Nigeria

Nigeria: general info for travelers

Nigeria is a country located in West Africa. It is the most populous country in Africa, with over 200 million people. Its capital city is Abuja, while Lagos is the most densely populated city in the country. Nigeria is rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals. It is also known for its diverse culture and vibrant music industry. However, the country faces challenges such as corruption, poverty, and security issues in some parts. Nigeria is home to many national parks and wildlife reserves, making tourism a potential industry.

In this webpage you can find destinations, links and detailed information to organize the perfect holiday in this country full of places to visit. We answer questions such as what to see and what to do, when to go and how to move. We recommend travel itineraries and we provide a list of destinations, each with a link to the dedicated page full of detailed info. So here is everything there is to know for a trip in Nigeria, including gastronomy, safety and events, with a short summary of history and culture.

Nigeria: places to visit

Certainly! Here are some of the main places to visit in Nigeria and a brief description of each: 1. Lagos: Lagos is one of Nigeria's largest cities and is home to a variety of cultural and historical attractions. Highlights include the National Museum Lagos, the Lagos Island market, and the Lekki Conservation Center.
2. Abuja: Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria and is known for its modern architecture, parks, and museums. Highlights include the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, the National Mosque, and the Nigerian National Museum.
3. Calabar: Located on the southeastern coast of Nigeria, Calabar is known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. Highlights include the Calabar Marina, the Slave History Museum, and the Cross River National Park.
4. Kano: Kano is one of Nigeria's oldest cities and is known for its ancient architecture and traditional way of life. Highlights include the Kano Emir's Palace, the Gidan Makama Museum, and the Kofar Mata Dyeing Pits.
5. Jos: Jos is a popular tourist destination located in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria. It's known for its rolling hills, waterfalls, and temperate climate. Highlights include the Jos Wildlife Park, the Jos Museum, and the Shere Hills.
6. Owerri: Owerri is the capital city of Imo State and is known for its rich cultural heritage. Highlights include the Mbari Cultural and Art Center, Nekede Botanical Garden, and the Oguta Lake Tourist Complex.
7. Enugu: Located in the southeastern part of Nigeria, Enugu is known for its natural beauty and historic landmarks. Highlights include the Miliken Hill, Nike Lake, Ngwo Pine Forest and the Enugu Museum.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you need any additional information.
There is more to see and do in Nigeria: further down you can find other info and, in particular, a list of every interesting destination, each with its own webpage containing specific info about attractions to visit, events and more.

Nigeria: when to go on holiday

We listed some places to see in Nigeria, but it's also important to visit them in the right season.
Nigeria has two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season usually runs from April to October, while the dry season lasts from November to March. If you prefer milder temperatures and less rainy days, it's best to plan a trip during the dry season, particularly between December and February. During this period the weather is usually pleasant with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 32°C, making it the ideal time to explore the country's many sights and attractions. However, keep in mind that the dry season brings with it a haze of dust called the Harmattan, which can cause respiratory problems for some people. The harmattan can also make visibility poor, and disrupt air and road travel. So it's best to plan your trip accordingly and be prepared for any challenges that may arise.

Nigeria: activities and what to do

Nigeria offers a variety of activities and sports for tourists to indulge in. Here are some of the popular ones: 1. Safari Tours: Nigeria is home to several wildlife reserves and national parks that offer safari tours.
2. Hiking and Climbing: If you prefer adventure and the great outdoors, you can go hiking and climbing in places like the Obudu Mountains and the Jos Plateau.
3. Beach Activities: Nigeria has several beautiful beaches where you can enjoy swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
4. Water Sports: You can engage in water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding in different locations.
5. Cultural Tours: Nigeria has a rich cultural heritage, and you can explore it by visiting museums, art galleries, and historical sites across the country.
6. Sports: Football (soccer) is a popular sport in Nigeria. You can also watch or participate in other sports like basketball, tennis, and cricket.
7. Shopping: Nigeria has bustling markets where you can find everything from locally-made crafts to designer products.
There's a broad range of activities and sports to do in Nigeria that will cater to everyone's interests.

Nigeria: few words on history and culture

Nigeria is located in West Africa, and its history and culture have been shaped by its diverse ethnic groups and colonial past. The earliest known civilization in Nigeria was the Nok culture, which flourished between 1000 BC and 500 AD. Later, the Hausa and Yoruba kingdoms emerged, followed by the Kanem-Bornu Empire in the north.
In the 19th century, the British colonized Nigeria, which gained independence in 1960. Nigeria is now home to over 250 ethnic groups, with the largest being the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. Christianity and Islam are the dominant religions.
Nigeria is famous for its vibrant music, dance, and literature scene, with legendary artists such as Fela Kuti and Chinua Achebe gaining worldwide recognition. The country is also known for its distinctive cuisine, which includes dishes such as jollof rice, egusi soup, and suya.
Nigeria's history and culture are held in high regard, and national holidays such as Independence Day and National Culture Day celebrate the country's rich heritage.

Nigeria: how to move around on holiday

The best means of transportation to reach Nigeria would be by air, through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos or the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. There are various airlines, including domestic and international airlines, that operate flights to Nigeria.
Once inside Nigeria, the best means of transport to get around the country would be by road, air and rail. There are various transportation options available including buses, taxis, car rentals, domestic flights and the recently launched Lagos-Ibadan railway line. Some popular car rental services in Nigeria include Avis, Hertz and Europcar. For shorter distances, commercial motorcycles (okada) and tricycles (keke) are commonly used in most Nigerian cities. To hire a car to visit Nigeria, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Nigeria: typical gastronomy

It is better to visit Nigeria with a full stomach:D
Nigeria has a diverse cuisine influenced by its multicultural population and regional cooking traditions. Some of the main typical foods of Nigeria are: 1. Jollof Rice - This is a one-pot dish of spiced rice cooked in a tomato-based sauce with vegetables, meat or fish. It's a popular dish in Nigeria and other West African countries.
2. Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup - A traditional and popular Nigerian dish made from boiled yam which is pounded until smooth and served with a spicy soup made of ground melon seeds, vegetables and meat or fish.
3. Suya - A popular Nigerian street food made of skewered and grilled meat (usually beef or chicken) seasoned with a blend of spices and served with raw onion and chili pepper.
4. Moi Moi - A steamed bean pudding made from black-eyed peas or lentils, mixed with onions, peppers, and spices. It's typically served as a side dish or breakfast.
5. Akara - A deep-fried bean ball made from black-eyed peas or cowpeas, mixed with spices and onions. It's often served as a snack or breakfast.
6. Efo Riro - A spicy vegetable soup made from a combination of leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, onions, meat or fish and cooked with a blend of spices and seasonings.
7. Pounded Plantain (Fufu) - A starchy dish made from plantain boiled and mashed until smooth and served with soup or stew.
These are just a few of the typical foods of Nigeria, but the cuisine is vast and varied depending on the region and cultural background.

Nigeria: costs for tourists and how to save on holiday

Nigeria can be relatively expensive for tourists, especially in big cities like Lagos and Abuja. Prices for accommodation, food, and transportation can be high compared to other African countries. However, the cost of a trip to Nigeria can vary depending on your travel style and budget. For example, if you stay in budget-friendly lodgings and eat street food, you can save a lot of money. On the other hand, if you stay in luxury hotels and dine in high-end restaurants, your expenses will increase significantly. It's best to research your options and create a budget plan before your trip to Nigeria.

Nigeria: where to find accodation

There are various options for finding accommodation in Nigeria. Here are a few suggestions: 1. Online Booking Websites: You can use online platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, and Hotels.com to search for accommodation options in Nigeria. These websites allow you to book a hotel room or apartment directly online.
2. Travel Agency: You can also contact a travel agency to help arrange accommodation for you. They have contacts with hotels and resorts and can offer you better deals.
3. Local Directory: Check out local directories such as Yellow Pages, to locate hotels, guest houses, and lodges. These directories often provide useful information like phone numbers, addresses, and reviews.
4. Social Networks: You can get valuable information from social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Join relevant groups in your area of interest and seek recommendations from members.
5. Ask Around: It’s always helpful to ask locals or anyone who has visited the place before for recommendations and insights about safe and affordable accommodations in Nigeria.
You can check hotel prices in Nigeria here:
Booking.com

