Nigeria is a land of rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes. Whether you're exploring ancient
kingdoms, enjoying the bustling cities, or tasting the spicy cuisine, Nigeria offers an unforgettable
experience. Plan your visit to discover the beauty and warmth of this incredible country.
Beach Resorts:
La Campagne Tropicana. Best visited from December to
February for its pleasant weather and clear skies.
Spa Resorts:
Whispering Palms Resort, Badagry. Best time to visit, from
November to March for the best weather.
Travel Adventure Locations
Mountain Locations:
Obudu Mountain Resort is ideal for a cool retreat with hiking trails.
Seaside Locations:
Tarkwa Bay Beach in Lagos is perfect for surfing and relaxation.
Cultural Travel Locations:
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove: A UNESCO World Heritage site and
a significant cultural and religious site for the Yoruba people.
Ethnicity and Languages:
Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups, with the largest being
the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. The official language is English, but
many indigenous languages like Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo are
widely spoken.
Average Weekly Budget for Accommodation:
Hostel: $70 - $150 per week
Hotel: $300 - $600 per week
(Depends on season, location and category)
Average Daily Budget for Food:
Street Food: $5 - $10
Restaurant: $20 - $40
(Depends on season, location and category)
Best Season to Visit:
The best time to visit Nigeria is during the dry season, from
November to February, the weather is more comfortable for
exploring the country's diverse attractions, and there
is less rainfall to disrupt travel plans.
Brief Travel Information about Nigeria
Drinks
Palm Wine: A traditional alcoholic beverage tapped from palm
trees, enjoyed fresh or fermented, with a mildly sweet and tangy
taste.
Zobo: A refreshing drink made from dried hibiscus flowers
(sorrel), infused with ginger, cloves, and sometimes pineapple,
served chilled with a tangy flavor.
Chapman: A popular non-alcoholic cocktail made with a mix of
Fanta, Sprite, Angostura bitters, grenadine syrup, and topped with
slices of citrus fruits and cucumber.
Kunu: A nutritious beverage made from millet or sorghum,
sometimes spiced with ginger and cloves, and sweetened with
sugar or honey, served cold.
Fura da Nono: A northern Nigerian drink made from millet flour
(fura) mixed with fermented cow milk (nono), sweetened with sugar
or honey, offering a creamy and filling beverage.
Ogogoro: A potent local gin made from distilled palm sap, known
for its high alcohol content and often consumed in small shots or
mixed into cocktails.
Bissap (Sobolo): Similar to zobo, bissap is made from dried
hibiscus flowers, flavored with ginger and sometimes pineapple or
orange peel, popular for its deep red color and tangy taste.
Pito: A traditional beer brewed from fermented sorghum or millet,
primarily consumed in northern Nigeria, with a slightly sour taste
and low alcohol content.
Fanta Chap-man: A variant of the Chapman cocktail that
replaces Sprite with Fanta, offering a sweeter and fruitier version of
the popular Nigerian mocktail.
Kunu Aya: A variant of kunu made from tiger nuts (aya), blended
with spices like cloves and ginger, and sweetened to taste, known
for its creamy texture and nutty flavor.
Foods
Jollof Rice: Perhaps the most iconic Nigerian dish, jollof rice is a
flavorful one-pot rice dish cooked in a spicy tomato sauce with
various meats or vegetables.
Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup: Pounded yam is a smooth,
dough-like staple made from yam tubers, served with a thick soup
made from ground melon seeds (egusi), typically with spinach and
meat or fish.
Suya: A popular street food, suya is thinly sliced skewered meat
(often beef or chicken) marinated in spices like peanut, ginger, and
garlic, then grilled to perfection.
Akara: These deep-fried bean cakes are made from black-eyed
peas blended with onions, peppers, and spices, forming a crispy
exterior and soft interior, often eaten as a breakfast or snack.
Efo Riro: A rich spinach stew cooked with tomatoes, peppers,
and assorted meats or fish, seasoned with traditional spices and
often served with rice or pounded yam.
Pepper Soup: A spicy broth typically made with fish, chicken, or
goat meat, seasoned with hot peppers, onions, and local spices,
known for its invigorating and comforting qualities.
Suya Spiced Chicken Wings: A twist on the classic suya,
chicken wings are marinated in suya spice blend and grilled to
perfection, served with spicy peanut dipping sauce.
Moi Moi: A steamed bean pudding made from ground peeled
black-eyed peas, mixed with onions, peppers, and spices, wrapped
in leaves or foil and cooked until firm.
