Nigeria

Eco-friendly travel guide to Nigeria advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Nigeria, Africa.

Lagos

Air quality: 3.3 / 5

Bus connections: 3.9 / 5

Train connections: 3.7 / 5

Hitchhiking: 3.8 / 5

National parks: 4 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4 / 5

Locals' English level: 3.7 / 5

Safety: 3.8 / 5

Accommodation: US$1900 - $2000

Budget per day: US$1500 - $1600

Responsible Travel

Eco-friendly travel guide to Nigeria advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally-owned hotels, organic restaurants, and other businesses. Officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this is an African country on the Gulf of Guinea. It borders Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west. Its southern coast is on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. Nigeria has been home to several indigenous pre-colonial states and kingdoms since the second millennium (BC), with the Nok Civilization having been the first time in the country.

This country is a federal republic comprising of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, where the capital, Abuja, is located. Lagos, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world; is the largest city in Nigeria and the continent of Africa. It is the most populous black nation on Earth. The country boasts of the largest economy in Africa. It has an abundance of resources including gas and oil. The country also holds the largest natural gas reserves on the continent and is the largest oil and gas producer of the continent, Africa. It is home to the second-largest film industry in the world whilst also being the fashion, technological, and creative hub in Africa.

The country is famous for its beautiful and diverse butterflies. It has exceptional biodiversity and boasts an abundance of flora and fauna. One of the most recognizable sites is the Zuma Rock, it is a 725m tall monolith outside the capital of Ahuja that is pictured on the national currency of the continent. Nigeria also has two outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely, Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa and Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in Osun. The country also has many natural landmarks and wildlife reserves. Protected areas such as Cross River National Park and Yankari National Park have waterfalls, dense forests, savannah, and rare primate habitats.

Make sure you wisely use the resources available across the city. This will help to preserve the resources for the locals so they can use them in the future.

To be a responsible tourist you should always opt for the practice that will be helpful for the environment. Consider using public transportation to cover long distances while exploring all the popular destinations in different regions of the country.

Play your role as a responsible tourist by preserving and respecting the cultural sites that are remarked as the highlights of the city.

There are so many parks nature attractions which you can visit while exploring the country. You can enjoy the beauty of nature in a fresh environment.

Prefer visiting the local markets for food and lodging. This will help to increase the local economy. It is considered as one of the most effective ways for fulfilling your job as a responsible tourist.

Opt for staying in eco-friendly green hotels available in the city. It will help you and the city to control the pollution rate.

When planning to buy a gift or souvenir, go for locally made products from artisans and craftsmen. Refrain from bargaining, as the art demands a high level of skills and patience.

Air Quality and Pollution

The air quality of Nigeria is considered to be unsafe. The country sees itself with a number of different causes of pollution, ranging from the movement and activities of people, up to disasters, both man-made and natural. One of the most consistent causes of pollution would be that of vehicular emissions, something which is pervasive throughout the entire country as well as the rest of the world. As there are numerous vehicles that have aged, the quality of their engine become poor, which results in the leakage of noxious oil vapors, tainting the environment as well as creating dangerous fumes that can be respired by commuters and those that live near busy roads. Other causes of pollution include emissions from factories, many of which utilize diesel fuels for their heavy machinery.

Therefore to improve the air quality the country has taken effective measures to minimize the pollution level. These measures have helped the country to decrease its pollution rate and making the air quality better. Further, they are planning to start implementing a large number of preventative measures to keep pollution levels down and improve the wellbeing of its inhabitants. Some of these initiatives would involve the gradual move away from relying on fossil fuels such as diesel in cars. Others would be to place emission caps on factories or businesses that produce pollution. These are some incentives that could be utilized in the future as the country makes its way into being a larger entity on the world circuit.

Respect the Culture

Nigeria is a multinational country, as it is inhabited by more than 250 ethnic groupings, among which the three largest are the Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. These ethnic groups speak more than 500 different languages, have diverse culture, and exhibits the unique art. A rich array of cuisines, fashion styles, and festivals exist across the different tribes of the continent. Nigeria is a religiously diverse society, with Islam and Christianity being the most widely professed religions. Nigerians are nearly equally divided into Muslims and Christians, with a tiny minority of adherents of Traditional African religions and other religions. The main Muslim and Christian festivals are often celebrated in ways that are unique to Nigeria or unique to the people of a locality. The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation has been working with the states to upgrade the traditional festivals, which may become important sources of tourism revenue.

Calabar Carnival festival in Nigeria, also tagged as Africa’s Biggest Street Party, was created as part of the vision of making the Cross River State, Nigeria, the number one tourist destination for Nigerians and tourists from all over the world. The carnival begins every 1 December and lasts until 31 December, and has boosted the cultural mosaic of the Nigerian people while entertaining millions of spectators within the state, outside the state, and foreigners, hence boosting industry for all stakeholders.

The Afan National Festival is annually held in the town of Kagoro in the southern part of Kaduna State, Nigeria, on the 1st of January at the Chief of Kagoro’s palace field with many cultural displays by troops from within the township, its vicinity, and across the Middle Belt of the country. Further, there are other numerous festivals celebrated all around the continent. Each festival has its own uniqueness and, traditions and culture.

This includes many cultural festivals, book festivals, film festivals, and others. Lagos has become an important location for African and black cultural identity. Many festivals are held in Lagos; festivals vary in offerings each year and may be held in different months. Some of the festivals are Festac Food Fair held in Festac Town Annually, Lagos Black Heritage Carnival, Lagos Carnival, Lagos Seafood Festac Festival, and more. The Lagos Jazz Series, which is a unique franchise for high-quality live music in all genres with a focus on jazz. The event takes place over 3 to 5 days at selected high-quality outdoor venues.

Top 10 Places to Visit

The tourism industry is regulated by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (Nigeria). Tourism in Nigeria centers largely on events, due to the country's ample amount of ethnic groups, but also includes rain forests, savannah, waterfalls, and other natural attractions. The country holds several sites of attractions and people love to visit the place. It is because there you will get some beautiful spots that have the most attractive views for your holiday trip. Read further to know about some of the interesting spots that are worth visiting, during your tour to the city.

Cathedral Church of Christ Marina – This is an Anglican cathedral on Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria. The foundation stone for the first cathedral building was laid in 1867 and the cathedral was established in 1869. It is the oldest Anglican cathedral in the Church of Nigeria. During its past history, the cathedral was the seat of the archbishop of the Province of West Africa, the seat of the archbishop and primate of All Nigeria, and the seat of the archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos. But today, it is the seat of the Bishop of Lagos. The organ was built by Oberlinger Orgelbau, Germany on the right side of the altar with two façades - one looking to the altar and the second looking to the right nave. One of the sections, Antiphonal, is located at the organ loft above the main entrance to the church. It is the largest organ in Nigeria.

Tafawa Balewa Square – This is a ceremonial ground in Lagos Island, Lagos. It is bounded by Awolowo Road, Cable Street, Force road, and Catholic Mission Street. The entrance to the square has gigantic sculptures of four white horses hovering above the gate and seven red eagles, which are symbols from the national emblem signifying Strength and Dignity respectively. Other monuments in the square include the Remembrance Arcade and the 26-store Independence House, which was built in 1963 which was for a long time, the tallest building in Nigeria. Facilities at the square include a shopping center, Airline’s Travel Agencies, restaurants and car parking, and a bus terminal.

Shitta-Bey Mosque – This mosque is a religious learning center and one of the oldest mosques in Nigeria. It is located at Martins Ereko Street, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria. The mosque was designated as a National monument by Nigerian Commission for Museums and Monuments. The mosque considered one of the most important historical legacies of Nigeria, Shitta-Bey Mosque was named after its founder Sierra Leonean-born Nigerian, Mohammed Shitta Bey, who was an aristocrat, philanthropist, and businessman. It was at the launch that Mohammed Shitta was honored with the Bey title, the Ottoman Order of Medjidie 3rd class by Sultan Abdul Hamid II. The construction was done with tile-work depicting Afro-Brazilian architecture.

Idanre Hill – Also known as Oke Idanre, this hill is located in Idanre town in Ondo State of south-western Nigeria. The hill of Idanre is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Nigeria. It includes cultural sites such as Owa’s Palace, Shrines, Old Court, Belfry, Agbooogun footprint, thunder water (Omi Apaara), and burial mounds and grounds. It also houses a unique ecosystem upon which the cultural landscape has integrated. On getting to the entrance of the hill you will get to see a great tree at the entrance of the ancient city of Idanre called the Iraye Tree. The hill is cut by several large fractures that form deep valleys within the rocks. This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in the Cultural category.

Lagos Central Mosque – This is an important jum’at mosque in Lagos Island and home to the Chief Imam of Lagos. It is located along the busy Nnamdi Azikiwe Street. The current Mosque was opened for use, displacing an earlier mosque. The old mosque was deemed archaic by some members who wanted a new befitting edifice for da’wa while some preferred an extension of the old structure. The new mosque has four prominent minarets, two small and two tall ones, the smaller ones are placed on top of the entrance and the taller ones flanked the west and east wing of the building. The prayer function is served by a prayer hall with a central dome made of metal that is conspicuous outside because of its gold-plated aluminum cladding. There is space underneath the building for the vaults of deceased Imams and prominent members and for use as a drive-in garage. The building also has an office block, reference library, Islamic center, and apartment for the Chief Imam.

Tinubu Square – Formerly known as Independence Square, this is an open space landmark located in Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria. It used to be called Ita Tinubu in memory of Madam Efunroye Tinubu, a slave trader and business magnate, before it was named Independence Square by leaders of the First Republic, and subsequently Tinubu Square. The square is iron-fenced with two flowing fountains, flowers, and tropical trees in it. It also contains a life-size statue of Madam Tinubu on a cenotaph.

National Christian Centre – Previously known as the National Ecumenical Centre and sometimes known as the National Church of Nigeria, this is the primary Christian place of worship in Nigeria. It is located in Abuja, the capital city. The center is an inter-denominational church building. The church is built in a neo-gothic style and has several pivoted arches with a wide nave leading to the altar. The altar, placed at the center of the church completes a full rotation every ten minutes. A pipe organ is fitted to the right wing of the church, close to which sits the choir. Stained glass windows which employ a simple but attractive mix of yellow, green, and red colors can be seen all around the church.

