- 14 Days
- Mar-May
- Availability: 35
- Minimum Group: 5
Nigeria and Benin's Fascinating Heritage Sites
Descriptions
Nigeria is where the Niger River, which winds in the western part of the country, flows into the Gulf of Guinea. The Niger Delta is certainly one of the most fascinating regions of the country with its succession of inlets of rivers and creeks, bordered by mangroves and palm trees.
Steeped in Nigerian history and culture, Nigeria’s second largest city of Kano in the north, has a rich Hausa architectural heritage. In the southwest, Oshogbo is the cradle of Yoruba art. Its Sacred Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses huge sculptures and shrines dedicated to the different Yoruba gods. In this village, during every last week of August, the Oshun festival is marked by dances and sacrificial rites.
The best time to stay in Nigeria is from December to March, between two rainy seasons.
Included
- Accommodation (Half Board)
- Ground transport
- Entrance fees
- Meals as contained in itinerary
- Tour guide/ drivers
- Security
Excluded
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities
- Departure Taxes
- Others
From
€ 2,539
/ pp
*Indicative price
Send us an enquiry
Popular Spots
- Cross River National Park
- The Biafra War Museum
- Benin Moats
- The Ogba Zoo
- The Dukawa Tribe
- The famous Olumo rock
Memorable Moments.
The Dukawa Tribe
The Dukawa are referred to as a fine race. The men average just under six feet in height and the women have strong healthy physiques from carrying heavy loads on their shoulders. They are intelligent people with a good knowledge of medicine.
The Dukawa have a history of being great fighters; bows and poisoned arrows were their principal weapons. Successful hunters and warriors wore black shirts and bracelets made of the skins their victims. Hunting continues to be an important cultural aspect of Dukawa life. Arrows are sometimes fired out of guns, especially when hunting elephants.
The Cross River National Park
Cross River National Park shares an ecosystem and biodiversity with Korup National Park in neighbouring Cameroon. Together, these African national parks constitute some of the richest biodiversity the world has seen over the years. The park is largely composed of lowland rainforest, swamp and flooded savannah vegetation. The rainforest in this part of Nigeria is considered to be one of the last great coastal rainforests and mangroves in Nigeria. More than 75 mammals are recorded in the park, including forest elephants, chimpanzees, drills, African buffalo, Cross River gorillas, grey-checkered mangabey, red colobus, guenon and 42 species of snakes.
Trip Schedule.
Port Harcourt Arrival – Calabar
Upon arrival in Nigeria, you will be greeted by your guide at the airport and assisted with completing immigration formalities. Afterwards, you will travel to Calabar and check-in at a pre-arranged hotel. After dinner, you will be given an overview of the upcoming tour itinerary. Depending on the time of your flight arrival, we may also embark on a city tour of Old Calabar which includes visiting the Old Residency Museum and other notable parts of the city. You will spend the night at the Tinapa Resort Hotel or a similar establishment.
Calabar – Ikom (358km)
After breakfast, we will set off for Ikom, with a stop to visit the stunning Agbokim waterfalls. We will take in the natural beauty and tranquility of the falls before continuing on to the Cross River National Park. We will check into the park’s guest house in preparation for the following day’s wildlife viewing.
Cross River National Park
After breakfast, we will embark on a game viewing excursion in the Oban division of the park. This area is a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot, and is home to a variety of important species such as the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, the drill, Preuss’s red colobus monkey, leopard, forest elephant and the grey-necked Picathartes or rockfowl. We will spend the night at the Park Guest House.
Cross River National Park
After breakfast, we will embark on a wildlife safari to the Oban division of the park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and diverse array of species. The park is home to the endangered Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, the drill, Preuss’s red colobus monkey, leopard, forest elephant, and the grey-necked Picathartes or rockfowl. Visitors can participate in eco-tourism activities such as wilderness exploration, hiking, boating, fishing and bird watching. For the adventurous, the park also offers a one-week gorilla tracking excursion. Overnight at the Park Guest House.
Ikom/Oban – Enugu
After breakfast, we will depart from Ikom or Oban and make our way to Enugu via Ugep, with a stopover in Umuahia to visit the Biafra War Museum. We may arrive in Enugu in the afternoon and take a tour of the city, including a visit to the Ogbunike Caves. We will spend the night at the Nike Lake Resort or a similar hotel. The specific activities in Enugu will depend on the time of arrival.
