By Shaimaa Hadhoud
In western Africa lies a hidden paradise that, most of the time, individuals miss. Nigeria is made up of a lot of essentially the most charming, thrilling, stunning, odd locations that I’ve ever been to. It’s a nation wealthy in individuals, plus pure assets which have made it a favourite trip spot. The wealthy, immaculate sights that perform inside its terrain have made the nation a totally scenic vacation spot to journey. There may be a lot to see and do in Nigeria; it’s like coming into one other world. This nation has many areas that you need to take a look at from nature to the seashore…there’s one thing for everyone.
Our journey by way of Nigeria began within the south the place we flew into Lagos, then proceeded by travelling to Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Cross River State, and Calabar, and lastly to Abuja the place we departed for our residence.
Arrival
Day 1, we arrived at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos State. Nigeria has about 30 airports, some worldwide and a few home. As well as, there are airstrips or airfields scattered across the nation. Uncle Ojo was ready to choose us up. He took us to Eastgate Resort in Lekki for our lodging. The trip took about one hour and half-hour.
Lagos Island and a part of Lagos Harbour, taken from near Victoria Island.
Lekki, Lagos State
Day 2 is when you would say the tour formally begins! It positively began with a bang because it was the day we visited Lekki Conservation Centre. We additionally visited Nike Artwork Gallery beforehand.
Nike Artwork Gallery
The gallery is, arguably, the largest of its variety in West Africa. We received there in an hour (Additionally, the bus is out there from the Chevron Bus Cease in case you travelled solo). Nike Artwork Gallery is housed in a five-storey-tall constructing, boasting a set of about 8,000 items of art work from numerous Nigerian artists.
Lekki Conservation Centre
Afterwards, after we arrived on the Lekki Conservation Centre, we had time to go searching. The stroll within the conservatory is great. Strolling by way of the swamp, the bushes, and the timber gave us peace of thoughts. The quilt stroll is thrilling and has a view on the Lekki Peninsula. It was like strolling into the previous. It was wonderful to see what the entire of Lagos would have seemed like earlier than the town was constructed.
We travelled the route twice simply to calm our brains down after hectic workweeks. It was great to see the animals roaming free – monkeys, turtles, and peacocks. The 100-year-old tortoise, golden in coloration, was basking within the solar. We took a spherical earlier than going to have lunch rapidly down the street.
At night time, we went to Freedom Park and watched a pageant held there. I preferred the colours that Nigerians use of their carnivals. I don’t assume I’ve seen stunning dancing like I did that day.
Ogun State
On Day 3, we had our breakfast which consisted of Akara, which is fried bean muffins. Its popularity in Nigeria is fairly obvious as many Nigerians go for it for breakfast. One factor I need to say is I might by no means get tired of the Nigerian meals!
We then departed for Abeokuta, Ogun State, it took about two and a half hours to see the Olumo Rock.
Olumo Rock
We loved an incredible aerial view of the town of Abeokuta from the highest of the rocks. A sea of purple roofs with a scene of inexperienced vegetation is the very good view of Abeokuta. Uncle Ojo advised us a bit in regards to the area and what we had been . He’s extremely educated, useful, and an all-around good man. Soak within the magnificence after which seize an Instagram second when you’re up there. With a purpose to permit individuals of various ages to absorb all of this magnificence, there’s an elevator for individuals who have an issue climbing the steps.
Oyo State
Ibadan Zoo and the town’s Agodi Gardens
After that, we visited Ibadan Zoo and the town’s Agodi Gardens, Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State. It took two hours to reach. I used to be enthusiastic about that verse inexperienced land with tall timber and wonderful swimming swimming pools. This is a perfect place within the historic city to unwind and luxuriate in nature firsthand. It’s a actual park in each sense of the phrase, providing lush vegetation, streams, inflatable boats, a swimming space, a gazebo, a restaurant, and a zoo. The Ibadan Zoo is one of some remaining zoos in Nigeria that boasts a very good assortment of wildlife together with lions, giraffe, ostriches, chimpanzees, geese, crocodiles, and, after all, reptiles.
Osun State
Osun Osogbo Grove
Day 4, within the mid-early morning, we oriented our vacation spot to Osun State. It took about two hours to achieve the Osun Osogbo Grove. The Osogbo Grove is a serene and mystical place. The positioning, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, has been fastidiously maintained for vacationers. We might see the great sculptures on the partitions surrounding the grove. Additionally, the grove is residence to a lot of uncommon animals, birds, and crops. It’s a non secular oasis. Oftentimes, I felt like I wanted to pinch myself to remind myself that this was actual life! The monkeys welcome you in your stroll, and it’s a pleasant gesture to the monkey in the event you had been to purchase them some bananas. A banana vendor is good across the nook. It’s a must-see for anybody with an curiosity in African historical past, artwork, tradition, and faith.