Nigeria: number of tourists and safety

It is always interesting to know how many travelers visit a country, both to understand if it is tourist-friendly and safe and to see if in certain periods it may be too crowded.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria received around 2.3 million visitors in 2018. The number of tourists visiting Nigeria has been gradually increasing in recent years. However, there are no very crowded periods as tourism in Nigeria is still developing and it does not typically experience the same level of mass tourism as some other destinations. Nevertheless, there may be some local events or festivals that attract more visitors and could make certain areas or attractions more crowded than usual. It's always a good idea to check with local tourism authorities or do some research beforehand to see if there are any special events occurring during your planned travel period.
Nigeria can be a safe country for tourists if the right safety precautions are taken. It is important to research and stay up-to-date on current events and warnings in the area. The country does have some areas that are considered more dangerous due to high levels of crime, terrorism, and political instability. The U.S. Department of State currently advises against all but essential travel to the northeastern states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, and Yobe, as well as the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers. Visitors should also exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings in crowded places, including markets, hotels, restaurants, and places of worship. It is always best to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Nigeria.
It is always recommended to read updated info about safety in Nigeria on the official website of your Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Nigeria: events for tourists

Nigeria is known for its diverse cultural and entertainment events that are interesting for tourists. Here are some of the events you may want to consider: 1. Lagos International Jazz Festival: This is an annual jazz festival that brings together some of the biggest jazz artists from Nigeria and across the globe. It is usually held in Lagos in April.
2. Eyo Festival: This is a cultural festival held in Lagos, which dates back over 200 years. It is an event that celebrates the history and tradition of the indigenous Lagosians.
3. Calabar Carnival: This carnival is one of the largest street parties in Africa and attracts tourists from all over the world. It is held in Calabar, Cross River State, in December.
4. Osun-Osogbo Festival: This is an annual festival that is held in honor of the river goddess Osun, in Osogbo, Osun State. It is a colorful event that features music, dancing, and traditional rituals.
5. Felabration: This is an event that celebrates the life and music of the late Nigerian musician Fela Kuti. It is held in Lagos in October and features performances from local and international artists.
These events are just a few of the many interesting events that Nigeria has to offer.

Nigeria: a 2-week travel itinerary

We listed the places to see in Nigeria, here's a possible suggestion on how to visit them.
Sure, here's a two-week travel itinerary for a typical tourist in Nigeria: Day 1-2: Lagos Explore the bustling city of Lagos. Visit its famous attractions- National Museum, Eko Atlantic City, Lekki Conservation Centre, National Art Theatre and more.
Day 3-4: Abeokuta Travel to Abeokuta to explore the ancient city. Visit and explore the famous Olumo Rock and other tourist sites in the city.
Day 5-6: Ibadan Visit one of Nigeria's largest cities, Ibadan. Explore the city's rich history and culture at the National Museum of Unity and Cocoa House.
Day 7-8: Osun State Visit the Osun State to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba tribe. Explore Osun Sacred Grove, Erin Ijesha Waterfalls, Ife Art, Ooni Palace and more.
Day 9-10: Abuja Move to the country’s capital, Abuja. Take a city tour and visit the famous Aso Rock, National Mosque, National Assembly and more.
Day 11-12: Jos You can travel to Jos next and visit the Jos Museum, Rock formations at Riyom-Rim and attend the annual Jos Festival of Theatre Arts and Culture (JOFESTAC).
Day 13-14: Calabar Travel to Calabar, famous for its hospitality, rich culture and the beautiful Cross River National Park. Visit the slave history museum, Calabar Museum and historic colonial buildings.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan a wonderful trip to Nigeria!

