Explore Nigeria: Recent Travel, Tourism & Route Guides (2025)

Explore Naija

Nigeria is always on the move. As a Local Logistics, We understand the roads, the parks, and the daily realities of moving across most states.

Explore Naija is a growing library of travel and delivery guides for anyone planning a trip or sending items across Nigeria.

Each guide contains updated travel details (fares, times, routes, safety tips) with practical delivery advice and what to expect in 2025.

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Nigeria at a Glance

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country, home to over 230 million people . It sits in West Africa with 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). While Algeria is the largest by land area, Nigeria leads in population, culture, and economic influence.

• Capital: Abuja
• Currency: Naira (₦)
• Languages: English (official), plus over 500 local languages including Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Ijaw.
• Time Zone: WAT (UTC+1)

Nigeria is famous for Nollywood films, Afrobeats music, oil and gas resources, and its diverse cultural heritage.

A Short History

Ancient kingdoms such as Benin, Oyo, Kanem-Bornu, and Hausa city-states shaped pre-colonial Nigeria.
Colonized by Britain in the late 1800s, Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
Today, it’s a democratic republic and Africa’s largest economy.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

Osun–Osogbo Sacred Grove (Osun State): A forest sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Osun.
Sukur Cultural Landscape (Adamawa State): A hilltop settlement with terraces, shrines, and ancient palace structures.

Geography and Regions

Nigeria stretches from the Atlantic coastline in the south (beaches and mangroves) to the savanna grasslands in the north.

Rainforest & Niger Delta: Thick mangroves, oil fields, and fishing towns that fuel the economy. Cities like Port Harcourt and Warri sit at the center of Nigeria’s oil wealth, while rivers and creeks sustain fishing and trade.

Middle Belt: Green hills and fertile farmlands that make this region Nigeria’s food basket. Yams, cassava, grains, and fruits are grown here in abundance, supplying both the North and South.

North: Wide savannas with endless cattle herds and farmlands. This is where most of Nigeria’s meat, onions, grains, and tomatoes come from. Cities like Kano and Sokoto are centuries-old centers of trade, culture, and learning.

Southwest: A mix of forests, cocoa farms, and bustling megacities. Lagos drives Nigeria’s commerce and global connections, while cocoa and cash crops from states like Ondo and Ekiti feed into both local and export markets.

Southeast: Thick forests, busy markets, and a hub of small and medium-scale industries. From Aba’s manufacturing clusters to Enugu’s coal heritage, this region represents resilience, trade, and entrepreneurship.

National Parks worth noting:

1. Yankari Game Reserve (Bauchi)

Yankari National Park, formerly known as Yankari Game Reserve, is a large wildlife park located in Bauchi State, northeastern Nigeria. It's known for its diverse flora and fauna, including warm water springs, elephants, baboons, and other majestic forms of nature. It is a popular tourist destination.

2. Gashaka-Gumti (Taraba)

Gashaka-Gumti National Park (GGNP) is Nigeria's largest national park. It is located in the eastern provinces of Taraba and Adamawa to the border with Cameroon. Much of the northern area is savannah grassland, while the southern sector of the park has a rugged terrain characterized by very mountainous, steep slopes as well as deep valleys. It is generally less visited though.

3. Okomu (Edo)

The Okomu National Park, formerly the Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest remaining natural rainforest ecosystem. The park holds a small fragment of the rich forest that once covered the region, and is the last habitat for many endangered species. It is the smallest of Nigeria's seven national parks. Home to forest elephants and primates.

Key Cities and What to See

1. Lagos (Southwest)

Nigeria’s busiest city and economic powerhouse. Lagos is the country’s financial and cultural hub. The ports handle a massive share of imports, while its roads and markets connect goods to every corner of Nigeria. It’s home over 22 million Nigerians, to industries, tech startups, Nollywood, and Afrobeats. At the same time, the sprawl of traffic, beaches, and street markets show the blend of hustle and everyday life that defines modern Nigeria.

If you visit Lagos, try exploring these areas:

• Lekki Conservation Centre – home of Africa’s longest canopy walkway.
• Nike Art Gallery – a massive collection of Nigerian art.
• Tarkwa Bay Beach – accessible by boat.
• Markets: Balogun Market, Alaba Market.

2. Abuja (Central)

Nigeria’s capital city, with a population of over 4 million. Unlike Lagos, Abuja was purpose-built for governance and balance, sitting at the country’s center, modern with a calmer pace. It’s where politics, diplomacy, and national decisions happen. The city blends modern government buildings, international embassies, and planned districts with landmarks like Aso Rock and the National Mosque.

If you visit Abuja, try exploring these areas:

• Zuma Rock – iconic rock just outside the city.
• Jabi Lake Park – leisure and nightlife.
• Millennium Park – largest urban park in Abuja.

3. Port Harcourt (Rivers State)

The capital of Rivers State, with a population of about 3 million. Known as the “Garden City” and Nigeria’s “Oil City,” it’s the hub of the country’s petroleum industry. Multinational companies, refineries, and shipping activities drive the economy here. Beyond oil, the city thrives with markets, universities, and a vibrant cultural scene, making it one of southern Nigeria’s busiest urban centers.