Gizdodo: A popular party dish combining fried plantains (dodo)
and gizzards (giz), sautéed with peppers, onions, and spices,
offering a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Ofada Rice and Ayamase: Ofada rice is a local variety served
with Ayamase sauce, made from green peppers, locust beans,
assorted meats, and a blend of traditional spices, creating a unique
and satisfying meal.
Nigeria Cusine and Beverages
Check some of the most Interesting foods and drinks in Nigeria.
Nigerian cuisine is flavorful and diverse, often characterized by
spicy dishes. Some popular foods include:
Lagos. Bursting with life, Lagos is Nigeria's largest city and
economic powerhouse. Its dynamic skyline, punctuated by modern
skyscrapers, contrasts with the bustling markets and vibrant street
life below. From the chic boutiques of Victoria Island to the historic
relics of Lagos Island, this city is a melting pot of cultures, music,
and art. The lively beaches, such as Tarkwa Bay, offer a refreshing
escape, while the nightlife pulses with the rhythm of Afrobeat,
making Lagos a city that never sleeps.
Abuja. Nestled among lush hills and savannah plains, Abuja,
Nigeria's capital, is a city of modernity and elegance. Its
meticulously planned architecture includes the iconic Aso Rock and
the striking Nigerian National Mosque. The serene Millennium Park
provides a tranquil retreat, while the bustling Wuse Market offers a
taste of local life. With its wide boulevards and impressive
governmental buildings, Abuja stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s
aspirations and growth.
Yankari National Park. Yankari National Park, a sprawling
wildlife sanctuary in northeastern Nigeria, is a treasure trove of
natural beauty and biodiversity. Famous for its herds of elephants, it
also shelters lions, baboons, and a myriad of bird species. The
Wikki Warm Springs, with their crystal-clear, warm waters, offer a
perfect spot for relaxation amidst the wilderness. The park’s lush
landscapes and diverse fauna make it a paradise for nature lovers
and adventure seekers alike.
Calabar. Calabar, a charming city in southeastern Nigeria, is
steeped in history and culture. Known for its colonial architecture
and the annual Calabar Carnival, the city transforms into a riot of
color and music every December. The Calabar Museum and the
nearby Slave History Museum provide poignant insights into the
region's past. Surrounded by lush greenery and bordered by the
Calabar River, this city is a picturesque destination with a rich
cultural tapestry.
Obudu Mountain Resort. Perched high in the mountains of
Cross River State, Obudu Mountain Resort is a haven of tranquility
and breathtaking scenery. The resort offers stunning views of rolling
hills and deep valleys, often shrouded in mist. Activities such as
hiking, bird watching, and the exhilarating cable car ride enhance
the experience. The cool climate and lush surroundings make
Obudu an ideal escape from the tropical heat, offering a slice of
paradise.
Olumo Rock. Rising majestically in the city of Abeokuta, Olumo
Rock is a historic and cultural landmark. This natural fortress
served as a refuge during intertribal wars in the 19th century. Today,
it offers panoramic views of the city and the Ogun River. The climb
to the summit, through ancient caves and natural tunnels, is both a
physical and spiritual journey, revealing insights into the history and
resilience of the Egba people.
Benin City. Benin City, the capital of Edo State, is rich in heritage
and renowned for its artistic legacy. Home to the historic Benin
Kingdom, the city boasts remarkable bronze sculptures and
artifacts that date back centuries. The Benin City National Museum
houses many of these treasures. The city's vibrant culture is also
reflected in its lively festivals and traditional ceremonies, making it a
fascinating destination for history and art enthusiasts.
Kano. As one of the oldest cities in West Africa, Kano is a center
of commerce and tradition. The ancient city walls and gates stand
as testaments to its storied past. The bustling Kurmi Market, one of
Africa's oldest markets, offers everything from handmade crafts to
exotic spices. Kano's rich history is also evident in the stunning
Emir's Palace and the Great Mosque, making it a city where the
past and present seamlessly blend.
Ile-Ife. Often regarded as the spiritual heart of the Yoruba people,
Ile-Ife is a city steeped in mythology and tradition. It is said to be
the birthplace of humanity in Yoruba cosmology. The city is home to
the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University and the revered Ooni’s
Palace. The Ife Museum displays ancient artifacts and terracotta
sculptures that reflect the city’s illustrious past, making Ile-Ife a
cultural and historical gem.
