About Nigeria 

Nigeria holidays take in the vast coastline on the Gulf of Guinea, where the sprawling city of Lagos lies, remote beaches are discovered and the Niger Delta creates a wildlife-rich wetland as the famous river hits the sea.

They will follow the Niger River inland, to discover the homelands of the Fulani people, or further into the bush to Genu, home to the indigenous Kamberi people. In the most populous country in Africa, one sort of people you will rarely meet... are other tourists.

 

Culture

Nigeria is an extremely diverse country, with well over 1000 different ethnic groups residing within its territory. The culture of Nigeria is therefore every bit as diverse as you would expect from a country which is a melting pot of people from so many different backgrounds.

Nigeria does also have a rich heritage of traditional dress, which is worn in more casual contexts. Women will often be seen wearing long flowing robes and headscarves in bright colours.

 

Best time to go

The best time to go to Nigeria is during the dry season from November to January, but be prepared for the dusty Saharan winds. Read on to find out what to do in Nigeria, including small group tours and discovering a long and fascinating past, and get tips and insights from our leading Nigeria experts.

 

How many days do I need in Nigeria?

Two weeks. Discover a long history. Sub Saharan Africa has a little tangible history – but Nigeria is an exception. Climb sacred rocks to see Yoruba shrines; visit the abandoned village in the Adanre Hills, and explore the UNESCO-rated city of Oshogbo, packed with carved Yoruba deities. And don’t miss the Royal Palace in Benin City, another UNESCO site dating back to the 13th century.

 

Things to do

We recommend visiting both urban and rural communities. Chaotic Lagos is perhaps what springs to mind when you think of the country, and a city tour is a fascinating way to start your adventure with the artefact-packed National Museum, the pretty architecture of the Afro-Brazilian quarter and a tour of Lagos Island. But spend time in rural villages, too, to discover a part of Nigeria little touched by the outside world. Meet traders on their way to weekly markets, and community leaders, and sleep beneath the African stars.

 

Getting around Nigeria

Taxis 

Taxis are plentiful in Nigeria, and in some cities they outnumber buses. They are an affordable and convenient way of getting around in Nigeria, although they do cost more than buses.

Water Taxis and Ferries

Lagos is a port city and there are regular routes around the Lagos Lagoon operated by the State Ferry Services Corporation. 

Trains and Buses

Nigeria has a train network of a north-south line between Kaduna and Lagos, and Kaduna and Port Harcourt. Kaduna is the closest city to Abuja, since there is no rail service for the city. There is a proposed line to connect Abuja with Kaduna, as well as a high-speed service planned between Abuja and Lagos. Services also continue north of Kaduna to Kano and Maiduguri.

The bus network in Nigeria is extensive, connecting all major cities with long-distance services. Each city has public transport buses as well, which provides an economical way of getting around.

 

Health & Safety

All travellers are required to have a PCR COVID-19 Clearance Certificate issued by a recognized facility within 48 hours from the date of departure, in line with WHO guidelines. Yellow fever and Malaria vaccination certificates are required from those travellers coming from areas of risk. Furthermore, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you are away.

Interesting places to visit in Nigeria