If you could choose a trip to wrap up 2016, which would it be? You probably have heard there are amazing locations to visit in Nigeria with fun, adventure, and history fused together. Do you have doubts which locations to explore in Nigeria this December? Here are four locations with events, activities, and places you must visit as an individual, couple, or group of family and friends. Treat yourself and loved ones to an eclectic two weeks holiday before the year runs out.
Ancient Abeokuta:
Yes! You will climb Olumo Rock, but wait there is more. Plan to arrive in Abeokuta early in the morning. If you are driving down from Lagos, that should not be a problem. Get a group together to carpool because this is a city you would want to explore while mobile. Prepare your minds and hearts for the enormous potholes along the expressway and the most protruding bumps you would ever see. Abeokuta is not a city to be rushed, so take your time. Enjoy driving through hilly streets and golden brown dusted side roads. Say good morning to the Alake of Egbaland at his palace in true traditional style and revel in the ritual of the morning. Visit St. Peter’s Cathedral and learn about its place in Nigeria’s religion history.
For lunch, Surulere Restaurant, Kuto will provide a light but finger licking delicious meal of Amala with Ewedu soup. Ofada rice with assorted meat served in banana leaves is another authentic traditional lunch to have. Burn off extra calories when you go on the rides at the Green Legacy Resort. While you are in Kuto. Plan your climb to Olumo Rock towards the evening for pleasant weather. Learn about the history of the people that once lived within its crevices and be prepared to learn the climbers’ song. Make it back to Lagos before night falls or spend the night in one of Abeokuta’s luxury hotels, Park Inn by Radisson.
A Day’s Budget for 2 (N5, 000 to N50, 000)
Lively Lagos:
Musical performances, a food festival, and unique exhibitions light up the city this month. A word of caution though, pace yourself! Spread a Lagos vacation over a few days that will leave you well rested and entertained. Plan a boat ride to Ilashe Beach or Tarkwa Bay and relax Atlantic blue ocean style. Set up a barbecue stand, order some Jollof Rice and have everyone bring some snacks for a picnic.
Surfers may want to choose Tarkwa Bay, while the private swimming pools at Ilashe are excellent for a pool party. The party continues with one of the longest running concerts in Lagos, Rhythm Unplugged. Take an Uber to Eko Hotel if you plan on attending the show on Friday, December 23. Getting in and out of parking spaces can be a nightmare, but you are here for the fun.
Be at the Eat Drink Lagos Festival on Tuesday, December 27th to explore your foodie side. There will be a tasting tent with complimentary drinks and some of the most talked about culinary spots set up at the Eko Atlantic grounds.
Art runs like wires through the walls of The Ben Enwonu Foundation owned Omenka Gallery. Photojournalist, Akintunde Akinleye’s exhibition Delta Bush Refineries and Other Stories will be showcased there from December 17thto 31st. It is a must-see. Yinka Shonibare’s Wind Sculpture still stands six meters tall at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Ikeja.
If you have more days to spare, check out contemporary spaces Rele and Nike Art Galleries. Treat yourself to one of the exquisitely prepared dishes at Terrakulture or fine dining restaurant, Tarragon. Family fun continues at the newly renovated Apapa Amusement Park. Relive memories as you hop on ride after ride. Create new memories filled with fun for that is what holidays are made for.
A Day’s Budget for 2 (N15, 000 to N150, 000)
Watch this space for the second part of Fantastic Four: Nigerian vacation ideas featuring the cities of Badagry and Calabar.
