Nigeria Tours and Travel

YPT Tours To Nigeria

Join our Nigeria tours and discover a country where ancient kingdoms, traditional cultures and modern pop culture exist side by side. Located on the Gulf of Guinea between Benin and Cameroon, Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest countries and an important link between West and Central Africa.

Nigeria is famous for Nollywood, one of the world’s biggest film industries, and Afrobeats, which has become a global phenomenon. It also has a fascinating food culture, traditional religions, royal dynasties and a huge range of cultures and languages.

Our Nigeria tours take you beyond the capital Lagos. You’ll visit the historic city of Abeokuta, explore the sacred forests and traditional markets of Osogbo, and continue east to Benin City, former capital of the powerful Benin Kingdom. Along the way, you’ll experience traditional ceremonies, local markets, historic sites and some of the less-visited corners of the country.

Nigeria is not the easiest country to travel around, but that is part of the appeal, and a good way to see a lesser-known side of West Africa.

Group Tours To Nigeria

Right before our Benin and Togo Tour, we offer a brand new Nigeria tour taking you deep into the historic heart of southern Nigeria exploring the kingdoms, sacred traditions and living heritage that shaped one of West Africa’s great civilisations.

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Independent Tours
To Nigeria

If our scheduled Nigerian tours don’t fit your dates, we can arrange independent Nigeria tours tailored to your interests. Whether that’s itinerary heavy or laid back, we can match your pace based on your needs.

Example Nigeria Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Lagos

  • Arrive at your own leisure into Lagos, Nigeria’s sprawling commercial capital and one of Africa’s largest cities. Lagos airport is one of Africa’s major aviation hub, offering direct flights to major destinations in Europe, North America and the Middle East.
  • After dinner, we will head to the legendary New Afrika Shrine, an open-air celebration centre, as it comes alive after dark. Grab a cold Star or Trophy beer, order a plate of suya and experience the venue that continues Fela Kuti’s musical and political legacy.

Day 2 – Lagos – Abeokuta

  • Our Lagos tour will begin with a visit to the National Museum, offering one of the country’s finest collections of archaeological and cultural artefacts. Highlights include Nok terracotta sculptures, Benin bronzes and masterpieces from the ancient Kingdom of Ife, providing an excellent introduction to Nigeria’s remarkably diverse history.
  • We then explore Nigeria’s modern cultural legacy with a visit to the New Afrika Shrine, the spiritual home of Afrobeat and a venue forever associated with Fela Kuti. Nearby, we will visit the Kalakuta Republic Museum, Fela’s former home, where the story of his music, political activism and frequent clashes with military governments comes vividly to life.

Afternoon

  • After lunch at a traditional amala restaurant, we will leave Lagos behind and drive approximately 2–2.5 hours north to Abeokuta, the historic capital of Ogun State.
  • On the way, we will stop at a roadside fruit market.
  • Upon arrival, we check into our hotel before heading out for a group dinner and drinks.
  • In the evening, we will head out to sample Abeokuta’s surprisingly lively nightlife, grabbing cold Nigerian beers at a local lounge and trying some of the city’s best suya. Nigerian nightlife revolves around lounges rather than pubs, Abeokuta has plenty of them, and today is Friday – so this is perfect.

Day 3 – Abeokuta – Osogbo

  • After breakfast, we will begin with one of western Nigeria’s most iconic landmarks: Olumo Rock. This giant granite outcrop served as a natural fortress for the Egba people during the nineteenth century and today offers panoramic views across the city for those making the climb.
  • We will then explore Itoku Adire Market, renowned throughout Nigeria for its traditional indigo-dyed textiles. Here, local artisans continue centuries-old techniques of hand-dyeing cloth, making this one of the country’s best places to see Adire production in action and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir.

Afternoon

  • Following lunch (we recommend trying pounded yam and egusi), we will continue east towards Osogbo, travelling through the Yoruba heartland. The journey takes approximately 3–4 hours, passing via Ibadan before reaching Osogbo in the evening.
  • After checking into our hotel, we’ll have dinner.
  • Those willing will head out for a few drinks at one of Osogbo’s local bars, where palm wine often competes with bottles of Star and Trophy lager.

