Nigeria

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, known for its vibrant cities, diverse cultures, and booming creative industries. Lagos, the economic hub, pulses with energy, nightlife, and a thriving arts and music scene. Abuja, the capital, offers modern architecture and political heart. The country’s landscapes range from the Jos Plateau’s cool highlands to the tropical Niger Delta and the savannahs of the north. Cultural landmarks include the ancient city walls of Kano and the sacred Osun-Osogbo Grove. Nigerian cuisine is bold and flavorful, with jollof rice, suya, and egusi soup as favorites. Dynamic, complex, and endlessly lively, Nigeria is a powerhouse of culture and creativity.

Nigeria is a place where energy, diversity, and creativity burst from every corner. Travelers come to experience the vibrant city life of Lagos, explore historic towns like Ibadan and Kano, and visit cultural sites like the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove. Nigeria is also home to stunning natural landscapes, from the rolling hills of Jos to the waterfalls of Erin Ijesha and the Niger Delta’s labyrinth of waterways. It feels intense, dynamic, and endlessly fascinating, a country where no two places feel the same.

It’s population consists of 250 different peoples, histories, religions and languages - all existing side by side in this colorful, hectic and often shaky nation. Commonly described as the ‘Giant of Africa’, the former British colony offers roads that are not for the faint-hearted, aggressive street sellers, locally brewed gin that is strong enough to make you go blind and a population that will suspect you of being a racist if you are white. But if you have skin that is thick enough and you can stay long enough to make friends with the locals (which may take some time), then you can experience some of the ‘giant’s‘ unique delights, of which there are many.

Traveling in Nigeria ranges from affordable to mid-range, depending on location. Accommodations include budget hotels, guesthouses, and international chains in big cities. Food is bold and flavorful: expect jollof rice, pounded yam, egusi soup, suya (spiced grilled meat), and peppery stews. Western food is widely available in urban centers but less common in rural areas.

Getting around Nigeria can be challenging due to traffic, distances, and infrastructure. Domestic flights link major cities, while long-distance buses and shared taxis cover ground routes. In cities, motorbike taxis (okadas), tricycles (keke napeps), and minibuses are common. English is the official language and widely spoken, though Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and many other languages are used regionally. Nigeria is safe in most southern areas for cautious travelers, though some northern regions face security risks; check current advisories.

Families: Nigeria offers family-friendly attractions in urban hubs like Lagos and Abuja, including zoos, amusement parks, and cultural centers. However, busy traffic, crowds, and infrastructure challenges may be stressful for families with young children.

Couples: Couples enjoy Nigeria’s vibrant culture, boutique stays in Lekki, boat cruises on Tarkwa Bay, and romantic getaways in Obudu Mountain Resort. The lively energy makes for a fun, unconventional couples trip.

Backpackers: Nigeria rewards backpackers eager for authentic experiences , bustling markets, Afrobeat clubs, and historic towns like Badagry and Calabar. It’s affordable but demands patience with logistics and visas.

Digital Nomads: Lagos and Abuja have coworking spaces, reliable internet in urban centers, and vibrant creative scenes. Rural areas lack connectivity, making cities the best base for nomads.

Luxury Travelers: Nigeria’s luxury sector is growing fast, especially in Lagos and Abuja , high-end hotels, private beaches, and VIP nightlife are available. Obudu Cattle Ranch adds luxury in a nature setting.

Foodies: Nigerian cuisine is bold and varied , jollof rice, suya, egusi soup, puff-puff, and akara are must-tries. Lagos and Abuja are street food and fine dining hotspots, with endless culinary exploration.

Beach Bunnies: Lagos has popular beaches like Elegushi and Tarkwa Bay, though they can be crowded and lively. Quieter options exist along Ilashe and Lekki beaches, but Nigeria’s beach scene is more social than tranquil.

Nature Buffs: Nigeria’s landscapes range from Aso Rock to Olumo Rock, tropical forests in Cross River, and Erin Ijesha Waterfalls. Obudu Mountain Resort offers cooler mountain scenery.

History Buffs: Nigeria’s history spans kingdoms, colonialism, and independence. Highlights include Badagry Slave Museum, Benin City’s bronze heritage, Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, and archaeological sites.

Culture Vultures: Nigeria’s cultural scene is unmatched , Nollywood, Afrobeats, literature, art galleries, and traditional festivals like Osun-Osogbo. Lagos and Benin City are cultural epicenters.

Adventure Seekers: Adventure includes hiking Olumo Rock, canopy walks at Lekki Conservation Centre, safaris in Yankari Game Reserve, and exploring Awhum Waterfall. Activities are scattered but diverse.

Solo Travelers: Nigeria is friendly for solo travelers with local contacts or organized tours. Lagos and Abuja are navigable solo, but rural travel requires planning. Safety awareness is essential.