If you visit Port Harcourt, try exploring these areas:

• Pleasure Park – family recreation spot.
• Isaac Boro Park – historical landmark.

4. Yenagoa (Bayelsa State)

A small but fast-growing city of over 700,000 people (2024 MINA ijaw population report), known as the heart of Nigeria’s oil-rich Bayelsa. It’s surrounded by rivers and creeks, with fishing and oil exploration shaping daily life. A fast growing hub for commerce filled with opportunities.

If you visit Yenagoa, try exploring these areas:

• Peace Park – family recreation spot.
• Swali Market – busy central market.
• Nature tours into mangrove-rich areas.

5. Calabar (Cross River)

A historic port city known for tourism, culture, and the famous Calabar Carnival. Its clean streets and hospitality make it one of Nigeria’s most welcoming cities.

If you visit Calabar, try exploring these areas:

• Obudu Mountain Resort – cable cars, cool climate .
• Calabar Carnival (December) – Africa’s biggest street party.

6. Ibadan (Oyo State)

Ibadan is one of Nigeria’s largest cities and a major hub for education and trade. It blends history as the old Yoruba capital with modern growth in commerce and industry.

If you visit Ibadan, try exploring these areas:

• Cocoa House – first skyscraper in Nigeria.
• Bower’s Tower – panoramic city views.

7. Abeokuta (Ogun State)

A historic Yoruba city of nearly 700,000 people, known for Olumo Rock and as a center for trade, cocoa farming, and local crafts. It’s a gateway between Lagos and the rest of southwestern Nigeria.

If you visit Abeokuta, try exploring these areas:

• Olumo Rock – climbable rock with caves and history.

8. Ondo (Idanre Hills)

Ondo State is famous for cocoa farming and natural beauty, with Idanre Hills standing out as a UNESCO-listed site. The hills attract visitors with their ancient settlements, shrines, and breathtaking views.

• Over 600 steps up to a plateau with ancient settlements.

9. Onitsha (Anambra State)

A bustling commercial city of over 1.5 million people, home to West Africa’s largest market. It’s the heartbeat of trade and distribution, linking goods across Nigeria and beyond.

If you visit Onitsha, try exploring these areas:

• Onitsha Main Market – one of the largest in West Africa.

Top Experiences

• Nature: Yankari elephants, Obudu mountain resort, Idanre Hills climbs, Gembu Tea farms in Taraba.
• Culture: Osun–Osogbo Sacred Grove, Kano City Walls, Nike Art Gallery.
• Beaches: Tarkwa Bay, Elegushi, La Campagne Tropicana.
• Festivals: Calabar Carnival, Osun Festival, Lagos Fashion Week.

Visas and Best Time to Visit

• Visa: Tourists need a visa in advance; “visa on arrival” exists but is mainly for business travelers.
• Yellow fever card: Required at entry.
• Best time: Dry season (Nov–March) is easier for road travel. Rainy season (April–Sept) can flood roads.

Getting Around Nigeria

By Air: Domestic flights connect Lagos, Abuja, PH, Kano, Enugu, etc.

By Road: Buses, cars, and shared taxis dominate.

By Delivery: Many Nigerians prefer sending goods via waybill or doorstep pickup instead of traveling themselves.

Markets You Shouldn’t Miss

• Onitsha Main Market (Anambra): One of the largest in West Africa .
• Balogun Market (Lagos): Clothing and fabrics.
• Ariaria International Market (Aba): Nicknamed “China of Africa.”
• Kurmi Market (Kano): Ancient market with history.

Sending Items Instead of Traveling?

Moving goods between states is common:

• Waybill at bus parks – cheaper but pickup is at the terminal.
• Doorstep delivery – convenient, direct to home/office.

Explore Nigeria Beyond the Headlines

Nigeria is vast, alive, and endlessly fascinating. To truly explore Nigeria is to step into a land of contrasts and beauty. From the golden savanna stretching across the north to the rainforests and mangroves of the south, Nigeria is alive with nature. Beyond oil, Nigeria is rich in timber, cocoa, palm produce, limestone, even gold, lithium and numerous natural resources, and fertile farmlands that have sustained generations.

The culture is just as vast — every corner has its own rhythm, from the ancient walls of Kano and the dye pits that still breathe history, to the rolling green hills of Idanre and the calm waters of the Niger and Benue rivers. You’ll find bustling city life in Lagos and Abuja, quiet fishing towns along the coast, and sacred places like the Osun–Osogbo Grove that have stood the test of time.

This page can only scratch the surface. Nigeria is simply too big, too layered, and too fascinating to fit in one guide. That’s why we have a collection of route guides and even individual city guides — so you can explore Nigeria piece by piece, learning its roads, markets, festivals, and people one journey at a time.

FAQs

a. Is Nigeria safe for tourists in 2025?
Some areas are safe (Lagos, Abuja, Calabar), while others face security challenges. Stick to major cities, use local guides, and check travel advisories .

b. What’s the biggest market in Nigeria?
Onitsha Main Market, widely known as one of the largest in West Africa .

c. Best time to visit Nigeria?
Dry season (Nov–March) is the easiest for road travel.

d. Do I need a visa?
Yes. Apply in advance via the Nigeria Immigration Service .