Four fantastic, affordable destinations you can visit this holiday (2)

If you could choose a trip to wrap up 2016, which would it be? You probably have heard there are amazing locations to visit in Nigeria with fun, adventure, and history fused together. Do you have doubts which locations to explore in Nigeria this December?

Here are four locations with events, activities, and places you must visit as an individual, couple, or group of family and friends. Treat yourself and loved ones to an eclectic two weeks holiday before the year runs out.

 

Badagry’s Beauty

Border town, beaches, and a bounty of history are synonymous with the town of Badagry. This destination is easily accessible via the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and the journey itself is colorful. An hour and a half away from Lagos, set off early in the day to enjoy the experience. A visit to the cluster of museums in Badagry Town will teach you about Nigeria’s role in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade from the 16^th through the 18^th centuries.

Meet Williams Seriki Abass, a Nigerian man who lost his name when sold to slave traders at Dahomey and built a reputation as a middle man for a Brazilian slave trader. Reflect on the value of human life as you examine goods bartered for humans and the tools used to ensure that captured slaves remained in that state. This is a sobering tour, but there is a lot to see and learn.

The Badagry Heritage and Mobee Slave Museums have also preserved relics from that era. The first storey building in Nigeria is a walking distance from the museum quarters. A knowledgeable guide is on hand to introduce its first occupants to you. Step back into the corridors of history as you feel old coins that were used by the early missionaries who lived in Badagry. Discover the story of a young boy who was captured as a slave, taught to speak several languages and will grow up to translate the first bible written in Yoruba.

Prepare for a long trek as you enter the Slave Port of Badagry. For a reasonable fare, you will be transported by boat to Gberefu Island, the location where slaves were held prior to sailing on boats they never returned from. Aptly, this trek is known as “The Point of No Return”. A symbolic reddish clay well known as the Attenuation well is along this route.

Find out more about its role in the then nearby slave market of Vlekete and resist the temptation to drink its water. You will be rewarded with an expansive view of Badagry’s famous palm trees and cream sandy beachfront at the end of this trek. This may be an excellent spot to set up lunch items for a picnic as you enjoy the freedom of the island’s beauty. Drink fresh coconut water straight from a gourd and feast your eyes on the handcrafted gems locals have made using the items sourced from the island.

You just may find the perfect gift and souvenir from your trip to Badagry. If you must head out of the town before dark, then do so. Otherwise, take your pick between the famous Suntan Beach and the serene Arakhab Beach Resort. A dinner of freshly caught fish roasted on the grill and served along with sweet potato fries will be a high note to end your visit.  Budget for 2 (N5, 000 to N30, 000)

 

Colourful Calabar

Africa’s biggest street party has put a new spin to the month of December. Colourful parades, performances, cultural displays, and exotic food attract the over 50,000 spectators that attend this annual event.

Still, there is more to experience in Calabar than the much talked about carnival. Decide on if you will be taking a road trip or a short flight to the People’s Paradise. