Nigeria South West and Central Region 21-Day Adventure

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Lagos

Upon arrival at Murtala Modamed International Airport, you will be picked up by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Dinner at your hotel.

Day 2: Lagos

Start your day with a visit to Badagry’s historical sites including Mobee Family Slave Relics Museum, First Storey Building in Nigeria, Badagry Heritage Museum, Seriki Abass Slave Barracoon, and the Point of No Return. Take in the marks of the European traders’ cruelty during the slave trading period. Next, tour Makoko Floating Slums and capture the lives of endangered Nigerians living around the area. You will then head to your hotel for a short rest. End your day with a visit to Kalakuta Republic, located on the Ikeja Axis, and experience the night life in Lagos.

Day 3: Lagos

Enjoy a scenic walk at the Lekki Conservation Centre. Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature as you climb above the trees
on the longest canopy walkway in all of Africa and spot monkeys, birds, tortoises, peacocks, and other animals. Tour around a typical Lagos market and witness how daily trade is done in Nigeria. For this day, you will get to experience using the local transport in Nigeria called Danfo and visit places like Oshodi, Ajegunle, and other small suburbs within the Lagos municipality.

Day 4: Ogun State 

Travel to the ancient city of Abeokuta in Ogun State. Climb up Olumo Rock as your guide tells you the history and mysteries of
the fortress. On the way up, you will see shrines, sacred trees, tribal war-time hideouts,  and water dripping from the rocks which are believed to have healing properties. Upon reaching the top, appreciate the spectacular scenes of Abeokuta.

From the Olumo Rock, head to Birikisu Sungbo Shrine in Oke Eri. Each year both Muslim and Christian pilgrims come to this
place to pray and honour Bilikisu Sungo, who is beloved to have supernatural powers. Then, stop by Yemoji Natural Swimming Pool, known as the African River Jordan for its healing properties, at Ijebu Ode.

Day 5: Abeokuta - Ibadan

Head to Ibadan, the oldest and largest city in West Africa. Tour around the ancient city and get a glimpse of Ibadan’s Olubadan as well as the University of Ibada, the oldest degree awarding institutions in Nigeria. Continue your journey to Ile-Ife, home of Oduduwa - the legendary father of the Yoruba race. Upon arrival, call on the Ooni of Ile-Ife, the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife. From Ibada, visit Oranmiyan Staff and other historical sites in Osun State including the Osun Oshogbo Shrine and Groove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight at Cameron Hotel or Ideal Nest Hotel.

Day 6: Idanre - Benin City - Okumu

After breakfast, travel to Idanre Hills - a city between the hills. Climb the hills with 682 steps as you listen to its
wonderful history, see the ancient settlement, and scenic view of the entire city. Continue to Benin City, visit the Royal Palace of Oba of Benin, a UNESCO listed heritage site. Notable as the home of the Oba of Benin and other royals, the Royal Palace of Oba of Benin is considered as a celebration and preservation of the rich Benin Culture.

Visit IgunIgun-Eronwon Quarters, also known as Igun Street. One of the most patronized tourist attractions in Benin City, the
Igun Street, a UNESCO listed heritage site, is home to the bronze casting industries. See the Emotan Statue located at the Oba Market in Benin City. This life-sized statue was built in honour of the legacy set by Emotan, a patriotic
woman who traded in foodstuffs. Explore Okumo National Park, a forest block nestled between two rivers. This park, the last habitat for many endangered species, holds a piece of the rich forest that once covered the region.

Day 7: Benin City - Umuahia (Ubakala/Amakama
Town)

From Benin City, head to Umuahia. Here, you will see the Amakama Wooden Cave, a hollow in a tree large enough to hold up to 20
people. The cave was a place of refuge during times of war and slave raids.
Visit the National Nigerian War Museum in Umuahia, displaying Nigeria’s military history with relics from the Biafra-Nigerian Civil War. Then, witness the action-packed Ekpe Festival, a local masquerade festival of the Amibo tribes’ men.

Day 8: Umuahia - Calabar

Depart to Calabar, one of the oldest centres for trading in Nigeria. You will get to explore Henshaw Town, Duke Town, and the
waterfront area. You will also visit Slave History Museum, which concentrates on the history of the town. The museum sits on the site of a 15th century slave-trading warehouse. Overnight at Transcorp Hotel Calabar or any similar hotel.

Day 9: Calabar - Obudu

Travel to Obudu Mountain Resort, a ranch and resort on the Obudu Plateau at 1576m above sea level on the Oshie Ridge of the
Sankwala Mountains. Offering a total contrast from Africa’s tropical heat, the resort provides an idyllic tranquility to its visitors. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and mesmerising views. Overnight at Obudu Mountain Resort or similar hotel.

Day 10: Obudu

Free at your own leisure. You may explore Obudu on your own arrangement.

Day 11: Ilorin

Get ready for a long drive to Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, and pass through some of the popular cities in Eastern Nigeria such as Awka, Onitsha, and Nsukka. Overnight at Kwara Hotel or similar.

Day 12: Ilorin - Jebba - Lokoja

After breakfast, visit Esie Museum, the first museum in Nigeria. Esie Museum is known to have the largest collection of soapstone images in the world. Travel to Jebba where you will visit Mungo Park Cenotaph, a monument erected to commemorate Mungo Park who discovered River Niger. Continue to Lokoja and visit the World War Cenotaph, built in memory of the brave soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War. Then, stop over Lord Lugard’s Residence and Office. Now hosting the State Government House, Lord Lugard’s Residence and Office served as the highest powerhouse of Kogi State. Overnight at Kwara Hotel or Suitoria Hotel.

Day 13: Gurara Falls - Abuja

Travel to Gurara Falls, one of the biggest natural tourist attractions in Nigeria, and take time to appreciate its majestic beauty. After, head to Abuja and get an opportunity to experience the lives of the Nupe and Gwari tribes.

Day 14: Abuja

Experience Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja. Get a chance to learn about Abuja’s history at Abuja National Mosque, see the spot that divides Niger State and Abuja, visit one of the most renowned galleries in West Africa, go around Usama Dam, and enjoy the beauty of Jabi Lake. Overnight at Nordic Villa Hotel or similar.

Day 15: Abuja - Katsina

Today, depart from Abuja and head to Katsina where you will visit its famous Katsina City Gate. The gate is deemed as one of
the major tourist attractions in the city due to its seven different gates surrounding it. Continue to Emir of Katsina Palace, also known as Gidan Korau. A huge complex located in the ancient city, the Emir of Katsina Palace is a symbol of culture, history, and tradition. It is said that the palace depicts the traditional architectural designs of Northern Nigeria. Overnight at Jibia Holiday Resort or similar.

Day 16: Katsina

After breakfast, head to the city centre and visit Gobarau Minaret, an early example of Muslim architecture constructed using baked clay and mud. The minaret has become a symbol of the city as it continue to be one of Katsina’s most fascinating wonders. Known for its interesting ancient rock paintings, tour around Birnin Kud and get a glimpse on the life of its early settlers through the rocks. You will also get to visit the border point between Nigeria and Niger Repubic, Jibiya.

Day 17: Kaduna

Depart for the Northwestern part of Nigeria, Kaduna. Here, you will get to see the notable landmarks of the city such as the
Kagoro Hill, Kamuku National Park, Kaduna National Museum and Monument, and Kajuru Castle. You will also drive through the historic land of Aminatu, land of Katagwan, and land of Baranzan. Overnight at Hamdala Hotel or similar hotel.

Day 18: Kaduna - Sokoto

Start the day with a drive to Sokoto. VisitHeritage Museum, featuring Sokoto Kingdom’s rich cultural artifacts, at the Department of Fine Arts of the Shehu Shagari College of Education. Catch sight of the ancient fossils at the Gibaldi Rocks and find out which clues provide to the origin of life. Tour around Shehu Kangiwa Square, formerly known as Ginginya, and learn more about the battle between British troops and the forces of Sokoto. Then, head to Goronyo Dam, one of the largest dams in the West African sub-region. The dam was built in 1981 to help boost the irrigation in the area.

Day 19-20: Departure and arrival in Lagos

Depart from Lagos on Day 19. Upon arrival, head directly to the hotel. You may spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 21: Departure

Enjoy free time before departure. You may opt to
do last minute shopping or simply rest at the hotel before heading to the
airport.

Includes

• Certified driver-guide
• Private air-conditioned bus transport
• Fuel
• Entrance fees
• Airport pick up and drop off
• Hotel accommodation
• Meals as stated in the itinerary
• Hotel pick up and drop off

Excludes

• Airfare
• Visa and visa application fees
• Travel insurance and immunizations
• Meals, beverages and snacks not included in the itinerary
• Hotel incidentals (if there are any)
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses