Nigeria: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups, each with their own unique cultural traditions and festivals? This incredible diversity makes Nigeria one of Africa’s most culturally rich destinations, offering travelers an unparalleled variety of experiences. From the vibrant art scene of Lagos to the ancient traditions preserved in historic towns like Calabar and Osogbo, Nigeria presents a tapestry of adventures waiting to be discovered by the curious traveler.

Planning Your Trip to Nigeria

Before diving into Nigeria’s best attractions, it’s essential to plan your journey properly. Nigeria requires a visa for most international travelers, which you can apply for through the Nigerian Immigration Service or at Nigerian embassies worldwide. The application process typically takes 2-3 weeks, so plan accordingly.

Best Time to Visit

Nigeria has two main seasons: the dry season (November to March) and the rainy season (April to October). The best time to visit is during the dry season when temperatures are pleasant and outdoor activities are more accessible. December is particularly vibrant with numerous festivals and events, though prices may be higher during this peak period.

Getting Around

Within cities, taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber, and motorcycle taxis (okadas) are common. For intercity travel, domestic flights are the fastest option, while buses and shared taxis offer more budget-friendly alternatives. If you prefer independence, consider renting a car, though be prepared for challenging road conditions in some areas.

Top Attractions and Experiences in Nigeria

1. Attend the Ilorin Grand Durbar

The Ilorin Grand Durbar is one of Northern Nigeria’s most spectacular cultural displays. This three-day festival features hundreds of horsemen in vibrant costumes and turbans parading through the city, led by the Emir in a horse-drawn carriage. The second day is particularly significant, with the Emir acknowledging cheers from the people and paying homage to ancestral landmarks.

For the best experience, secure a spot at the spectator stands within the palace where the main performances take place. This avoids the need to follow the three-hour procession through crowded streets while still enjoying the full spectacle.

2. Explore Lagos’s Vibrant Art Scene

Lagos boasts West Africa’s most dynamic art scene, with Nike Art Gallery standing as its crown jewel. This multi-level gallery houses over 8,000 diverse artworks from across Nigeria. Entrance is free, and the gallery is open from 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday, and 1 pm to 6 pm on Sundays.

Beyond Nike Art Gallery, Lagos offers numerous other art spaces worth exploring, including Thought Pyramid Lagos, Mydrim Gallery, and Art Twenty-One. Many galleries are concentrated in the Victoria Island and Ikoyi areas, making it possible to visit several in a single day.

3. Visit the Yankari Game Reserve

Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State offers Nigeria’s premier wildlife experience. Spanning 2,244 square kilometers, this vast preserve is home to elephants, baboons, waterbucks, and numerous bird species. The reserve is also famous for its Wikki Warm Springs, natural springs maintaining a constant temperature of 31°C, perfect for relaxing after a safari.

Accommodations range from the comfortable Wikki Camp to more basic options. For the best wildlife viewing, plan early morning or late afternoon game drives when animals are most active. The dry season (November to May) offers better wildlife sightings as animals gather around water sources.

4. Experience the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves the sacred forest of the Yoruba goddess Osun. This ancient forest contains shrines, sculptures, and sanctuaries that showcase traditional Yoruba art and beliefs. The annual Osun-Osogbo Festival in August draws thousands of devotees and tourists alike.

Even outside festival time, the grove offers a fascinating glimpse into Yoruba spirituality. Local guides can explain the significance of different sculptures and shrines, many created or restored by Austrian artist Susanne Wenger, who became a priestess of the Osun deity.

While in Osogbo, also visit the Nike Art Gallery workshop to witness traditional batik cloth-making and explore the city’s numerous palaces that demonstrate how Yoruba societies evolved in the 18th and 19th centuries.

5. Walk the Canopy Walkway at Lekki Conservation Centre

For adventure enthusiasts, the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos offers Africa’s longest canopy walkway. This 401-meter suspended walkway provides breathtaking views of the nature reserve from up to 22.5 meters above ground. The reserve is also home to monkeys, crocodiles, and diverse bird species.

Beyond the canopy walk, visitors can enjoy the family park, treehouse, and various recreational facilities. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the reserve’s 96-year-old tortoise, a favorite photo opportunity for visitors.

6. Learn About Nigeria’s Slave Trade History in Badagry

A day trip to Badagry from Lagos offers profound insights into the transatlantic slave trade’s dark history. Visit the Badagry Slave Museum and Black History Museum to learn about this tragic period and the role of missionaries. A boat trip to Gberefu Island, known as the “Point of No Return,” follows the path that enslaved people took before boarding ships to the Americas.