Jos Museum – This museum in Jos, Nigeria, was originally the National Museum. It is an important center of research into the prehistoric culture of Nigeria, and was recognized as one of the best in the country but fell into ruin. The Pottery Hall in the museum has an exceptional collection of finely crafted pottery from all over Nigeria. The museum also boasts some of the fine specimens of Nok terracotta heads and artifacts. It also incorporates the Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture with life-size replicas of a variety of buildings, from the walls of Kano and the Mosque at Zaria to a Tiv village. Articles of interest from colonial times relating to the railway and tin mining can also be found on display. A School for Museum Technicians is attached to the museum, established with the help of UNESCO.

Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls – Also known as Olumirin waterfalls, this is located in Erin-Ijesha. It is a tourist attraction located in the Oriade local government area, Osun State, Nigeria. The waterfalls were discovered in 1140 AD by one of the daughters of Oduduwa. The fall features seven floors, on top of which the village Abake is located. It is a seven-step waterfall, and each step has a flowing fountain that marks the mystical nature of the place. The waterfall is said to have medicinal properties and people came from all over to drink from the waterfall and be healed. The Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls is also a popular excursion point for schools around the vicinity.

Agodi Gardens – Also called Agodi Botanical Gardens, Agodi Gardens, Ibadan, the site is a serene environment. It remains crowded by families during festive periods and weekends. While the children’s facilities in the garden include a swimming pool with inflated balloons, grown-ups may use any of the diverse tropical trees for picnics and other social gatherings while enjoying the cool breeze. The garden is also a first-choice recreational facility for nature enthusiasts, garden parties, outdoor events, concerts, and even weddings. In addition, you can explore the mini zoo and check out the waterpark, as well as enjoy a boat ride with friends.

Tinubu Square

Explore

There are several tourist attractions in Nigeria, each with its own uniqueness, nature, structure, and historical background. Above are the mentioned top ten tourist attractions, which you can opt to pay a visit while traveling to Nigeria. In addition, there are some other places in the city like parks and museums that you can consider checking out during your tour in the city. Here is a list of such places that you can explore.

City Parks

Millennium Park – This is the largest public park in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, and is located in the Maitama district of the city. A river crosses the Park in its main rectilinear axis, dividing it into two parts. One side of the Park is dedicated to uncontaminated nature. In a system of terraces at different levels are located Nigeria's mountain vegetation, savannah, deciduous forest, rainforest, and brushwood, as well as greenhouses for butterflies and tropical birds. The other side, corresponding to the main entrance from the road, is dedicated to the scientific knowledge of the natural environment. This part of the Park has a very traditional and rigid Italian Style Garden Layout. Entering the Park, a rectilinear path completely paved with Roman white travertine brings the public into its green areas. This path visually links the enormous Cotton Tree, a holy tree of Abuja situated on one side of Millennium Park, with the Aso Rock, the holy Rock of Abuja.

Freedom Park – This is a memorial and leisure park area in the middle of downtown Lagos Island, Nigeria, which was formerly Her Majesty’s Broad Street Prison. The Park was constructed to preserve the history and cultural heritage of Nigerians. Monuments in the park reveal the Lagos colonial heritage and history of Her Majesty’s Broad Street prisons. It was built to commemorate the 50th-anniversary independence celebration in October 2010. The Park serves as a National Memorial, a Historical landmark, a Cultural site, Arts and Recreation center. Today, Freedom Park has become a venue for diverse social events and recreational entertainment.

Millennium Park

National Parks

Yankari National Park – Lies in the southern part of the Sudan Savannah, this is the largest wildlife park in Nigeria. It is home to several natural warm water springs, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. Its location in the heartland of the West African savannah makes it a unique way for tourists to watch wildlife in its natural habitat. It is also one of the most popular eco-destinations in West Africa and is composed of savannah grassland with well-developed patches of woodland. The park is an important refuge for over 50 species of mammals including African Buffalo, African Bush Elephant, Hippopotamus, and Olive Baboon. There are also over 350 species of bird found in the park. It is the most popular destination for tourists in Nigeria and plays a crucial role in the development and promotion of tourism and ecotourism in Nigeria.

Kainji National Park – This national park in Niger State and Kwara State, Nigeria, includes three distinct sectors: a part of the Kainji Lake in which fishing is restricted, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The protected area is considered a Lion Conservation Unit together with Yankari National Park. The park is owned by the state and managed by the Federal National Park Service (FNPS), receiving direct government funding. The Borgu Game Reserve is mostly made up of savannah forests. The two main parts of the park are separated by Kainji Lake, a long reservoir. A great number of floras are found here along with 65 mammal species, 350 species of birds and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians have been recorded in the park.

Yankari National Park

Beaches

Ibeno Beach – This is one of the beaches on the Atlantic Ocean along the shorelines of Ibeno. The beach is located in Ibeno, a local government area of Akwa Ibom State south-eastern, Nigeria. The title Ibeno beach was coined from its location, Ibeno. The beach is one of the tourist attractions in Nigeria. It is the longest sand beach in West Africa.

Bar Beach – This beach is on the Atlantic Ocean along the shoreline of Lagos, situated on Victoria Island. For a time, it was the most popular beach in Nigeria, especially when Lagos was the capital of the country.

