Nigeria’s questionable reputation means it is unexplored by most travellers to Africa. Yet there is so much to explore in Africa’s richest country; Starting with Abuja or Lagos both modern cities with a growing tech industries and international restaurants and clubs. Those looking for wildlife, there are seven national animal parks in Nigeria with Yankari national park regarded as the best to spot lions, buffalos and elephants. My Grandfather from my Fathers side is Nigerian I have a lot of family in Nigeria, but it has been many years since I last visited. Nigeria is on my list of countries to revisit.
Best Time to Visit
Depends on where in nigeria you are travelling to, the southern coast is best visited during the dry season when it is hot, and the skies are clear, with the rainy season from March to November. In the North the rainy season is from July to September.
Things to do and see
- Zuma Rock: Is a popular landmark in Nigeria. It is 3.1km wide and stands a height of 725 meters. Hiking the rock takes roughly 5 hours. Once your reach the summit you have great views of Abuja City.
- Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls: The waterfall has seven levels, with each level unique and stunning, worth the visiting the Osun State of Nigeria.
- Dreamworld Africana: Is a Theme park in Lekki Lagos. A fun place to visit for the day when in Lagos State.
Food and drink
Big cities like Lagos and Abuja have a large selection of restaurants serving not only Nigerian dishes, but European, Spanish, Brazilian, North American and Asian food.
Transportation
Air: British airways and virgin Atlantic are among the airlines that fly directly to Nigeria from Europe. There are serval domestic airlines that operate in Nigeria, however they are not reliable, and It is common for domestic flights to be cancelled at short notice.
Roads: Roads in Nigeria are well maintained in all major cities. Traffic is a problem in big cities like Lagos which are overcrowded. Drivers drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Taxi: Buses and minibus taxis run between the main towns. There is also the option to hail a yellow, orange and black taxi. Its best to negotiate a price before starting your ride.
Bus: Coaches like green-line operate long distance services that are cheaper then flying.
Ferry: There are international ferry services from Niger to Niger.
Rail: There is a rail service connecting the North of Nigeria with the South.
Visa
Visas are required by all EU, U.S, Canadian and Australian nationals.
Racism/Sexism/Discrimination
Language
The official language in Nigeria is English, Yoruba, Ibo and Husa is also spoken. There are over 400 other tribal languages also spoken.
Money
The official currency in Nigeria is the Naira (NGN).
Tipping
10% is customary unless already added to the bill.
Social etiquette
Shaking hands with everybody is important. In Yorubaland, women have to courtesy when introduced to someone. Women also must dress modestly when in the Muslim north of the country. The South of Nigeria is majority Christian while the North is Muslim.
Adaptor
Nigeria’s plugs are the same as in the United Kingdom and the plug which has three round pins.
Wifi
Nigeria has several internet cafes in the big cities and majority hotels and restaurants will offer free wifi.
Ruth’s Lonely Planet 