Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and one of its most complex and dynamic destinations. It brings together large coastal cities, historic kingdoms, rainforests in the south, savannahs in the north, highland regions, and a long Atlantic shoreline. This geographic range is matched by cultural diversity, with more than 250 ethnic groups shaping everyday life through language, food, music, and traditions.
Travel in Nigeria offers insight into a country driven by creativity and movement. From the energy of Lagos to traditional towns and natural areas far from major cities, the country reveals many layers to those willing to explore beyond first impressions. History, modern culture, and daily life intersect constantly, making Nigeria a destination defined not by a single experience, but by its depth and variety.
Best Cities in Nigeria
Lagos
Lagos is Nigeria’s largest city and main business hub, spread across the mainland and islands connected by bridges. Most travelers arrive via Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, then move around by taxi or ride-hailing because distances are long and traffic can be heavy at peak commute hours. It helps to plan your days by area, for example doing Ikoyi and Victoria Island together, or Ikeja and nearby mainland stops together, instead of crossing the city repeatedly. If you want a lower-cost option on some corridors, the BRT bus system can be useful, but it is less convenient for door-to-door trips and can be crowded.
For nature inside the city, Lekki Conservation Centre is one of the easiest half-day outings, with a canopy walkway and trails through coastal vegetation. For history and culture, the National Museum gives a compact introduction to Nigerian art and heritage, and you can add galleries and studios around Victoria Island and Lekki if you are interested in contemporary Nigerian art. Beach time is usually done on the Atlantic-facing side, with popular spots on the Lekki peninsula, and for a more “away from the roads” feel you can take a boat to beach areas like Tarkwa Bay, depending on sea conditions and timing.
Abuja
Abuja is Nigeria’s purpose-built capital in the country’s center, and it is easier to navigate than Lagos because the city is planned around wide arterial roads and separated districts. The main reference point is Aso Rock, which you can view from several parts of the city even if you are not visiting any restricted areas nearby. For a simple stop, Millennium Park is the most straightforward green space for a walk or a break, and the National Mosque and the National Christian Centre are the two key landmarks that reflect Abuja’s role as a national capital; if you plan to go inside, dress conservatively and confirm visiting access locally because entry rules can vary.
Most travelers arrive via Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and use taxis or ride-hailing to get into the city, since public transport is limited for visitors. Abuja also works as a practical base for central Nigeria because flights and highways connect it to other regions, so it is commonly used for onward travel rather than as a standalone stop. To save time, plan your day by nearby areas instead of crossing the city repeatedly, and allow extra buffer time for checkpoints and traffic around major junctions, especially on weekday mornings and late afternoons.
Ibadan
Ibadan is a major city in southwestern Nigeria and one of the largest urban areas in West Africa by land area, with a strong Yoruba cultural base and a long history as an inland trading center. A good way to understand the city quickly is to visit Mapo Hall on Mapo Hill, which gives you a sense of Ibadan’s older civic identity and offers clear views over the dense cityscape. Dugbe Market and nearby commercial streets show the city’s trading role in everyday terms, while Cocoa House, one of Nigeria’s best-known modern-era high-rises, connects Ibadan to the history of cocoa wealth and regional development.
Ibadan is easy to reach by road from Lagos, usually by intercity bus or private car, and it is often used as a stop on routes deeper into the southwest. Within the city, taxis and ride-hailing are the most practical options because distances are long and walking between areas is rarely efficient. If you want an academic and museum-style stop, the University of Ibadan area is an important part of the city’s identity, and it is best visited on a weekday when the campus and surrounding neighborhoods are active.
Benin City
Benin City is the capital of Edo State in southern Nigeria and the historic center of the Benin Kingdom, whose royal traditions still influence the city today. For cultural context, the Benin National Museum is the most practical starting point, with exhibits that introduce Edo history, court traditions, and the broader significance of Benin art, including bronze and ivory works associated with the royal court. If you are interested in living tradition rather than only museum displays, parts of the city around the palace area can give a clearer sense of how chieftaincy and ceremonial life continue in modern Benin City, though access to specific sites depends on local rules and events.
Benin City is well connected by road to Lagos, Abuja, and the Niger Delta cities, and many travelers arrive by bus or private car, with domestic flights also available for faster access. Getting around locally is usually done by taxi or ride-hailing, and it helps to plan visits earlier in the day to avoid heavier traffic and to have time for museum hours. If you are buying art or carvings, use established galleries or reputable workshops, ask about materials and provenance, and be cautious with items presented as antiques, since regulations and authenticity can be issues.
Calabar
Calabar is the capital of Cross River State in southeastern Nigeria, set near the Calabar River and close to the Cameroon border. It is known for well-preserved elements of coastal history and for cultural events, including the Calabar Carnival season, when parades and performances draw visitors from across the country. In town, the Calabar Museum in the former colonial residency is a practical introduction to local history, and the marina and older neighborhoods around the riverfront help you understand how the city developed as a port and administrative center. For local food and everyday life, the main markets and roadside dining areas are usually more informative than formal attractions.
Best Beaches in Nigeria
Nigeria’s coastline stretches over 850 kilometers, with beaches that range from lively urban shores to quiet, untouched stretches of sand.
Tarkwa Bay (Lagos)
Tarkwa Bay is a sheltered beach on the Lagos coast that you can reach only by boat, which keeps it quieter than most mainland beaches and makes it a practical short escape from the city. The water is generally calmer than open Atlantic-facing beaches, so it is one of the better places in Lagos for a relaxed swim, basic water sports, and time on the sand without constant road noise. Facilities are simple and focused on day visitors, with small food and drink options and space for beach activities rather than resort-style infrastructure.
To get there, you usually take a boat from a Lagos jetty, with trips varying by departure point and sea conditions, so it helps to go earlier in the day and plan your return before it gets dark. Use a reputable boat operator, confirm the price and return arrangements before leaving, and keep valuables protected from water. Even in sheltered areas, pay attention to currents and local advice, and avoid swimming far out if conditions change.
Elegushi Beach
Elegushi Beach is a popular city beach on the Lekki side of Lagos, known less for quiet swimming and more for its entertainment scene. The shoreline is lined with bars and beach clubs that set up music, food service, and seating areas, and the atmosphere is usually busiest from late afternoon into the night, especially on weekends. Many visitors come for social events, live DJ sets, and casual dining by the water rather than for a nature-style beach day.
Getting there is easiest by taxi or ride-hailing from Lekki, Victoria Island, or Ikoyi, and it helps to time your trip to avoid peak traffic on the main roads leading into Lekki. There is typically an entrance fee at the gate, and costs inside can add up, so agree prices before ordering and keep cash for smaller payments. Swimming is possible but ocean conditions can be rough, so treat the water cautiously and focus on the beachside venues if the surf is strong.
Lekki Beach
Lekki Beach is a quieter option on the Lekki Peninsula compared with the more club-focused city beaches, and it is mainly used for simple beach time rather than organized nightlife. The shoreline is long and open, which makes it good for evening walks, casual picnics, and a slower pace, especially outside weekends and public holidays. Facilities are usually basic, so it is better to arrive with water and small essentials rather than expecting full services on the sand.
Getting there is typically done by taxi or ride-hailing from Lekki, Victoria Island, or Ikoyi, and travel time depends heavily on traffic along the main Lekki corridors. If you plan to stay through sunset, it helps to arrange your return ride in advance because demand rises later in the evening. Ocean conditions can be unpredictable on this coast, so swimming should be approached cautiously, and it is safer to stay close to shore if waves or currents look strong.
Ibeno Beach
Ibeno Beach is on the Atlantic coast of Akwa Ibom State, stretching for many kilometers along a low, sandy shoreline. Most visitors come for simple beach time such as long walks, quiet stretches of sand, and watching fishing activity near nearby settlements. If you stay close to the communities, you can usually find fresh seafood and small local food spots, and you may also be able to arrange short canoe trips in nearby creeks and river channels where mangroves and wetlands shape the coastline.
The easiest route is to fly into Uyo, then continue by road toward Eket and onward to Ibeno, using a hired car or taxi for the final stretch since public transport can be slow and indirect. Roads and travel times vary by season, and the rainy months can make some sections muddy or potholed, so it helps to start early and plan daylight travel. Swimming should be treated cautiously because currents and surf can be strong on this part of the coast, so follow local advice, avoid going far from shore, and prioritize walking and shoreline time if conditions look rough.
Best Natural Wonders and National Parks
Yankari National Park
Yankari National Park is in Bauchi State in northeastern Nigeria and is the country’s best-known savannah wildlife area. Most visitors come for guided game drives on park tracks, where elephants are a key species to look for, along with baboons, antelope, warthogs, and a wide range of birds. Wildlife viewing is usually best early in the morning and late afternoon, and the dry season typically makes animals easier to spot because vegetation is lower and they gather around water sources.
A major highlight is Wikki Warm Spring, a clear warm-water pool near the main camp area that many visitors use after a drive. Overnight stays are common because it allows you to do multiple drives without rushing and makes it easier to time wildlife activity. Access is usually via Bauchi city by road, then onward to the park entrance and main camp, using a private car, hired driver, or arranged transport through accommodation providers. If you are planning a visit, it helps to book guides and lodging in advance, carry cash for fees, and confirm current road and security conditions locally before traveling.
Cross River National Park
Cross River National Park is Nigeria’s main protected rainforest area and one of the key conservation zones in the Upper Guinean forest belt. The park is usually described in two main sections: the Oban area, which is closer to Calabar and has dense lowland rainforest, and the more remote Okwangwo area near the Cameroon border, which protects important habitat for rare primates such as the drill and the Cross River gorilla. Wildlife sightings are possible but not predictable in thick forest, so many visits focus on guided hiking, birdwatching, and learning how rainforest conservation and community land use work in practice.
Most travelers approach the Oban area from Calabar by road, then continue toward forest entry points with a local guide or ranger. For Okwangwo, the usual route is overland via towns like Ikom, then onward to border-area communities where guides and access can be arranged. Plan to organize permits and guiding in advance, start walks early to avoid heat, and prepare for humidity, sudden rain, muddy trails, and insects with closed shoes, long sleeves, and repellent. If you want a realistic experience, treat it as a multi-day trip rather than a quick stop, since travel to trailheads and arranging logistics can take time.
Okomu National Park
Okomu National Park is a small but important protected rainforest area in Edo State, not far from Benin City, and it is one of the easier places in southern Nigeria to experience lowland forest without traveling deep into the Niger Delta. Visits are usually built around short guided walks on forest trails, where you are more likely to notice monkeys, birds, and butterflies than large mammals, since visibility is limited in dense vegetation. Some areas have viewing points or platforms that help you scan the canopy and listen for primate calls, and guides can explain common tree species, medicinal plants, and signs of wildlife activity.
Most travelers reach Okomu by road from Benin City using a hired car or taxi, and it is often done as a day trip if you start early, although an overnight stay nearby makes the timing easier. Access is typically managed at the park entrance or headquarters, where you pay fees and arrange a ranger or guide, which is the safest way to navigate and to avoid restricted zones. The most practical time to visit is early morning in the drier months, when trails are less muddy and insects are slightly less intense, and it helps to bring closed shoes, long sleeves, water, and repellent because the forest can be humid and conditions change quickly after rain.
Gashaka-Gumti National Park
Gashaka-Gumti National Park lies in eastern Nigeria along the Cameroon border and covers a large area of mountains, river valleys, savannah, and pockets of dense forest. It is best known for multi-day trekking and remote camping rather than quick game drives, with routes that can include steep climbs, river crossings, and long stretches without services. Wildlife viewing is less predictable than in more visited parks, but guided outings can focus on primates, forest and savannah birds, and signs of larger mammals along water sources and forest edges.
Visits usually require advance coordination with park authorities and the use of local guides or rangers, both for navigation and for access rules. The most practical approach is to travel to a regional hub such as Yola or Jalingo, then continue overland toward the park boundary and an entry community, often using a 4×4 because roads can be rough and slow, especially outside the dry season. Plan for limited phone coverage, bring cash and supplies, and treat it as a trip where logistics matter as much as the hiking, including confirming current access conditions locally before you set out.