Erin Ijesha (Olumirin) Seven Waterfalls
You shouldn’t go away Osun State with out seeing essentially the most attention-grabbing place, the seven-step Olumirin Waterfalls. When visiting the waterfall, it’s advisable to put on mountain climbing boots or comfy footwear that gained’t prohibit your climbing. It was positively my favourite day of the entire tour.
Ekiti State
Ikogosi Heat Spring
After that, we drove to Ikogosi, Ekiti State and visited the improbable Ikogosi Heat Spring. What’s mysterious in regards to the Ikogosi Heat Spring is the truth that you’ll enjoy various cold and hot pure springs that converge with out shedding their very personal thermal properties. In line with consultants, it’s a geological marvel to have such occurrences out of the identical rock formation, and this Ekiti flagship journey vacation spot is acknowledged to be the one one in every of its kind found anyplace world wide.
Then, Uncle Ojo invited us to his home in Benin Metropolis, Ido State. Benin is gorgeous and distinctive. After we arrived there, Uncle Ojo’s spouse, Aunt Jasmine, welcomed us. She had ready dinner, which consisted of Suya, Jollof rice, and plantain. I loved listening to Aunt Jasmine speak about the most well-liked Nigerian dishes. The elements in every recipe be sure that every meal is mouth-watering. Suya is an insanely well-known delicacy in Nigeria. This meals is made with fish or meat rubbed in spices and blended with greens, after which barbequed on a skewer. The spices embody ginger, peanuts, pepper, dried onions, and various flavors. The meal was scrumptious. I didn’t cease to catch my breath; as a substitute, I simply stored going!
Our dialog included Nigerian conventional garments. There are quite a few tribes and ethnic teams in Nigeria, a lot of which put on their very own type of garb. Conventional apparel is worn each day in lots of areas of Nigeria. In different areas, conventional apparel is worn just for particular events resembling festivals or weddings. What I preferred most is the Nigerian headband, which has completely different colours and is completely wonderful!
This conventional dressing of an Urhobo Ovie (King), AVM Ararile and his Council of Chiefs (Ilorogun). The purple coloration symbolizes Aristocrats whereas the Pink Coloration of the King represents Royalty.
Cross River State
Obudu Mountain Resort
Day 5 is the day of visiting Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River State, which is an extended trip, so make sure you refill on snacks earlier than leaving. The resort gives lodging within the type of African spherical huts, chalets, and villas on stilts maximizing the breathtaking views. We needed to sleep after that lengthy trip.
Day 6, within the early morning, we had been very enthusiastic to discover the resort. We watched the sundown and had essentially the most wonderful view. It’s located near the border of Cameroon. Above the ocean stage, sits majestically the Obudu Mountain Resort. The temperate climate, breathtaking views, idyllic tranquility, and beautiful surroundings has made this resort one of the crucial well-known vacationer websites in Nigeria. The cable automobile was a primary time expertise for me. From the heights of the automobile whereas within the air, we skilled the ‘Intestinal view,’ in addition to the gorgeous panorama of the Obudu Plateau. I loved having some snacks whereas touring the resort. Thankfully, native girls had been promoting boiled corn, coconut, and okpa (an area delicacy product of cornmeal and soya bean flour).
Day 7 is the final day. It was the time to say goodbye to Uncle Ojo at Margaret Ekpo Worldwide Airport, Calabar, the place we hopped on the aircraft and headed to a improbable view of Nigeria whereas flying to Nnamdi Azikiwe Worldwide Airport, Abuja.
In Abuja, the capital metropolis, we had had time to purchase some stunning souvenirs and Nigerian handcrafts earlier than the aircraft took off to our nation. Actually, Nigeria leaves each customer respiratory laborious in suspense and with pleasure. These days glided by so rapidly that my reminiscences received whiplash. Time flew by after we had been having fun with the great thing about Nigeria.
Writer Bio
With over 15 years of expertise as a Provide Chain Pharmacist, Shaimaa Hadhoud has performed a key function in exporting medicines to varied African nations, making certain the environment friendly supply of significant healthcare merchandise. Along with a robust skilled background in pharmaceutical logistics, Hadhoud has developed a ardour for writing, contributing partaking content material on subjects resembling journey, tradition, and distinctive experiences throughout Africa. Via her articles, Hadhoud provides insightful views on the continent’s various landscapes, traditions, and industries, mixing skilled experience with a deep appreciation for Africa’s wealthy cultural and financial alternatives.