Exploring Nigeria is a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its rich cultural diversity, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes. From the bustling markets and colorful festivals to the serene beaches and lush rainforests, …
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Backpacking Nigeria in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Nigeria with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Nigeria
Embark on a backpacking journey through Nigeria, where the rhythm of vibrant cities meets the serenity of diverse landscapes. Pros? Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultures, from the colorful markets of Lagos to the historic city of Kano. Nigeria offers budget-friendly options for accommodation and transportation. However, travelers should exercise caution in certain areas due to security concerns. The unique blend of traditional heritage and urban dynamism sets Nigeria apart, offering backpackers a chance to explore a nation of contrasts, where every encounter unveils a new layer of this West African gem.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Nigeria
Uniqueness
People
Nigerian people are known for their warm and welcoming nature. They are quick to offer hospitality to both friends and strangers, often going out of their way to make others feel comfortable and at home. Whether it’s through sharing a meal, …
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Food
The food in Nigeria is so good because of its rich and diverse culinary heritage. Nigerian cuisine is a fusion of various regional flavors and cooking techniques, influenced by the country’s diverse ethnic groups and historical interactions with …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Nigeria
- Visit Lagos: As Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos offers a vibrant mix of culture, art, and entertainment. Explore its bustling markets, visit historic sites like the National Museum, and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.
- Experience the beauty of Yankari National Park: Located in Bauchi State, Yankari National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Embark on a safari to spot elephants, lions, and other animals in their natural habitat. You can also relax in the park’s natural warm springs.
- Discover the ancient city of Benin: Benin City is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. Explore the ancient Benin City Walls, visit the Benin National Museum to see exquisite bronze artifacts, and immerse yourself in the local traditions and festivals.
- Explore the stunning Olumo Rock: Located in Abeokuta, Olumo Rock is a popular tourist attraction. Climb to the top of this ancient rock formation for panoramic views of the city and learn about its significance in local folklore.
- Relax on the beaches of Calabar: Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, is home to beautiful beaches along its coastline. Enjoy the serene atmosphere, indulge in water sports, and visit nearby attractions like the Tinapa Resort and Obudu Cattle Ranch.
But Nigeria offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Nigeria
The best time to visit Nigeria for backpacking would be during the dry season, which typically runs from November to February. During this time, the weather is generally cooler and there is less rainfall, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities and exploring. Additionally, many cultural festivals and events take place during this period, providing a unique experience for backpackers. However, it's important to note that Nigeria is a diverse country with different climatic regions, so weather conditions may vary depending on the specific region you plan to visit.
Risk level: high (75%)Safety advice for Nigeria
- There have been protests and strikes over the cost of living, and these could reoccur anytime without warning. Avoid all demonstrations, strikes, rallies and gatherings. These can turn violent and have sometimes been met with forceful suppression by security forces, including the use of live fire. Trading and business disruptions have occurred. Maintain stocks of essential supplies.
- There's a high risk of terrorist attacks across Nigeria by various militant groups. Attacks could be indiscriminate or may target foreign interests. Potential targets include places where crowds gather, such as political meetings, government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, sporting events, transport hubs and networks, law enforcement facilities, international organisations and camps for displaced people.
- The kidnapping threat is high throughout Nigeria.
- There's a high rate of crime in Nigeria, including violent crime. The homicide rate is very high in many parts of the country. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- You should organise professional security advice and support before you depart to Nigeria.
- Avoid intercity transport by road and rail due to the high incidence of criminal and terrorist attacks. If you plan to travel within Nigeria, get professional security advice and support before departing. Australian officials always use enhanced security measures when they travel. Keep your car doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight. Arrange airport transfers with someone you know or book a hotel car. Don't use ridesharing services, taxis, or public transport. Don't travel after dark.
- Internet romance, friendship and employment scams originate from Nigeria. If you travel to Nigeria as a scam victim, you may expose yourself to the threat of physical harm or theft. Be wary of online contact from people you don't know. Don't send money until you've checked who you're sending it to.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
NigeriaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Nigeria sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Nigeria. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Nigeria may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Nigeria. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Nigeria may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Nigeria, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Nigeria, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 28 September 2024