Port Harcourt Tourist Beach – This is a white sand urban beach in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. It was created in 1988 and is located along Kolabi Creek, east of the Old Township district. There is another nice and beautiful beach in Port Harcourt, which is Kalio Beach, beach parties are held there every 2nd January to celebrate the New Year. The beach is designed to cater to the recreational needs of everyone, especially young people. It is visited by both tourists and residents, and it is one of the most popular beaches in Port Harcourt.

XPort Harcourt Tourist Beach

Landmarks

Oluma Rock – This is a mountain in southwestern Nigeria and is located in the city of Abeokuta, Ogun State. Historically, the rock was a natural fortress for the Egbas during inter-tribal warfare in the 19th century. It provided protection to the Egba people when they needed it. A trip to Olumo rock usually commences with a climb up the man-made stairs carved into the rock. The journey continues with climbs on irregularly sized rocks through a narrow corridor that leads to the top of the rock. All along the way, catch sights of carvings in the rock, cowrie-studded statues, and the ancient abode of the priestesses of the mountain deity who live in huts on the rock.

Ogbunike Caves – This popular site is are located in Ogbunike, Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria. Situated in a valley blanketed by tropical rain forest, the collection of caves has been in use over centuries by local people for whom it has particular spiritual significance. This spiritual significance is still apparent, as the Ime Ogba celebration is undertaken every year to commemorate the discovery of the caves. The main cave consists of a massive structure with a big open chamber of about 5m high, 10m wide, and 30m long at the entrance. There are ten tunnels at the main chamber leading to different directions. Within the tunnels, there are big chambers and other tunnels of varying lengths, some of which are interconnected. The caves are occupied by a large colony of bats of various sizes. There are streams and bodies of water at various places. A stream flows out from one of the tunnels into a rapidly flowing river, named, River Nkissa.

Ikogosi Warm Springs – This water spring is located at Ikogosi, a town in Ekiti State, southwestern Nigeria. Flowing abreast the warm spring is another cold spring that meets the warm spring at a confluence, each maintaining its thermal properties. These attributes make the spring a popular tourist attraction in Nigeria.

Ogbunike Caves

Museums

Nigerian National Museum – This national museum of Nigeria is located in the city of Lagos. It has a notable collection of Nigerian art, including pieces of statuary and carvings, and archaeological and ethnographic exhibits. The museum was founded in 1957 by the English archaeologist Kenneth Murray. Of note is a terracotta human head known as the Jemaa Head, which is part of the Nok culture. The piece is named after Jema’a, the village where it was uncovered. It is located at Onikan, Lagos Island.

Gidan Makama Museum Kano – This museum in Kano, Nigeria, serves as a temporary palace of Kano before the current palace Gidan Rumfa was constructed in the 15th century. The museum has a significant collection of arts, crafts, and items of historic interest related to the Kano area. It is divided into 11 galleries, each with its own center of focus. Galleries include the Zaure or the main entrance hall with displays of traditional materials, city walls, and maps of Kano, the history of statehood, Kano in the 19th century, the Civil War, economy, industry, and music. Open space inside the museum acts as a performance stage for a Koroso dance and drama group.

Gidan Makama Museum Kano

Eat

Nigerian cuisine consists of dishes or food items from the hundreds of ethnic groups that comprise Nigeria. Like other West African cuisines, it uses spices and herbs with palm or groundnut oil to create deeply flavored sauces and soups. Bushmeat is also consumed in Nigeria. The brush-tailed porcupine and cane rats are the most popular bushmeat species in Nigeria. Also known as acaraje or koose, Akara is a deep-fried snack made of crushed and cooked black-eyed peas with shredded onions, pepper, and salt, using palm oil. It is an ideal traditional Nigerian breakfast item that tastes better if served with custard and cereal puddings like ogi along with bread.

Jollof rice is another popular main dish whose taste depends on the spices used in cooking, usually being moderately spicy with strong tomato flavors. In this, the rice is cooked with tomato paste, onions, and other spices in either palm or peanut oil. It is served with meat or fish items and fresh salad. Nigerian fried beans is a traditional Nigerian starter, which is served with bread, rice, fried sweet potatoes, and garri. To enrich the flavor, tomato pulp and whisked eggs can be added while cooking it.

Another famous and delicious Nigerian snacks include the Nigerian Egg Roll. It is considered to be an ideal one to cherish on a rainy evening or a get-together along with chilled drinks. Suya is a cultural Hausa food, in which chunky pieces of meat are finely grilled over the flame for a yummy taste. It is served with sliced onions and tomatoes for a tangy taste. Locals consider this dish as a healthy one and are thus available in almost every restaurant across the country.

Other must-try Nigerian dishes include Ukwa (a traditional porridge), Pepper Gizzards, Afang Stew (a cultural leafy soup), Dodo (fried plantains), African salad, Edikang Ikong (a typical Nigerian signature dish), and many more. Nigerian feasts are colorful and lavish, while aromatic markets and roadside snacks cooked on barbecues or fried in oil are in abundance and varied. Hence, you will find many traditional and vegetarian restaurants across the regions of the country.

