Introducing Nigeria – 6 Days

Following a refreshing night and a good breakfast, we depart the hotel for a day trip to Badagry, which is about 2 hours drive west of Lagos at the Benin Republic border. Dotted along the Atlantic coast, Badagry, was a slave trading port during the infamous trans-Atlantic slave trade era and the first mission post during the advent of Christian missionaries in Nigeria. On arrival, embark on a tour of the city, visiting the Badagry Heritage Museum, Seriki Abbas compound (slave barracoons), and “Point of No Return” at Gberefu beach (which was a slave embarkation point) and Velekete Slave market. Proceed to Abeokuta after lunch to visit historic Olumo rock, Itoku market selling ‘Adire’ (batik) fabric, and fetish stalls at the market where items of traditional medicine are sold. Return to your hotel. Dinner and evening at leisure. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight at Park Inn by Radisson

After breakfast departs for Oshogbo, the main city of Osun State located in the farming region where yams, cassava, grain, cotton, and tobacco are grown. On arrival, embark on a tour of this significant town popularly known as the venue for the annual festival along the River Oxun. The festival is centered around the sacred grove of the river goddess Oxun, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The dense forest of the Oxun Sacred Grove is one of the last remnants of the primary high forest in southern Nigeria. Regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility Oxun, one of the pantheons of Yoruba gods, the landscape of the grove and its meandering river is dotted with sanctuaries and shrines, sculptures, and artworks in honor of Oxun and other deities. The sacred grove is seen as a symbol of identity for all Yoruba people. It testifies to the once-widespread practice of establishing sacred groves outside all settlements. After lunch (on your own account), visit the national museum and historical sites at Ile-Ife. According to the Yoruba people, Ife is where the founding deities Oduduwa and Obatala began the creation of the world, as directed by the paramount Deity Olodumare. Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight at Ideal Nest Hotel

After breakfast, depart for Benin City. En route, visit the ancient Oba’s (King) palace and museum at Owo. On arrival, check-in at your hotel, then proceed on a tour of the city including the Benin museum with a large collection of ancient Benin artifacts, Oba’s palace, Benin Heritage Center, Igun quarters of the ancient guild of bronze casters, etc. Return to your hotel after the tour. The rest of the day is at leisure. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight at Protea Hotel by Marriot

After breakfast, look around the city before catching your flight to Lagos. Upon arrival in Lagos, proceed to visit the Kalakuta Republic museum —highlighting the life of legendary Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti—in Lagos with a private guide. Opened in 2012, the property served as Kuti’s residence from the 1970s until his 1997 death. Fela is buried in a mausoleum on the grounds. See his preserved bedroom as well as other artifacts and exhibits pertaining to his life throughout the space. There’s also an onsite gift shop and a rooftop bar where you can savor a cocktail (own expense) while reflecting on Kuti’s many musical contributions. Right from the minute you step into the Kalakuta Museum grounds, first on the left is the Mausoleum where the late Afrobeat Legend was buried. Then from there, you find the main entrance, leading to the ground floor of the Museum; here you find Televisions showing clips of the late Fela on stage during his lifetime. On the ground floor, you will find the souvenir shop filled with memorabilia of the late Fela, from T-shirts to gift items and CD compilations of Fela’s music. Then up the stairs to the second floor which holds his bedroom, his clothes worn during his tours and stage performances, awards, and more pictures of him, his family, and his many wives (27). From here you get to the last floor which is an open Roof Top bar. Here you can soak up the sun while having your lunch with Fela’s music playing in the background. Continue to visit Oaks Garden Cultural Center at Alimosho for a cultural evening reception – traditional dance, drama performances, and a taste of Nigerian cuisine. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight at Oaks Garden Guesthouse

Following a sumptuous breakfast, you embark on last-minute shopping and sightseeing at markets and malls around the city. Late afternoon transfer to the airport to catch your onward flight home. End of tour. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast In-flight