Best Cultural and Historical Sites
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a protected forest along the Osun River just outside Osogbo in Osun State, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its living religious tradition and cultural landscape. Visitors walk through shaded paths to see river shrines, small temples, and a large collection of sculptures and carved structures created as part of the grove’s modern restoration, with many works linked to Yoruba deities and ritual symbolism. The grove is still used for worship, so it is best visited with a local guide who can explain which areas are active sacred spaces and what behavior is expected, including where photography is not appropriate.
Most travelers reach the grove by first getting to Osogbo from Lagos or Ibadan by intercity bus or private car, then taking a short taxi ride to the entrance. You usually pay an entry fee and arrange guiding at the gate, and visits work well in the morning when it is cooler and quieter. If you travel during the Osun-Osogbo Festival, which is held annually and often falls in August, expect crowds, road closures, and higher demand for transport and accommodation, so it helps to book ahead and allow extra time for moving around the city.
Sukur Cultural Landscape
Sukur Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO-listed hill settlement in the Mandara Mountains of northeastern Nigeria, known for its dry-stone architecture and a terraced farming system that still shapes daily life. A visit is usually done as a guided walk through stone compounds, narrow paths, and stepped fields, with stops at the chief’s palace area and community spaces that help explain how authority, craft skills, and agriculture are organized in a mountain environment. The main value is seeing how building techniques, land use, and social tradition fit together in one place, rather than visiting a single monument.
Getting to Sukur takes planning because it is remote and the final approach is not designed for casual tourism. Most travelers start from a regional hub such as Yola, continue by road toward Mubi and Madagali, then arrange local transport and a guide for the last section, which may involve rough roads and a hike depending on the access point. It is best to organize the visit through local authorities or community contacts in advance, travel in daylight, and check current conditions before you go, since this part of Nigeria can be sensitive for security and road reliability.
Nok Archaeological Sites
The Nok archaeological sites are a spread of findspots and excavation areas across parts of central Nigeria, especially around the Jos Plateau and areas of present-day Kaduna State. The Nok culture is best known for its terracotta figures, which are among the earliest large-scale sculptural traditions identified in sub-Saharan Africa and are generally dated to roughly the first millennium BCE through the first centuries CE. Because Nok evidence comes from many locations rather than one single “ruins” complex, the story is usually told through artifacts and excavation records rather than through a visitor-ready site with buildings to walk through.
Badagry
Badagry is a historic coastal town west of Lagos, close to the border with Benin, and it is one of the most important places in Nigeria for learning about the transatlantic slave trade and the coastal networks that supported it. Most visits focus on local museums and heritage sites that document how people were captured, held, and moved through the area, often with guides who explain the routes, local actors, and the wider Atlantic context. It is worth approaching the visit as a memorial experience, with time for the historical interpretation rather than trying to rush through multiple stops.
Getting to Badagry is usually done by road from Lagos, either by private car, taxi, or public transport, and travel time varies a lot with traffic, especially around commuter hours. Some key locations are reached by short boat or canoe rides through lagoon channels, so it helps to carry cash for guiding and transport, keep electronics in a waterproof bag, and plan to return before dark. If you want the day to go smoothly, start early from Lagos, group visits by nearby areas in Badagry town, and confirm opening times locally because museum hours can change.
Hidden Gems of Nigeria
Idanre Hills
Idanre Hills are a dramatic group of granite outcrops above the town of Idanre in Ondo State, known for steep stair routes, wide viewpoints, and the remains of older hilltop settlement areas. A visit typically involves climbing a long stone stairway up to the higher sections, where you can see rock formations, old defensive features, and traces of former habitation that help explain why people once lived on the hills. The main experience is the hike itself, with stops for views over the surrounding forest and farmland, so it works best if you start early before the heat builds.
Idanre is usually reached by road from Akure, which is the nearest major city and the easiest place to arrange transport, either by taxi, hired car, or local buses to Idanre town. At the site, a local guide is useful for navigation and for explaining the history of the old settlement areas and cultural rules around certain locations. Wear shoes with strong grip, bring water, and plan for a slow climb with breaks, especially in the wet season when steps and rock surfaces can be slippery.