Day 4 – Osogbo – Benin City

  • This morning, we will visit one of Nigeria’s most important cultural sites: the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the grove is one of the last surviving sacred forests of the Yoruba people and remains an active place of worship dedicated to the river goddess Osun.
  • Walking through the forest, we’ll encounter shrines, sculptures and ceremonial spaces, including the famous works created by Austrian-born artist Susanne Wenger, whose efforts helped preserve the grove during the twentieth century.

Afternoon

  • After lunch, we will drive east to Benin City, a journey of approximately 4–5 hours.
  • Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel before enjoying dinner together.
  • Tonight, we will experience Benin City’s nightlife, sampling pepper soup with an ice-cold beer and listening to live highlife music to celebrate our final evening.

Day 5 – Benin City – Lagos

  • Our final morning is dedicated to exploring the legacy of the ancient Kingdom of Benin, one of pre-colonial Africa’s most sophisticated civilisations.
  • We will visit the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin, which remains the residence of the traditional monarch and continues to play an important ceremonial role in Edo society. We will also stroll along historic Igun Street, home to Benin’s famous bronze casters. This hereditary guild has practised the intricate art of bronze casting for more than 600 years, producing works that are recognised worldwide and continue to be crafted using traditional techniques.
  • Following lunch, we will transfer to the airport for our domestic flight back to Lagos.
  • Upon arrival in Lagos, the tour concludes. YPT can arrange post-tour accommodation or onward travel assistance for those wishing to continue their adventures in Nigeria.

Bespoke Tours to Nigeria

In addition to our private and group Nigeria tours, we can also arrange bespoke Nigeria tours tailored to your interests. Contact us if you want to explore something off the beaten track or build a specialised Nigerian itinerary.

Essential Nigeria tours: Lagos to Benin City

For those looking for a first taste of Nigeria, we can arrange a bespoke journey covering some of the country’s most interesting destinations. Starting in Lagos, the itinerary can continue through Abeokuta, Ibadan and Osogbo before heading east to Benin City. Along the way, explore traditional markets, historic cities, sacred sites and the legacy of the Yoruba and Benin kingdoms, with plenty of opportunities to experience modern Nigerian culture along the way.

Yoruba Kingdoms & Sacred Sites

The Yoruba heartland is home to some of Nigeria’s most fascinating historical and religious sites. A bespoke Yoruba itinerary can include Abeokuta, Ibadan, Ile-Ife and Osogbo, with visits to traditional markets, royal sites, shrines and the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depending on the timing, the trip can also be organised around traditional festivals and ceremonies, offering a closer look at Yoruba culture and spirituality.

Benin Kingdom & Edo Heritage

Benin City was once the capital of the powerful Benin Kingdom, one of West Africa’s most sophisticated pre-colonial states. A bespoke itinerary can focus on the history of the kingdom, its royal traditions and its famous artistic heritage, with visits to the Oba’s Palace, museums and other sites connected with Edo culture. The itinerary can also be combined with Lagos, Osogbo or other destinations in southern Nigeria for a broader exploration of the country’s history.

Cross River Adventure

Cross River State offers some of Nigeria’s best opportunities for getting away from the cities. A bespoke adventure itinerary can explore the rainforests and mountains around Calabar and Cross River National Park, with options including hiking, waterfalls, wildlife and the Obudu highlands. For travellers looking for something more remote, the itinerary can be extended into the Mambilla region, subject to local conditions and logistics.

Northern Nigeria tours & Kano City

Northern Nigeria offers a very different experience from the country’s southern cities, with a strong Hausa-Fulani cultural heritage and a long history of trans-Saharan trade. A bespoke itinerary can focus on Kano, one of the oldest major cities in West Africa, with its historic markets, city walls, traditional architecture and royal heritage. Depending on the route and current conditions, the trip can be extended to other destinations in northern Nigeria and timed to coincide with one of the region’s famous Durbar festivals.

