, with the Achebe family compound and library
• Igbo-Ukwu — a historic archaeological site where the Igbo-Ukwu bronze artefacts (9th-century) were discovered
• Aguleri — a town on the Anambra River, the traditional seat of the Eri dynasty, the founding Igbo lineage
• Agulu — a town in the south, known for the Agulu Lake and the Agulu Crocodile Sanctuary
• Ihiala — a town in the south-east, an agricultural and commercial centre
• Okija — a town known for the Okija Shrine, a traditional Igbo oracle site
• Otuocha — a river-port town on the Anambra River
• Abagana — a town in the Njikoka area, known for farming and traditional pottery
• Nsugbe — a town on the Niger River near Onitsha, with the Nsugbe Market
• Oba — a town in the Idemili area, known for its market and Oba Palace
• Uli — a town in the Ihiala area, with the Uli Campus of Nnamdi Azikiwe University
• Atani — a riverine town on the Niger River, a fishing and farming community

Anambra is the home of Nkwobi (spicy cow foot) and Ugba (oil bean salad). Onitsha's Main Market has endless food stalls. Oha Soup and Pounded Yam are Sunday staples. The freshwater fish from the Niger River (grilled or in pepper soup) is excellent.

The Ofala Festival (Onitsha) is the annual royal festival of the Obi of Onitsha, with traditional ceremonies and a colourful procession. The Iri-ji (New Yam Festival) is celebrated across the state in August–September. The Awka Blacksmithing Festival showcases the town's ancient ironworking tradition.

• Onitsha Main Market — one of the largest markets in Africa, a rabbit warren of commerce
• Igbo-Ukwu archaeological site — see the site of the 9th-century bronze discoveries at the museum
• Chinua Achebe's Ogidi — visit the birthplace and library of Africa's most famous novelist
• Niger River view from Onitsha — the bridge and waterfront offer dramatic river views