Nigeria: all destinations

Here is a comprehensive list of all destinations to visit in Nigeria described in this website, in alphabetical order: by clicking on a link you get to the specific page with all the detailed information about a destination, with every info to organize your trip!
- Aba is a city located in the southeastern part of Nigeria. It is the commercial hub of Abia State and is known for its bustling markets and vibrant trade. With a population of over 1 million people, A... CONTINUE here for a trip to Aba
- Abeokuta is a city located in southwest Nigeria and is the largest city in Ogun State. It has a population of over 500,000 people and is known for its historic landmark, Olumo Rock. It also has a rich... CONTINUE here for a trip to Abeokuta
- Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria, located in the center of the country. It was created in 1976 to replace Lagos as the capital, and it officially became the capital of Nigeria in 1991. The city is... CONTINUE here for a trip to Abuja
- Ado-Ekiti is the capital city of Ekiti State in Nigeria. It is located in the southwestern part of the country and has a population of over 400,000 people. The city is known for its academic instituti... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ado-Ekiti
- Akure is the capital city of Ondo State in southwestern Nigeria. It has a population of approximately 450,000 people and serves as a major hub for agriculture, commerce, and education. The city is kno... CONTINUE here for a trip to Akure
- Akwanga is a town located in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. It is situated at an altitude of 314 meters and has a population of approximately 122,899 people according to the 2006 census. The town is known f... CONTINUE here for a trip to Akwanga
- Asaba is the capital of Delta State in Nigeria. It is located on the western bank of the Niger River, and it is a major trading center for agricultural goods, including cassava, yams, and palm oil. As... CONTINUE here for a trip to Asaba
- Bauchi is a state located in northeastern Nigeria. It is known for its picturesque scenery consisting of hills, mountains, and natural springs. It has a rich cultural heritage, with over 55 ethnic gro... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bauchi
- Benin City is the capital and largest city of Edo State in southern Nigeria. It has a population of over 1.5 million people and is known for its historical significance as the center of the ancient Be... CONTINUE here for a trip to Benin City
- Birnin Kebbi is the capital city of Kebbi State in Nigeria. It is located in the northwestern region of Nigeria, and it is situated on the banks of the Sokoto River. The city has a population of appro... CONTINUE here for a trip to Birnin Kebbi
- Calabar is a city located in southeastern Nigeria. It is the capital of Cross River State and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nigeria. The city has a rich history and is known for its ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Calabar
- Effon Alaiye is a town located in Ekiti State, southwestern Nigeria. It has a population of approximately 50,000 people and is predominantly made up of the Yoruba ethnic group. Effon Alaiye is known f... CONTINUE here for a trip to Effon Alaiye
- Ejigbo is a town located in Osun State in Nigeria. It is situated about 40 kilometers from the state capital, Osogbo. Ejigbo has a population of approximately 140,000 people and is known for its histo... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ejigbo
- Enugu is a city located in southeastern Nigeria and often referred to as the "coal city". It is the capital of Enugu State and has a population of approximately 722,664 people. The city is known for i... CONTINUE here for a trip to Enugu
- Epe is a coastal town and local government area (LGA) located in Lagos State, Nigeria. It is situated on the eastern side of Lagos, near the Lagos Lagoon. Epe has a population of approximately 181,409... CONTINUE here for a trip to Epe
- Gbongan is a town in the Ayedaade local government area of Osun State, Nigeria. It is located about 30 km northwest of Osogbo, the state capital. The town is known for its historic significance as it ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Gbongan
- Gombe is a state in northeastern Nigeria, with a population of over 2 million people. Its capital city is also called Gombe. The state is known for its agricultural activities, including the productio... CONTINUE here for a trip to Gombe
- Gusau is a city located in the Zamfara State of Nigeria, in the northern region of the country. It is the capital of the state and is known for its agricultural produce including cotton, groundnut, an... CONTINUE here for a trip to Gusau
- Ibadan is a city located in southwestern Nigeria and it is the capital of Oyo state. With a population of over three million people, it is the third most populous city in Nigeria and one of the ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ibadan
- Ijebu-Ode is a town in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria. It is located approximately 110 kilometers east of Lagos. Ijebu-Ode has a rich cultural heritage, with a history that dates back several centur... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ijebu-Ode
- Ikorodu is a city in Lagos State, Nigeria. It is located approximately 32 km north-east of Lagos Island and is a major hub for transportation, commerce, and agriculture. The city has a population of o... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ikorodu
- Ilesa is a city located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, in Osun State. It is the second-largest city in the state and has a population of over 240,000 people. The city is known for its rich cultu... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ilesa
- Ilorin is a city located in the western part of Nigeria, specifically in the Kwara state. With a population of over 1.1 million people, it is the sixth-largest city in Nigeria. It is also a major tran... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ilorin
- Iseyin is a city located in the Oyo State of southwestern Nigeria. It is situated on the banks of the Ogun River and has a rich cultural heritage. The city is known for its extensive textile industry,... CONTINUE here for a trip to Iseyin
