Country 20/196: Nigeria
Destination: Lagos
Lagos was a roller-coaster for us. First, we met the nicest guy who made the visa gaining process upon arrival very easy for us, even though we didn’t have all the necessary paperwork. We were staying at the amazing Maroko bay shore suites and we loved it! The location was great, the staff was very nice, and the room was clean and comfortable. The next day we took a private tour of the city. The price was reasonable and the driver/tour guide was very knowledgeable. He took us to the fanciest and to the poorest parts of the city full of contrasts. It’s crazy that some people are poor fishermen living on the river, while others live in luxurious apartments and drive a Mercedes. Along the journey, we also encountered some hustlers that demanded money, but it all ended well. It may not have been the most romantic stay, but it sure was a great experience!
Things to see and things to do
Nigeria’s top travel destinations include Abuja, Yankari Game Reserve, and of course, the incredibly diverse city of Lagos. Here is a list of the city’s most notable attractions:
- Victoria Island
- National Museum Lagos
- Tarkwa Bay Beach
- Lekki Conservation Centre
- Freedom Park
- Tafawa Balewa Square
- Third Mainland Bridge
Where to stay
Lagos is a huge city that offers countless accommodation options both for travelers who are willing to spend a fortune and for those on a budget. We were staying at the amazing Maroko bay shore suites.
Are you planning a trip to Lagos? Here you can get a room with a 10% discount! 🙂
Budget
Lagos is one of the most expensive destinations in Western Africa. The average daily cost of meals is 32 USD (27 EUR) and travelers usually spend around 29 USD (25 EUR) a day for local transportation. Accommodation prices for couples range from 23.5 to 630 USD (20 to 535 EUR) a night, with the average price being 116 USD (98 EUR).
Best time to visit
Nigeria is a big country and the climate varies from place to place. However, generally speaking, the best time to visit Nigeria is during the country’s dry season – from November to January. The temperatures are high all year round.
Environmental issues
Nigeria is facing environmental problems typical of developing countries. Soil degradation and loss of soil fertility are caused by excessive cultivation. Cutting of timber is the main culprit of rapid deforestation. Air, soil, and water pollution, along with oil spills and the burning of toxic wastes are becoming pressing issues in urban, more developed areas. In the early 1990s, Nigeria was among the 50 nations with the world’s highest levels of carbon dioxide emissions. Only 49% of the rural population has access to safe drinking water. Increasing desertification caused by climate change is affecting both people and wildlife.
According to Pure Earth, the Niger River Delta in Nigeria is one of the most polluted places on Earth. The effects of the oil industry in the fragile Niger Delta communities and environment have been enormous, as there were more than 7,000 oil spills between 1970 and 2000. According to researchers, a full clean-up of the region could take up to 25 years.
Romance and adventure
Lagos may not be a great destination for honeymooners, but it sure is a hell of a destination for true explorers.
196xLOVE
Found lots of LOVE in Nigeria. 😉 ♥
Honeymoon rating of the visited destinations: ♥♥♥♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
* Note: This is NOT a general rating of the country, it is merely our personal opinion of the mentioned site(s) as honeymoon destinations, based on the level of tourism development, the number and quality of romantic and adventurous activities and sites it offers, and safety. We strongly believe that every country is beautiful in its own way, they may simply be more or less honeymoon oriented/friendly.
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