Drink

Apart from serving a great variety of authentic Nigerian dishes, the country also offers numerous drinks options starting from alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. These drinks are inspired by the various ethnic groups in Nigeria. Besides, you will get the local drinks widely along with the influx of sugar-filled and nutrition stripped foreign drinks. Palm wine is the most popular drink a local drink in Nigeria. It is consumed by almost all ethnic and tribal groups in Nigeria. It also plays a vital role in traditional celebrations as it is used to carry out several rites.

Another famous drink is the Burukutu. It is peculiar to ethnic groups around the middle belt region of Nigeria. In addition, it is a local brew made from fermented sorghum and other protein-enriched grains. Further, you can opt to try Pito. This drink is a locally fermented alcoholic drink from the northern part of Nigeria and is produced from the grains of guinea corn including sorghum Vulgare and Sorghum bicolor. Ogogoro drink is the Nigerian version of vodka. It is derived from palm wine and is very popular among lower-class Nigerians and rural dwellers.

If you want to try out some non-alcoholic drinks, then not worry. The country serves a great range of non-alcoholic drinks. Kunu is a fermented traditional non-alcoholic drink also from the northern part of Nigeria. This beverage has a milky texture and is very popular among Nigerians. It is a millet-based food drink that is best consumed within few hours of its production. Besides, this drink has two varieties – Kunu Zaki, which has its main ingredient as millet, and Kunu Gyada, which has its main ingredient as groundnut sometimes, sprinkled with rice.

Adoyo is a yellowish local drink that looks a lot like fruit juice and is produced from ripe pineapple juice and supplement derived from Ogi, a product made from maize or sorghum. Zobo is the local Nigerian non-alcoholic red wine. The popularity of this drink cuts across all Nigerian ethnic groups. It is made from dried dry ingredients including red calyces and sepal of the Roselle plant, which is commonly known as zobo leaves in Nigeria. Other non-alcoholic drinks such as groundnut milk drink, local Chapman, omi wara, and more.

Tap-water

The quality of water in Nigeria is not safe to drink. To be specific, only 30 percent of the population has access to safe drinking water Nigeria is blessed with abundant water resources for various purposes. The country has quite a number of small and big rivers and dams. Responsibility for water supply in Nigeria is shared between three levels of government including federal, state, and local. The federal government is in charge of water resources management; state governments have the primary responsibility for urban water supply, and local governments together with communities are responsible for rural water supply.

Most rural areas are dependent on groundwater, and a number of towns and cities. The Lagos Water Corporation states that the water produced in the plant meets the highest standards and that it supplies safe drinking water in sufficient and regular quantity to the people in Lagos State. However, water is often contaminated in the distribution network and people distrust tap water quality. Since the raw water in the lagoon is too polluted, the city gets its water from the Ogun and Owo rivers. The Federal Ministry of Water Resources, which had been part of the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for large water resources development projects and water allocation between states. The requirements of Nigeria’s National Water Supply and Sanitation Policy include the smell and taste of the water and limits to the amounts of minerals and chemicals like detergents and chlorine that may be present in the water. Hence, you can drink the bottled water that is available across the country. Besides, you can consider using tap water after boiling it.

Activities

Apart from exploring the top attraction around the country, you will get many other activities to perform in different cities of Nigeria. These activities include both indoor and outdoor scouting that will surely be liked by the tourists. Various activities provide various experiences, which is Worthing to be part of. In addition, you will get to know the greenery and culture of each city in the country. You can start off your adventure at the Lekki Conservation Center. This is a tranquil oasis of peace, nature, and wildlife that is tucked inside one of the world’s most congested cities. It is a huge expansion of green space in marked contrast to the concrete that dominates the rest of the city. Here, you can walk on planks over mangroves, and learn about the fauna and flora which are native to the area.

Further, you can explore the surf at Tarkwa Bay, which is an amazing hidden surfing gem located in the country. It is situated on a small artificial island, Tarkwa, which is only accessible by a 30-minute boat or water taxi from Victoria Island. If you love surfing, then this place is just perfect for you. Furthermore, you can also consider visiting the Makoko Floating Village, which is the largest floating slum in the world. Here, you will get to meet the severely economically challenged community of Makoko that subsists off the ocean and its own willpower.

Next, you can check out the Terra Kulture, which is an arts, cultural, and educational center that hosts plays, art exhibitions, and book readings. It is a great place to visit in Lagos, Nigeria, if you are looking to connect with Nigerian art and culture. In addition, this place has an attached restaurant where you can try out the authentic food of Nigeria. Further, you can watch the birds at the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, which is known to be one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. This park is situated in a hilly area in the northeastern part of Nigeria, next to the international border with Cameroon, and to the north of the Mambilla Plateau.

Visiting this place will give you the pleasure to admire the nature in the flourishing forests, the extensive sweeping grasslands, the fresh highland plateaus, the Rocky Mountains, rich wildlife, and the captivating ethnic cultures. There are other numerous activities that can be conducted in different regions of the country. So, don’t forget to make a to-do list before scouting the country.

Accommodation

The kindly welcome and generous hospitality of the Nigerian people is truly reflected in the huge variety of accommodation options that are available in every region of the country. Wherever you locate yourself, there is surely the facility to be a bed nearby in which you can rest your head. Whether you wish to indulge with a luxurious break by the sea, relax in a five-star hotel in the city, or soak up the culture in a family-run guesthouse, there is sure to be something on our list of Nigerian accommodation to suit your needs.