Obudu Mountain Resort
Obudu Mountain Resort is a highland retreat in Cross River State near the Cameroon border, commonly used as a cooler break from Nigeria’s lowland heat. The area is set on a plateau above the surrounding forest and farmland, and the main activities are scenic viewpoints, short hikes, and visits to nearby waterfalls and forest trails. The resort is also known for its cable car route between lower access points and the higher ranch area, but it is worth checking locally in advance because operations can be affected by maintenance or weather.
Most travelers reach Obudu by flying to Calabar and continuing by road through Ikom and Obudu town, then up to the plateau, or by long overland travel from major cities if they have time. The final mountain road can be slow and tiring, so it is safer to travel in daylight and plan buffer time, especially in the rainy season when roads can be slippery. Pack for cooler evenings, bring good walking shoes for uneven trails, and arrange accommodation and transport ahead because options in the highlands are limited compared with larger cities.
Awhum Waterfall
Awhum Waterfall is a day-trip nature stop near Enugu, in southeastern Nigeria, best known for its combination of a forested waterfall setting and the nearby monastery complex at Awhum. Visitors usually come to see the falls, walk the paths around the site, and visit the monastery grounds, which include a church and quiet viewpoints over the surrounding hills. Water flow is typically stronger in the rainy season, while the dry season can be easier for walking but with a smaller cascade.
Most people visit from Enugu by road, using a taxi or hired driver to reach Awhum village and the monastery area, then continuing on foot to the waterfall. The last section is a short hike on uneven paths, so closed shoes with grip are useful, especially after rain when rocks and steps can be slippery. If you plan to enter religious spaces, dress modestly and follow any on-site guidance, and carry small cash in case there is an entry fee, parking charge, or a requested donation for maintenance.
Erin Ijesha Waterfalls (Olumirin Falls)
Erin Ijesha Waterfalls, also called Olumirin Falls, is a multi-tier waterfall in Erin-Ijesha, Osun State, where a series of cascades runs down a rocky forest slope. The visit is mostly a climb up and down stepped paths between different levels, with several natural pools and shaded rest points along the way. Many visitors stop at the lower levels for easier access and water views, while those with more time continue higher for quieter sections and broader viewpoints. Water levels are usually higher in the rainy season, while the dry season often makes footing and trail access easier.
Most travelers reach the site by road, commonly from Ilesa or Osogbo, and longer trips are also possible from Ibadan or Lagos with a hired driver or intercity transport to Ilesa followed by a local taxi to Erin-Ijesha. At the entrance, you should expect an admission fee and, in many cases, a local guide arrangement, which helps with navigation and safety on the rocks. Wear shoes with good grip, bring water, and keep phones and cameras protected from spray, because steps and stone surfaces can get slippery, especially after rainfall.
Travel Tips for Nigeria
Safety and General Advice
Nigeria is a country of striking regional diversity, and travel conditions can vary considerably depending on location. The southern regions and major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are the most frequently visited and generally safe for travelers who take normal precautions. Some northern and border areas may experience instability, so it’s important to check current travel advisories and seek local advice before visiting. Nigerians are known for their hospitality, and visitors who plan carefully will find the experience energetic and rewarding.
Health and Vaccinations
A yellow fever vaccination is required for entry, and malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended throughout the country. Tap water is not safe to drink, so use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. In addition, insect repellent and light clothing are useful for preventing mosquito bites, especially in humid areas. Healthcare in large cities is improving, but travelers should still have comprehensive medical and evacuation insurance when exploring the country.
Transportation and Getting Around
Domestic flights connect major cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Calabar, and are often the most efficient way to cover long distances. On the ground, buses and shared taxis are widely available and provide affordable intercity transport, though travel times can be long. Within cities, expect heavy traffic, especially in Lagos, where congestion is frequent during peak hours. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber operate in several urban centers and can be a safer and more reliable option than hailing taxis on the street.
Car Rental and Driving
Driving in Nigeria is on the right-hand side of the road. While main highways and city roads are generally paved, conditions vary by region, and rural roads can be uneven or poorly lit. Hiring a driver is often the safest and most convenient option, especially for newcomers unfamiliar with local driving customs. Those who choose to drive themselves should plan routes carefully and avoid traveling at night. An International Driving Permit is required alongside your national driver’s license, and all documents should be carried at checkpoints, which are routine across the country.
Published January 10, 2026 • 21m to read