Jos Plateau. The Jos Plateau, with its undulating terrain and cool
climate, is a striking contrast to Nigeria's typically tropical
environment. Known for its scenic beauty, the plateau is dotted with
rocky outcrops, waterfalls, and unique rock formations. The city of
Jos, located at its heart, is a melting pot of cultures and home to the
National Museum, which showcases Nigeria's rich archaeological
heritage. The temperate weather and stunning landscapes make
the Jos Plateau a unique and inviting destination.
Interesting Places to Visit Nigeria
Ancient Kingdoms. In the heart of West Africa, a mosaic of
ancient kingdoms thrived, each weaving a rich tapestry of culture,
tradition, and power. These kingdoms, such as the Nok, Ife, and
Oyo, were renowned for their sophisticated governance, artistic
achievements, and bustling trade routes that connected them to
distant lands. Their legacies, from terra-cotta sculptures to intricate
bronze works, offer a glimpse into a world where artistry and royalty
intertwined seamlessly.
Benin Empire. The Benin Empire, flourishing from the 13th to the
19th century in what is now southern Nigeria, was a beacon of
sophistication and power. Renowned for its impressive city
planning, with vast walls and moats encircling its capital, Benin City,
the empire was a hub of culture and commerce. The Obas, or
kings, presided over a court rich in ceremony and tradition, while
artisans crafted exquisite bronze plaques and statues, celebrated
worldwide for their detail and artistry.
Slave Trade. The harrowing era of the transatlantic slave trade
cast a long shadow over West Africa. Coastal kingdoms and
European traders engaged in a brutal economy, where millions of
Africans were forcibly taken from their homeland, enduring
unimaginable suffering. This dark chapter reshaped societies,
disrupted cultures, and left a lasting impact on the African diaspora,
whose descendants continue to grapple with this painful legacy.
Colonial Era. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the
imposition of European colonial rule over Africa, marking a period of
profound change. Nigeria, cobbled together by British interests,
became a melting pot of diverse ethnic groups under a single
colonial administration. This era witnessed the exploitation of
resources, the introduction of Western education and Christianity,
and the seeds of modern Nigerian nationalism, as local leaders
began to challenge colonial domination.
Independence. The winds of change swept across Africa in the
mid-20th century, bringing the promise of freedom and self-
determination. Nigeria, a mosaic of cultures and peoples, achieved
independence from British rule on October 1, 1960. This
momentous occasion was celebrated with fervor and optimism, as
Nigerians embraced the dawn of a new era filled with hopes for
unity, prosperity, and national pride.
Civil War. The euphoria of independence was soon marred by
internal strife, culminating in the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to
1970. Also known as the Biafran War, this brutal conflict pitted the
secessionist state of Biafra against the Nigerian government. The
war wrought devastation, leading to widespread famine and
suffering. The conflict's end marked a painful chapter in Nigeria's
history, but also paved the way for national reconciliation and
rebuilding.
First Republic. Nigeria's First Republic, established in 1963, was
a bold experiment in democracy for the newly independent nation.
It was a time of political awakening, marked by intense regional
rivalries and ideological clashes. Despite its challenges, including
frequent coups and political instability, this period laid the
foundational stones for Nigeria's ongoing journey towards a stable
and representative governance system.
Cultural Festivals. Nigeria's cultural festivals are a vibrant
testament to its rich heritage and diverse traditions. Events like the
Eyo Festival in Lagos, the Osun-Osogbo Festival, and the Argungu
Fishing Festival draw thousands of participants and spectators.
These celebrations are a riot of color, music, dance, and rituals,
offering a unique window into the country's soul and fostering a
sense of communal identity and pride.
Oil Boom. The discovery of vast oil reserves in the Niger Delta in
the mid-20th century transformed Nigeria's economy. The oil boom
of the 1970s brought unprecedented wealth, catapulting Nigeria
into the ranks of the world's leading oil producers. However, this era
also highlighted the paradox of plenty, as mismanagement,
corruption, and environmental degradation underscored the
challenges of leveraging natural resources for sustainable
development.
Democracy. Nigeria's path to democracy has been tumultuous
yet resilient. Since the end of military rule in 1999, the country has
made significant strides in establishing democratic institutions and
practices. Elections, though often contentious, have become a
norm, and a vibrant civil society continues to push for transparency
and accountability. This ongoing democratic journey reflects
Nigeria's determination to forge a future where the voices of its
diverse populace shape the nation's destiny.
Interesting Historical Facts about Nigeria
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with over 200 million
people. It is bordered by Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, and
has a coastline along the Gulf of Guinea. The country is renowned
for its cultural diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups and numerous
languages spoken. Nigeria's economy is one of the largest in Africa,
driven by oil, agriculture, and services.
Nigeria