Home to approximately 192 million inhabitants, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, has one of the largest populations of youth, and the seventh most populous country in the world. The country is viewed as a multinational state, as it is inhabited by over 500 ethnic groupings, of which the three largest are the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba; these ethnic groups speak over 500 different languages, have diverse cultures and exhibiting unique art.
‘Nollywood’, the local film industry is the third largest in the world and the country maintains pioneering status with its music which has played major roles in influencing contemporary world music. A rich array of cuisines, fashion styles and festivals exist across the different tribes.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Lagos
Upon arrival in Lagos, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.-/-/-
Day 2. Lagos - Badagry (joining group from Cotonou)- Lagos
We shall set off early for our day trip to Badagry. The coastal border town of Badagry can be found west of Lagos and near the border separating Nigeria from the republic of Benin.
Its coast and location made it the perfect trade route in the slave trade era. And so, here, we shall visit the old slave market, slave trade museum and relics, and the homestead the then King Seriki Abbas, and the Gberefu beach (slave embarkation point). Back to Lagos for overnight. B/-/-
Day 3. Lagos - city tour
Lagos, also known as Eko (from its origin in 1630) is the vibrant commercial hub of Nigeria. With its population of is over twenty million, Lagos is the most populous city in Nigeria, and the country in turn, is the most populous black nation on earth. Lagos is known to be the economic, financial, and commercial nerve centre of west Africa, and the 5th largest in Africa. The city is located on the Atlantic coast of the region and comprises of a litany of islands, a mainland and a peninsula. Our first visit after breakfast will be to Makoko stilt village - a village built on water. Here we shall explore by canoe, the watery environs and the lifestyle of the villagers. Next stop is Lagos Island, the first settlement of Lagos where we learn about the origins of Lagos and explore historical sites. The National museum houses artifacts and culture from some of the over 250 tribes of Nigeria and will be our stopover before we proceed for lunch and experience delicious Nigerian cuisine. At Nike Art Gallery we shall behold the four floors and thousands of exquisite and authentic Nigerian art and craft done by Nigerian artists. Lekki Conservation centre shall be our last site visit for the day where you can climb the longest canopy walkway in Africa and explore the nature reserve that is home to many free range animals.B/-/-
Day 4. Lagos - Abeokuta - Ile Ife
After breakfast, we take off to Abeokuta and visit historic Olumo rock, Itoku market selling ‘Adire’ (batik) fabric. We continue to Ile Ife in Osun state. Ile Ife is known as the cradle of yoruba civilisation. Then, on to the Ife archeoliógicl museum and the Natural Hiistory Museum. B/-/-
Day 5. Ile Ife - Osogbo
After breakfast we set off for Osogbo, the capital of the Osun State. This town is a farming region where yams, cassava, grain, cotton and tobacco are grown. It also hosts the annual Osun-Osogbo festival along the River Osun. The festival is centered around the sacred grove of the river goddess Osun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The dense forest of the Osun Sacred Grove is one of the last remnants of primary high forests of southern Nigeria and is regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility Osun. This goddess is worshipped by the traditional Yoruba Orisha worshipers. The Osun Sacred Grove was decorated by the Austrian-Nigerian artist and illustrator Susanne Wenger (1915-2009). B/-/-
Day 6. Osogbo - Lokoja - Abuja
After breakfast, depart for a full day journey to Abuja.
Along the way, we stop at Lokoja, the confluence town that offers a panoramic view of the merging point of the Niger and Benue rivers (also known as the confluence point). Proceed to visit fishing villages along the river Niger en-route Abuja. B/-/-
Day 7. Abuja - Gurara Falls- Zuma Rock - Abuja
Abuja is an entirely purpose-built, planned administrative centre and took over from Lagos as the capital of Nigeria in 1991. The site for the new capital was chosen because of its central location, easy accessibility, pleasant climate, low population density, and the availability of land for future expansion. Abuja is surrounded by abundant hills, highlands, Savannah grassland, and tropical rain forests. After breakfast, we set off for Gurara falls and then Zuma rock just outside the city. Upon return, we proceed to the National mosque, the arts and crafts village, and Jabi lake.
You will have the option to try some of the unique delicacies attributable only to northern Nigeria...think Kilishi (spicy beef jerky) and Kunu ( a sour/sweet diary-based gruel). B/-/-
Day 8. Abuja. City tour. Departure
After breakfast, we set off for another day of exploring. First port of call is the Pottery village. Next, we tour the administrative points of interest - The national assembly complex, central business district, international conference centre. We won't leave out the largest church in west Africa - Dunamis International Gospel centre. Later, we head to the airport for departure. B/-/-
tour leader from Penguin Travel at min. 10 people
entrance fees (allow ca. 35 USD)
1810 €, 8 Days
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