How many regions to visit: Two regions is the sensible number for most trips, and three is the ceiling for a month. Nigeria’s distances, traffic and checkpoints swallow days, and each extra zone adds a flight or a 6 to 10 hour road transfer. Skip the urge to collect states. Depth beats breadth here, because local contacts, language and trust build slowly and make everything cheaper and safer.
Which kind to prioritize: First-time visitors to West Africa should start with a southern urban and cultural zone, where food, music and transport are easiest and ATMs are common. Those chasing nature and cooler weather should pick a Middle Belt highland area, which is quiet and gentle on the budget but has sparse public transport. History and architecture lovers can consider the north, but only after …
read more 👉 How many regions to visit: Two regions is the sensible number for most trips, and three is the ceiling for a month. Nigeria’s distances, traffic and checkpoints swallow days, and each extra zone adds a flight or a 6 to 10 hour road transfer. Skip the urge to collect states. Depth beats breadth here, because local contacts, language and trust build slowly and make everything cheaper and safer.
Which kind to prioritize: First-time visitors to West Africa should start with a southern urban and cultural zone, where food, music and transport are easiest and ATMs are common. Those chasing nature and cooler weather should pick a Middle Belt highland area, which is quiet and gentle on the budget but has sparse public transport. History and architecture lovers can consider the north, but only after checking state-level travel advisories. Unsuitable for anyone on a tight schedule or without flexible plans. Beach-focused travelers will find Nigeria a poor match, since the coast has surf, strong currents and little tourist infrastructure.
What it costs: Budget US$30 to 50 a day if you use shared taxis, buses, simple guesthouses and local food. Midrange comfort with private hotels and ride-hailing runs US$70 to 120. Lagos is the most expensive, with decent hotels at US$60 to 150 a night, while smaller towns offer rooms at US$15 to 35. Prices are quoted in naira, and inflation moves them quickly, so confirm figures locally.
Entry fees are modest, usually US$2 to 10 for museums, shrines and reserves, but national parks and reserves can add US$10 to 30 for vehicles, rangers or permits. A local guide costs about US$20 to 50 a day, and is worth paying for in remote areas. Intercity buses cost US$5 to 20, and domestic flights US$50 to 120. Budget extra for a security escort or a hired driver if advisors recommend it, often US$40 to 80 a day.
Costs and delays that catch travelers out: Visa processing can run beyond a week, and rejected applications are common when documents are incomplete, so apply early and keep every document consistent. Cash shortages and unreliable card machines have hit travelers, so carry a mix of naira cash and some US dollars for exchange, and never rely on one card. Airport taxi and informal changers overcharge new arrivals, so use ride-hailing apps or prearranged pickups. Fuel scarcity and petrol price jumps can double transport quotes overnight, so agree fares before you board.
A yellow fever certificate is required for entry, and malaria prophylaxis is necessary nearly everywhere. Skipping either costs far more than the pills.
Safety and cultural considerations: Check government advisories for each state before committing, since risk varies sharply. Kidnapping, banditry and insurgent activity affect parts of the north and some highways, so avoid night travel and do not enter areas under advisories, even with a guide. Lagos has pickpocketing and phone snatching, so keep devices out near traffic. Carry photocopies of your passport, because checkpoints are frequent, and stay polite and patient. Small “dash” requests are common, but a calm, friendly refusal usually works.
Dress conservatively in the north, where Islamic law and norms apply, and women should cover shoulders and knees. Alcohol is limited in many northern states. Ask before photographing people, shrines, soldiers or government buildings. Public displays of affection draw disapproval, and same-sex relationships are criminalized, so discretion is essential. Greet people first, use the right hand for eating, and expect warmth in return. Buy travel insurance that explicitly covers Nigeria, including medical evacuation, because many standard policies exclude it.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.