Nigeria Festival Tours

Nigeria’s many festivals provide an excellent reason to build a bespoke trip around specific dates. Depending on the time of year, we can arrange itineraries around events such as the Osun-Osogbo Festival, Calabar Carnival, Felabration, Eyo Festival or Durbar celebrations in northern Nigeria. Festival-focused trips can be combined with visits to the surrounding region, making it possible to experience both the event itself and the culture and history behind it.

Fela Kuti & Afrobeats Nigeria tours

Nigeria’s influence on global music is impossible to ignore, and Lagos is the perfect place to explore it. A bespoke music itinerary can focus on Fela Kuti and the development of Afrobeat, including sites connected with his life and career, alongside Lagos’ contemporary music, nightlife and arts scenes. The itinerary can also be tailored around live performances, music events and other aspects of Nigeria’s modern pop culture.

Complete Nigeria Tours

For those who want to see as much of Nigeria as possible, we can arrange a longer bespoke expedition covering several very different parts of the country. A Grand Tour could combine Lagos, Abeokuta, Osogbo, Ile-Ife and Benin City with Cross River, Abuja and destinations in the north such as Kano and Yankari. With more time available, the itinerary can mix history, culture, wildlife, hiking and modern Nigerian life into one extended journey across the country.

Nigeria Combo Tours

We offer multiple central and west African tours that can easily be combined as a combination of group or bespoke tours. A common combination is heading from Lagos to Cotonou for a Nigeria-Benin combo trip. It can be extended to Togo, Ghana, and beyond in West Africa.

Find our African tours and information here.

Filming in Nigeria

Frequently ask Questions about travel to Nigeria

  • Is Nigeria safe for tourists?

    In most urban areas such as Lagos Nigeria is mostly safe. Safety varies by region, so visitors should exercise normal safety precautions. Some Northern areas such as Borno should be avoided.

  • Do I need a visa to visit Nigeria?

    Yes, most travellers need a visa to visit Nigeria. The country offers an e-visa system, and travellers usually need to apply in advance before arrival. We provide visa support for our travellers visiting Nigeria.

  • Do I need any vaccines to visit Nigeria?

    Yes, you need the Yellow Fever vaccination and a valid certificate to enter Nigeria. We recommend consulting with your doctor for other immunizations and preventative steps before your trip.

  • What is the best time to visit Nigeria?

    The best time to visit Nigeria is during the dry season from November to February, when weather is cooler and less humid. December is especially popular for its festive atmosphere.

  • What is Nigerian cuisine like?

    Traditional Nigerian cuisine heavily features meat, fish, and hidden stock cubes made from animal or crayfish extracts. The cuisine is bold, spicy, and deeply flavorful, built on rich stews, savory-seasoned meats, and heavy starch bases. Meals rely heavily on staples like yams, cassava, and plantains, alongside vibrant flavor enhancers like red palm oil, ground melon seeds (egusi), and fermented locust beans.

  • Is Nigeria easy to travel as a vegetarian?

    Plant-based staples like beans, yams, plantains, and rice are widely available, making it entirely accessible for a vegetarian.

  • What religions are practiced in Nigeria?

    Nigeria is an almost even split between Islam and Christianity. The Northern states primarily practising Islam, whereas the Southern states commonly practicing Christianity.

  • What currency is used in Nigeria?

    They use the Nigerian Naira.

  • Can I pay by card in Nigeria? And what about ATMs?

    Nigeria is a predominantly cash based society. In some parts of Lagos, you may be able to use international bank cards; however, it is unreliable. Regarding withdrawing cash using international Visa or Mastercard at major Nigerian banks like GTBank, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank. For the highest reliability and security, only use ATMs physically located inside major airport terminals, high-end hotels, or official bank branches during daylight hours.

  • Can you drink alcohol in Nigeria?

    Yes, you can drink alcohol in Nigeria, particularly in the south. However, several states in the Sharia-implementing Muslim north (such as Kano State) have total bans on the sale and public consumption of alcohol. Drink canned or bottled alcohol where possible to avoid methanol poisoning linked to counterfed o unlicensed traditional spirits.

  • Is Nigeria safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

    Same-sex sexual acts are strictly illegal nationwide, carrying penalties. We ask that when visiting Nigeria, you avoid public affection and act discreetly to promote safety.

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