Party Animals: Lagos is one of Africa’s party capitals , rooftop bars, Afrobeat clubs, beach parties, and all-night festivities. Abuja also has a lively nightlife scene, though smaller than Lagos.

Wildlife Watchers: Yankari Game Reserve is Nigeria’s top wildlife destination, home to elephants, baboons, and antelope. Cross River National Park offers primates and birds but wildlife viewing is less developed than in East Africa.

LGBTQ+: Same-sex relations are illegal, and attitudes are conservative. LGBTQ+ travelers should remain very discreet, especially outside Lagos where low-key expat circles offer limited safe spaces.

Why Go to Nigeria?

• Lagos’s Culture and Nightlife: Experience Africa’s largest city through its art galleries, music clubs, street food, and bustling markets.
• Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove: Visit a UNESCO-listed forest sanctuary filled with sculptures, shrines, and spiritual energy.
• Yankari National Park: Go wildlife watching in Nigeria’s main reserve, home to elephants, baboons, and hippos.
• Erin Ijesha Waterfalls: Hike to this beautiful multi-tiered waterfall set in lush forest near Osogbo.
• Kano’s Ancient Walls and Dye Pits: Explore one of West Africa’s oldest cities, with centuries-old architecture and traditional industries.
• Olumo Rock: Climb this granite outcrop in Abeokuta for panoramic views and insight into Yoruba history.
• Festivals and Celebrations: Witness colorful cultural events like the Argungu Fishing Festival or Lagos Carnival.

Who Might Not Enjoy Nigeria?

• Safety-Conscious Travelers: Nigeria has security challenges, including risks of crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest in various regions; many governments advise caution or avoidance of certain areas.
• Luxury-Only Travelers Outside Major Cities: While Lagos and Abuja have upscale hotels, luxury options are limited or nonexistent in smaller towns and rural regions.
• Tourists Expecting Polished Tourism Infrastructure: Nigeria’s tourism sector is underdeveloped; attractions may lack signage, organized tours, or visitor facilities outside major cities.
• Budget Travelers Without Local Knowledge: Public transport is informal, crowded, and confusing for newcomers; navigating without local help can be difficult and overwhelming.
• Strict Vegetarians or Vegans: Nigerian cuisine is centered on meat, fish, and stews; vegetarian options are rare, and vegan-specific meals are difficult to find outside expat or specialty restaurants.
• People Sensitive to Heat, Humidity, and Traffic: Nigeria’s tropical climate is hot and humid year-round; major cities like Lagos also face intense traffic, air pollution, and urban congestion.
• Visitors Hoping for Big-Game Safaris: Nigeria is not a safari destination; it lacks the wildlife tourism infrastructure found in East or Southern Africa.
• Travelers Needing Reliable Medical Care and Internet in Rural Areas: Healthcare is limited outside major cities, and internet access can be slow or unreliable in rural regions.
• Tourists Wanting Vibrant Nightlife Everywhere: Lagos offers a lively nightlife scene, but entertainment options are limited or nonexistent in many other parts of the country.

Highlights

Nigeria’s eight unique wildlife parks: spread throughout the nation, these parks offer wildlife, waterfalls, hills, mountains springs, caves and lakes.

Abuja: Nigeria’s new capital, known as ‘Second London‘, is a clean and wonderful city set amid stunning landscapes.

Kano: absolutely a must-see when visiting Nigeria, this third-largest bustling city boasts plenty of historical and cultural attractions.

Beaches: the country has several excellent beaches including: Coconut Beach, west of Lagos, and Calabar Beach, which is located at the mouth of the Calabar River and lends travelers the privacy in a mind-blowing setting that is off the beaten path.

Lagos: formerly the country’s capital, it is a densely populated metropolis which has the reputation of being the most expensive on the globe!

Jos: a popular holiday destination with a pleasant climate, Jos is situated in a wonderful setting 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) above sea level.

Tours and safaris: Nigeria provides outstanding areas which are ideal for adventurous tours and safaris.

Join a significant festival: such as the colorful cultural Osun Festival which takes place every August at the Osun sacred groves in Osogbo, attracting thousands of national and international tourists and believers. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes!

Fun and sun at the beach: participate in water sports or simply relax at one of the beaches.

Bird watching: Yankari National Park, located in the eastern half of the nation, is the best spot for bird watching.

Golfing: especially in Abuja, there are some quality golf courses.

You will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter the country, while the likes of polio, meningitis, hepatitis (A and B), typhoid and malaria are prevalent. Like in any African country, HIV/AIDS is a huge threat, so pack plenty of condoms unless you plan on a stint of celibacy. Travelers should solely consume bottled water and make sure that meat are cooked for long enough and eaten while still hot; a trip to the market, where fresh meat sits alongside flies all day, should be enough to explain why. There are several good private hospitals, but the government-run medical facilities are of low quality and it is not advised to seek medical help at one of them or it might be that you leave sicker than before you entered!