The country prides itself in ensuring the best options for accommodation, green hotels, self-service apartments, guest houses, budget hotels, or resorts to stay in, while in Lagos, or Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Benin, and many other cities in Nigeria. Whether you choose to live in rural or urban areas, you will find many options here, from expensive to cheap ones. You will find a free internet connection and parking in almost every hotel, motel, or apartment. Mainly, all the hotels are well connected with restaurants and other facilities.

Green Hotels

This hotel is an environmentally responsible lodging that follows the practices of green living. These hotels have to be certified green by an independent third party or by the state they are located in. They are mostly presented as eco-lodges because of their location, often in jungles, and their design inspired by the use of traditional building methods applied by skilled local craftsmen in areas. These improvements can include non-toxic housekeeping practices, the use of renewable energy, organic soaps, energy-efficient light fixtures, and recycling programs.

An eco-hotel follows a set of best practices in order to do its part to benefit the environment. Some of these best practices include serving local organic food in restaurants, reusing linens when a guest is staying for more than one night, and incorporating in-room recycling and composting programs. These hotels may also actively help in protecting their natural environment.

Green hotels have become very popular in the last few years. So, many tourists choose to stay in these hotels for their best-staying experience. Also, make sure to know the name of green hotels before visiting the country as it will help you to reach the destination easily. Make sure to play your part while staying in these hotels to keep them clean and pollution-free.

Hostels and Guest Houses

As the country experiences a huge number of tourists, their lodging facilities remain remarkable. Besides, the availability of green hotels, there are numerous hostels and guesthouses that are available in each region of the country. This lodging facility ranges from cheap to expensive. They also provide all the amenities that are offered by a hotel. Before staying in these places, it is best to book the rooms online to assure your stay. Many hostels and guest houses are very popular and get filled very quickly.

Hostels are popular forms of lodging for backpackers, cycle tourists, and gap year, travelers. They are low-cost, short-term shared sociable lodging where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed in a dormitory, with shared use of a lounge and sometimes a kitchen too. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex and have private or shared bathrooms. Besides, this lodging facility also provides the benefits of lower costs and opportunities to meet people from all over the world, find travel partners, and share travel ideas. Some of the hostels also give the facility of washing machines and clothes dryers that are often provided for an additional fee. Whereas most hostels offer lockers for safely storing valuables, and some offer yoga studios, cinemas, rooftop clubs, and surf camps.

Guesthouses are the only kind of accommodation available for visitors who have no local relatives to stay with. You might get two variations of the guest houses. In the first version of the guest house, the guest probably has to live with a family where they get shelter and food and for rest of the jobs like washing of clothes and utensils, cleaning of room or area around their bed is to be done by the guest. In the second version, the guest receives the all necessary amenities which are required to live life comfortably like a fully furnished room, comfortable bed, air-conditioner, TV, hot and cold water supply, and also one important aspect, security.

Apartments

Staying in other accommodation options for months can be very expensive. Therefore, an apartment is the best choice for you if you are planning to stay for some months in the country. Renting apartment options are also available, starting at a very low price. This helps you to save a lot of money in the long stays. Apartments provide many advantages and benefits for tourists to stay comfortable during the tour. There are many cheap to expensive apartments available in different ranges which provides some premium features to the tourists. Apartments may be available for rent furnished, with furniture, or unfurnished into which a tenant moves in with his own furniture.

As the country is a very popular destination for tourists, you will get several options while renting an apartment for your stay in almost every city in this country. Each apartment may have its own facilities. If you are choosing a medium price or low price apartment to stay in the city, then you will also get the chance to know a lot about the country’s culture. In most of the apartments, you will be surrounded by local people who will help you to know and observe their lifestyle more closely.

There are some specific places in different regions of the country, where you might not get apartments to stay in. From learning the local languages to acquiring knowledge about their lifestyle, you will be able to get ideas about their living. In such a case, you will have to look for some other options to stay in or near those areas. So, you are referred to take the help of the locals or consider online services to know about the availability of apartments.

Couchsurfing

Nigeria is one of the countries, where Couchsurfing is widely available. It is completely safe and a very good option for your stay in the country as long as you want. Couchsurfing is the best way for tourists to save money and explore the culture more closely in the travel location. It is a temporary stay in which a group of tourists provides service by helping other tourists by offering them shelter and food while visiting their home town or country. Further, this platform is a gift economy where the hosts do not charge any amount for lodging.

Choosing this way to stay in the country will help you a lot in enjoying some benefits such as knowing the different places in the country, observing the lifestyle of local people closely, know the traditions, taste the local dishes, learn the language, and many more. This method of lodging can be considered as a place where you can learn, exchange experiences and teach with other people from all over the world and of course all this at free of cost including the staying part off course.

This is a global hospitality exchange service accessible via a website and mobile app. After setting up user profiles on which other members can post reviews, members can request lodging publicly or directly from other members, hang out with other members, or join/create events. As it takes a lot of time to find someone as a host, make sure to look for it from a very early time and discuss the stay and other things with them to get all the things prepared before starting the journey.

