Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Yellow Fever: Mandatory. Must show proof of vaccination for entry.
Hepatitis A: Recommended. Nigeria’s food and water can pose a risk.
Typhoid: Suggested for travelers staying with locals or in rural areas.
Hepatitis B: Advisable if you’ll be engaging in activities involving exposure to bodily fluids.
Rabies: Consider if you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors or working with animals.
Malaria: Not a vaccine, but antimalarial medication is crucial. Consult your doctor.
Routine Vaccines: Ensure you’re up to date on measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.
vaccination requirements When I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Nigeria, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for NigeriaCulture & Customs
Respect elders by using formal titles like ”Sir” or ”Ma.” Always use your right hand for eating and giving or receiving items. Dress modestly, especially in conservative areas; women should cover shoulders and knees. Avoid public displays of affection, particularly same-sex couples, due to legal and societal challenges. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Photography may require permission, especially in rural areas or when capturing people. Avoid discussing politics or religion unless invited to do so.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Nigeria.
- Jollof Rice: A vibrant one-pot dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and a mix of spices. It’s a staple at Nigerian parties and gatherings, often a subject of heated debates over which region makes it best.
- Egusi Soup: Made with ground melon seeds, this thick and hearty soup is often cooked with leafy greens, meat, and fish. It’s a flavorful, rich dish commonly enjoyed with pounded yam or fufu.
- Pounded Yam and Egusi: Pounded yam is a smooth, dough-like side that’s a favorite companion to many Nigerian soups, especially egusi. It’s culturally significant, often made by hand pounding which is a communal activity.
- Suya: Grilled skewers of spicy, marinated meat, typically beef or chicken. A popular street food, suya is seasoned with a blend of peppers and peanuts, making it a flavorful snack or meal.
- Akara: Deep-fried bean cakes made from black-eyed peas, onions, and spices. Often enjoyed as a breakfast item or snack, it’s a tasty and protein-rich option that pairs well with pap or custard.
Locals often boil tap water before drinking it, but for travelers, it’s recommended to stick with bottled or filtered water. Tap water quality can be inconsistent, so better safe than sorry. Opt for sealed bottled water to avoid any unwanted surprises.
The main language in Nigeria is
Hausa. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Hausa skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Nigeria includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is the official language of Nigeria and is widely spoken across the country, serving as a lingua franca among its diverse ethnic groups. Approximately 60% of the population speaks English to varying degrees, with proficiency often higher in urban areas and among educated individuals. In major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, English is commonly used in business, government, and education.
However, the level of fluency can vary significantly. In rural areas, many people may have limited English skills, relying instead on local languages such as Hausa, Yoruba, or Igbo. While basic communication is usually possible in English, travelers may encounter challenges in understanding local dialects or slang.
Overall, English is a practical means of communication for travelers, but learning a few phrases in local languages can enhance the experience and foster goodwill with locals.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Nigeria is NGN (₦).
ATMs are pretty common in big cities like Lagos and Abuja, but be ready for occasional downtime or limited withdrawal amounts. Always have a backup plan. When it comes to cash, it’s wise to carry some Nigerian Naira for small purchases, especially in rural areas. U.S. dollars are easier to exchange than euros, and you’ll often get a better rate.
Credit cards are accepted in many urban spots like hotels and restaurants, but they’re not the norm everywhere, so don’t rely solely on them. For exchanging money, avoid street vendors and stick to banks or authorized exchange bureaus for safety and better rates. Always count your cash before leaving the counter.
In Nigeria, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A 5-10% tip is generally considered generous at restaurants, while rounding up the fare is common for taxi drivers. Always check if a service charge is included, as this might cover tipping.
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Best Backpacking
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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.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.