This educational journey helps visitors understand an important chapter in world history while honoring the memory of those who suffered. Local guides provide detailed explanations of historical sites, including the attenuation wells and various monuments that mark this somber history.

7. Climb Olumo Rock in Abeokuta

Just a day trip from Lagos, Olumo Rock in Abeokuta offers both adventure and history. This natural formation served as a fortress for the Egba people during 19th-century inter-tribal conflicts. Today, visitors can climb to the summit for panoramic views of Abeokuta city.

The site features stairs and handrails for easier climbing, though some sections require moderate physical effort. Along the way, you’ll find shrines, ancient settlements, and historical markers. Local guides share stories of the Egba warriors and explain the rock’s significance in Nigerian history.

While in Abeokuta, also visit the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, which houses artifacts from the former president’s life and Nigerian political history.

8. Experience Traditional Bronze Casting in Benin City

For centuries, Benin City has been renowned for its bronze casting tradition. Along Igun Street, family-owned workshops continue to create intricate artworks using the ancient “lost-wax” technique. Visitors can observe artisans at work, chiseling and filing bronze and brass figurines with remarkable skill.

The street is lined with galleries and shops selling both traditional and contemporary pieces. Two new museums are also in development: the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Benin Royal Museum, which will house repatriated bronze works from museums abroad.

In the evening, sections of Igun Street transform into an entertainment zone with bars, street food, and Afrobeats music, offering a perfect blend of cultural and social experiences.

Where to Stay in Nigeria

Nigeria offers accommodations for every budget and preference, from luxury hotels in major cities to boutique guesthouses and budget-friendly options.

Nigerian Cuisine: What to Eat

Nigerian cuisine is a flavorful adventure that varies by region. Don’t leave without trying these iconic dishes:

Festivals and Cultural Events

Nigeria’s calendar is filled with vibrant festivals that showcase the country’s cultural diversity. Here are some of the most spectacular events worth planning your trip around:

Calabar Carnival (December)

Often called “Africa’s Biggest Street Party,” the Calabar Carnival transforms the city into a riot of color, music, and dance throughout December. The main parade features competing bands in elaborate costumes, influenced by both traditional Nigerian and Brazilian carnival elements.

Osun-Osogbo Festival (August)

This two-week celebration honors the goddess Osun at the Sacred Grove in Osogbo. The festival culminates with a procession to the Osun River, where the current Osun priestess communicates with the goddess while thousands of spectators and devotees observe the rituals.

Egungun Festival (June-August)

This Yoruba masquerade festival takes place across Western Nigeria, with Ibadan hosting particularly impressive celebrations. Masquerades representing ancestral spirits emerge from shrines, walking through communities while chanting and praying for families. The colorful costumes and spiritual significance make this a fascinating cultural experience.

New Yam Festival (August-October)

Celebrated by various ethnic groups in Eastern Nigeria, particularly the Igbo, this festival marks the harvest of new yams. Ceremonies include offering yams to deities, cultural performances, and communal feasting. Each community has its own traditions, but all celebrate the importance of yam in their culture and diet.

Practical Travel Tips

Cultural Etiquette

Nigerians are generally warm and hospitable, but respecting local customs will enhance your experience:

• Greet people properly – handshakes are common, though some Muslims may prefer not to shake hands with the opposite gender
• Dress modestly, especially in northern regions and religious sites
• Ask permission before photographing people or religious ceremonies
• Remove shoes when entering homes or religious buildings
• Use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving items
• Respect elders – it’s customary to slightly bow when greeting older people

Suggested Itineraries

7-Day Cultural Highlights Tour

10-Day Nature and Wildlife Adventure

Experience the Giant of Africa

Nigeria offers travelers an unparalleled blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. From the vibrant energy of Lagos to the ancient traditions preserved in historic towns, from wildlife adventures to immersive cultural festivals, Nigeria rewards the curious traveler with authentic experiences and unforgettable memories.

While often overlooked on typical African itineraries, Nigeria’s diversity and depth make it a destination worthy of exploration. As you navigate its bustling cities, serene natural landscapes, and everything in between, you’ll discover why Nigeria truly deserves its title as the “Giant of Africa.” Start planning your Nigerian adventure today and prepare to be captivated by this remarkable country.