Camping

Camping provides an outdoor activity involving overnight stays away from home in a shelter, such as a tent or a recreational vehicle. The camping sites available outside the main city areas in different regions of the country allow spending time outdoors in the natural environment in pursuit of activities providing them plentiful enjoyment. The night spent outdoors distinguishes camping from day-tripping, picnicking, and other similarly short-term recreational activities. Modern campers frequent publicly owned natural resources such as national and state parks, wilderness areas, and commercial campgrounds.

Nigeria is a haven for campers, we have a seemingly unlimited supply of incredible outdoor spots where you can throw down a tent and gaze at the stars. Some camping may be combined with hiking, as in backpacking, and is often enjoyed in conjunction with other outdoor activities such as canoeing, climbing, fishing, and hunting. Many camping grounds have sites with facilities such as fire rings, barbecue grills, utilities, shared bathrooms, and laundry. There is also access to nearby recreational facilities, however, not all campsites have similar levels of development.

Some of the famous and securely camping grounds in Nigeria include Lufasi Park, IITA Ibadan, Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos, Idanre Hills in Ondo, Tarkwa Bay Beach in Lagos, Zuma Golf Course in Abuja, Nike recreational center in En, Olumo Rock, Abeokuta, and many others. The Wikki Camp is a tourist center of the park, where there are 110 furnished chalets of varying size and quality, ranging from suites to a youth hostel, all of which are being upgraded in phases. The camp also has a restaurant and bar.

Regions

Map of Nigeria with regions colour-coded

Southwest Nigeria
land of the Yoruba and Edo as well as minorities, the major city of Lagos

Southeast Nigeria
land of the Igbo people, the Ibibio and Ijaw, as well as minorities and centre of the huge oil industry

Central Nigeria
transitional zone between the southern forests and northern savanna

Eastern Nigeria
a rural region with several nature reserves and highlands along the border with Cameroon

Northern Nigeria
land of the Hausa and Fulani, almost exclusively Islamic with Sharia Law imposed

Northeastern Nigeria
dominated by the Kanuri people

Cities

Abuja — Capital. Although built from scratch, it has beautiful rolling terrain with modern Nigerian architecture.

A view from the Sheraton Hotel. Abuja, Nigeria

Benin City — city of the Edo people

Panorama of Benin City

Calabar — oil region, World's highest concentration of butterflies is situated in the surrounding regions of the city

Calabar

Ibadan — geographically the largest city in Africa

Ibadan

Jos It is in the middle belt of the country.
Kano — important Hausa City, commercial hub of the north
Lagos — second most populous city in Africa, former colonial capital and huge commercial hub

A street in Lagos

Osogbo — home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sacred Grove of Osun
Owerri — a quiet city in the Igbo speaking region.

Owerri

Port Harcourt — port city in the oil region
Warri — home of the deltans
Enugu — The coal city (ancient coal town, very cool and tourist friendly)

Getting There and Moving Around

It is very important to know about the transportations facilities of the country you are planning to visit. Hence, when you in an unknown place, you need to find several ways of getting in and around the country. Like most forms of tourism, ecotourism generally depends on air transportation, which contributes to global climate change. Besides, it is the fastest mean of transportation. In addition, the country provides the facility of buses and boats to get in the country.

Further to scout the cities of Nigeria, you can opt to use the options of trains, cars, and taxis. Foreign nationals who are not citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) need to apply for a visa to enter Nigeria. This can be obtained through an online system, then finalized at Nigerian embassies, high commissions, and consulates worldwide. Besides, travelers entering Nigeria overland can easily pick up a tourist visa at the Nigerian embassy in Niamey, Niger.

Air

There are International airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt. Arik and Bellview Airlines make local and international flights to other African countries and London, Aero to other African countries. Several European airlines fly to Nigeria, such as British Airways (London Heathrow - Abuja, Lagos), Virgin Atlantic (London Heathrow - Lagos), KLM (Amsterdam - Abuja, Lagos, Kano), Air France (Paris-Charles de Gaulle - Lagos), Alitalia (Rome- Fiumicino - Accra, Lagos), Turkish Airline (Istanbul - Lagos), Lufthansa (Frankfurt - Abuja, Lagos), and Iberia Airlines (Madrid - Lagos). The US Based Delta Air Lines, operates five non-stop flights a week from Atlanta to Lagos, as well as nonstop service from New York to Abuja three times per week. United Airlines formerly operated non-stop service from Houston Bush-Intercontinental to Lagos.

Other inter-continental airlines fly to Lagos. They include China Southern Airlines (Beijing, Dubai), Emirates (Dubai), Middle East Airlines (Beirut), and Qatar Airways (Doha). There are African companies such as South African Airlines from Johannesburg, Egypt Air from Cairo, Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa, Kenya Airways from [[Nairobi], and Afriqya Airways from Tripoli. Besides these, there are other airlines, in addition to VNA and Bellview that operate domestic and regional flights to places like Abidjan, Accra, Banjul, Conakry, Dakar, Douala, Freetown, Johannesburg, Libreville, and Monrovia. There are also airports in most states of the federation and local air travel is widespread.

Bus

Getting around is relatively easy, except that there could be delays due to traffic jams within most major cities. There are multitudes of coaches and buses that will take you to any part of Nigeria you wish (ABC Transport Services is well known for its services among others). Lagos state government also operates a transit system (BRT buses) that serves the Lagos metropolis.