- Iwo is a city located in the southwestern part of Nigeria. It is situated in Osun State and is home to over 200,000 people. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, an... CONTINUE here for a trip to Iwo
- Jalingo is a city in Nigeria, the capital of Taraba State. It is located in the Benue Valley and has a population of over 127,000 people. The major languages spoken in Jalingo are Hausa, Fulfulde, and... CONTINUE here for a trip to Jalingo
- Jos is a city located in the central region of Nigeria and the capital of Plateau State. The city has a diverse population with different ethnic groups, including Berom, Afizere, Anaguta, and others. ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Jos
- Kaduna is a city located in the Kaduna state of Nigeria, in the north-central part of the country. It is the capital of the state and serves as a major commercial and industrial hub. With a population... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kaduna
- Kano is a city located in Nigeria, in the northern part of the country. It is the capital of Kano state and the second most populous city in Nigeria, with a population of over 3 million people. Kano h... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kano
- Katsina is a city located in northern Nigeria, and it is the capital of Katsina State. The city has a population of approximately 790,000 people and is known for its rich historic and cultural heritag... CONTINUE here for a trip to Katsina
- Lafia is the capital city of Nasarawa State in Nigeria. It is located in the central region of the state and has a population of about 330,000 people. Lafia is known for its agricultural production, w... CONTINUE here for a trip to Lafia
- Lagos is a bustling city in Nigeria that boasts the title of the country's largest city and economic capital. It has a population of over 20 million people and is known for its vibrant nightlife, dive... CONTINUE here for a trip to Lagos
- Makurdi is the capital city of Benue State in Nigeria. It is located in the central region of Nigeria and sits on the banks of the Benue River. The town has a population of around 500,000 people. Maku... CONTINUE here for a trip to Makurdi
- Minna is a city in Nigeria and the capital of Niger State. It is located at the banks of the Kaduna River and has a population of around 304,113 people. The city is known for its historical significan... CONTINUE here for a trip to Minna
- Offa is a town located in the Kwara State of Nigeria. It is situated in the south-western region of the state and is home to a population of over 90,000 people. The town is known for its rich cultural... CONTINUE here for a trip to Offa
- Ogbomosho is a city located in the southwestern region of Nigeria, in the Oyo State. It is the third-largest city in Oyo State and has a population of approximately 645,000 people. The city is known f... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ogbomosho
- Okene is a city located in the central part of Nigeria, in the Kogi State. It is situated approximately 200 miles northeast of Lagos, Nigeria's largest city. Okene is a commercial center and a major t... CONTINUE here for a trip to Okene
- Okigwe is a town located in Imo State, Nigeria. It is situated in the southeastern part of Nigeria and is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The town is home to various ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Okigwe
- Ondo is a state located in southwestern Nigeria. It is bordered by Ekiti and Kogi states to the north, Ogun state to the south, Edo state to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The state ha... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ondo
- Onitsha is a bustling city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River in Anambra State, Nigeria. It is home to one of the largest markets in West Africa, known as the Onitsha Main Market.It is a h... CONTINUE here for a trip to Onitsha
- Owerri is a city located in southeastern Nigeria and it is the capital of Imo State. It has a population of over 400,000 people and is known for its vibrant nightlife, rich culture, and delicious cuis... CONTINUE here for a trip to Owerri
- Oyo is a city located in the southwestern region of Nigeria. It is the capital of Oyo State and is known for its rich cultural heritage and history. Oyo was once the capital of the Oyo Empire, one of ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Oyo
- Port Harcourt is a city located in the southern part of Nigeria, along the Bonny River and surrounded by the Niger Delta. It is the capital city of Rivers State and one of the largest commercial and e... CONTINUE here for a trip to Port Harcourt
- Saki is a city located in the Oyo state of Nigeria. It is a major commercial center with a population of approximately 160,000 people. Saki is known for its large markets, including the popular Alapa ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Saki
- Shagamu is a town located in Ogun State, Nigeria. It is a growing urban area with a population of approximately 300,000 people as of 2021. Shagamu is known for its historical significance as it was a ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Shagamu
- Sokoto is a city located in the northwestern part of Nigeria, and it is the capital of Sokoto State. It is situated on the south bank of the Sokoto River and has an estimated population of over one mi... CONTINUE here for a trip to Sokoto
- Uyo is a city located in the southern part of Nigeria, and it is the capital of Akwa Ibom State. It is a bustling city with a high population density, modern infrastructure, and a mix of modern and tr... CONTINUE here for a trip to Uyo
- Warri is a city in southern Nigeria, located in the state of Delta. It is an oil-rich and industrial city, with a population of approximately 1 million people. The city is known for its vibrant cultur... CONTINUE here for a trip to Warri
- Zaria is a city located in northern Nigeria, and it is the second-largest city in Kaduna State. It has a population of approximately 975,153 people. Historically, Zaria was a prominent center of the H... CONTINUE here for a trip to Zaria


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