Enugu– Benin (187km)
In the morning, we will set off for Benin, stopping at various points of interest along the way. Our first stop will be the Oba’s palace, a stunning architectural masterpiece that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the people of Benin. Next, we will visit the historic Benin Moats, a series of defensive earthworks built to protect the kingdom from invaders. Afterwards, we will head to the Ogba Zoo, where we can see a wide variety of local wildlife. Finally, we will end the day at the beautiful Ipkoba Hills, known for its panoramic views and tranquil atmosphere. We will then check in to Randekhi Hotel or a similar accommodation for the night.
Benin – Idanre- Lagos (353km)
We will depart early in the morning for a visit to the ancient town of Idanre, known for its 800-year-old hills that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area. We will climb the 667 steps to the top of the hills and explore the cultural relics, traditional arts and crafts, and the 17th century palace that can be found there. After our visit to Idanre, we will make our way to Lagos, arriving in the late afternoon to check into our hotel, the Reliance Hotels in Ikeja or similar for the night.
Lagos
After breakfast, we will depart for a tour of Lagos, starting with a visit to the National Museum at Onikan on Lagos Island. Here, we will see a wide variety of artifacts and antiques from all over Nigeria, as well as exhibits on the history of Nigeria’s government. We will then move on to the Iduganran palace, the traditional home of the Oba of Lagos, for a glimpse into the city’s rich history. The tour will continue with a drive through the city, including stops at Marina and Broad Street, the national theatre, and the arts and crafts market in Lekki for souvenir shopping. If time permits, we will also visit the Nike Art Gallery to see a collection of African art and culture. Overnight at the Reliance Hotels, Ikeja or similar.
Lagos – Abeokuta (98km)
In the morning, we will set out for Abeokuta with a stop at the renowned Olumo rock. We will climb to the peak of the rock and be treated to a breathtaking view of the historic Abeokuta city. Our tour will include a stroll through the Afro-Brazilian neighborhood, where we will learn about the history of the community. We will then visit the palace of the Alake of Egba land, a prominent leader in the area, to gain insight into the culture and traditions of the Egba people and other tribes in Ogun state. Afterwards, we will head to the Kuto Market to witness the artistry of the « Adire » cloth makers. We will spend the night at the Gateway Hotel in Abeokuta or a similar accommodation.
Abeokuta – Ile-Ife – Oshogbo (154km)
After breakfast, we will depart for Ile-Ife, the birthplace of Oduduwa, the legendary father of the Yoruba race. Upon arrival, we will pay a visit to the Ooni of Ife, the traditional ruler and spiritual leader of the Yoruba people. We will also explore historical sites such as the Oranmiyan staff and other monuments that reflect the rich history and culture of the kingdom. We will then proceed to the Osun Oshogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we will take a tour of the ancient shrines and sculptures that are dedicated to the Yoruba gods. After lunch, we will visit the Olumirin Falls at Erin Ijesha and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay at the Miccom Golf Resort.
Oshogbo – Kontagora (409km)
We will depart early in the morning to embark on a journey to Kontagora, passing through picturesque towns such as Ogbomosho, Jebba, Mokwa, and Pizhi. We will arrive in Kontagora in the late afternoon, check into a pre-booked hotel, and enjoy dinner at the Safara Motel or similar accommodation.
Kontagora (386km)
After breakfast, we will embark on a journey to Agwara to discover the unique culture and traditions of the Kambari and Dukawa tribes in Yelwa/Rijau, located in the Kontagora province. The Dukawa are known for their tall and strong physique, while the Kambari are farmers who grow crops such as millet, guinea-corn, groundnuts, and yams. They have different dialects, however not all are mutually intelligible. The Kambari people have a traditional lifestyle and may have a negative attitude towards modern ways. We will return to Kontagora in the evening for dinner and spend the night at the Safara Motel.
Kontagora – Abuja
In the morning, we will set out from Kontagora and make our way to Abuja, passing through the towns of Tegina, Zungeru, Minna, and Suleja. If time allows, we will make a stop at the beautiful Gurara Falls for lunch before arriving in Abuja in the evening. We will then check in to our pre-booked hotel, Petrus Hotel Royal or a similar accommodation, for the night.
Abuja – Nassarawa – Abuja (160km)
After breakfast, we will depart for Nassarawa State to visit the Farin Ruwa Waterfall. Known for its grandeur and beauty, the waterfall stands at 150 meters high and 50 meters wide, making it a spectacular sight. The best time to visit is from April to September, during the summer months, when the waterfall is at its most powerful and majestic. However, due to the distance and travel time required to reach the waterfall, we may not be able to visit if the departure flight is scheduled for the afternoon or evening. We will assess the flight time and make a decision on whether to include this visit in the itinerary before departing for Abuja and returning home.