Train

There are no international passenger services to Nigeria. After having being abandoned for a long time, the rehabilitation of rail services in Nigeria is finally in full swing. Helped by Chinese investment several new lines are expected to open in the next few years while older lines are renovated. While still much slower than flying, it is now possible to travel across the country by train. Nigeria Railway Corporation is the sole operator, this might however change as the government mulls liberalization of the railway sector.

Lagos and Abuja now have almost daily connections with cities in the interior of Nigeria such as Ilorin, Minna, and Kaduna, with Lagos even offering a once-weekly sleeper service all the way north to Kano.

Hitchhiking

This means of traveling is one of the best ways to travel to any destination in the city, without spending much money. It is a method of taking a lift on the way from people who are heading toward the country and is available for tourists who visit the country, Nigeria. As the cities of Nigeria is well connected via road, you will easily be able to hitchhike your way through the country. Although it takes time to reach the country, it provides a good adventurous journey with a view to the destination.

Almost all the roads are busy and well connected, you don’t have to wait long on the road as the highways have a good reputation for hitchhiking. You will gain some of the best experiences on your way to the country as there are plenty of views to admire along the way.

Others

Transport by boat is not widespread unless you venture into the riverine areas of Nigeria. Driving in Nigeria (especially Lagos) is somewhat unique, vaguely resembling driving in Cairo. You just have to strap your seatbelts in and enjoy the ride. It is advisable to keep your distance from Lorries or large vehicles, as many are driven without side-view mirrors, fully functional breaks, and most dangerous of all, securely strapped/attached cargo. Ride-hailing is available in Nigeria and the following are the most anticipated providers such as Bolt and Uber.

Sustainable Shopping

Purchasing some of the unique things such as souvenirs or items for loved ones is a very common activity for tourists. The importance of buying a token from the city for loved ones is highly considered. This marks as a gift with quality products or items, which will help you to remember the journey to the city. Instead of casual shopping, people around the world are now opting for sustainable shopping that helps to shop lovely things at low costs and decreases the waste of the city.

You will be able to see some of the popular markets in the country that offer antique and vintage items. From clothes to accessories, you will find various types of items while exploring these markets. Purchasing items from the small shops will support them a lot, as most of them are dependent on tourism. You will also get pottery items, coconut carvings, a variety of baskets, and some of the other high-quality items at a low cost.

Recycling

Recycling provides the facility for the conversion of waste materials into new, useful products. The aim is to reduce over-dependence on raw materials for the production of new products. It is also one of the most effective ways to managing waste; preventing pollution, ensuring a clean and healthy environment, and creating wealth.

Recycling involves a long chain of business command, beginning from the dumpsites. Several hundreds of laborers work here daily, and the materials that they recover from the waste dumpsite are then purchased either by middlemen who sell them to recycling companies or by representatives of the recycling companies.

Waste

Nigeria generates more than 32 million tons of waste annually, which makes the country one of the largest producers in Africa out of which an average of 25% is collected. Solid waste management is the most pressing environmental challenge faced by rural and urban areas of Nigeria. Reckless disposal of MSW has led to the blockage of sewers and drainage networks and the choking of water bodies.

Most of the wastes are generated by households and in some cases, by local industries, artisans, and traders which litter the immediate surroundings. The government has implied various measures such as segregate waste, recycling, and landfilling to overcome the production of waste and reduce the waste products.

Work and Study Abroad

Many foreigners from all across the world are traveling to Nigeria to get the advantage of great deals. The country offers several courses that attract a large population of youth all over the globe. You can attend one of several fine schools, study individually with a tutor, or there are social groups where people get together for the purpose of talking in each other’s languages to improve their skills. Therefore, during your tour of the country, you will be able to see a lot of students from different countries who are staying in the country to complete their education.

Employment is also considered widely by many migrants who visit the country with the purpose of earning a living. Plenty of jobs are available in the country that helps workers from different countries to earn a lot. Jobs like Au Pair and volunteering are also available that help you to contribute toward the country to stay safe and help out the local people.

Exchange Student

This facility of education allows students from a secondary school or university to study abroad at one of their institution’s partner institutions. This program provides students with an opportunity to study in the country and environment experiencing the history and culture of another country, as well as meeting new friends to enrich their personal development.

The costs of student exchange are determined by the charges from a student exchange program organization or the university or college. The costs vary depending on the length of study and other personal factors. Different programs through the school and university of choice may offer students scholarships that cover the expenses of travel and accommodation and the personal needs of a student.

Au Pair

Au pair provides you the facility of working as a helper for a host family in the country. It is a job where you have to share the family's responsibility for childcare as well as some housework, and receive a monetary allowance for personal use. It is also a good alternative source of earning an income before getting properly settled. In addition, you need to make sure that you are contacting the host earlier, as the procedure takes some time. Besides, doing this will help you to avoid all the end-moment trouble that one might face while reaching the country.

Volunteering

During your adventurous trip to Nigeria, you can consider being a part of the volunteering act. Under this, you might have to do various work as a helping hand for the betterment of society. Works include being a part of different sectors like medicine, education, and others. Besides, volunteering is known to be one of the best ways to give your contribution to the country. This will also help you to gain a lot of knowledge about the local people, their culture, their traditions, and many such other things.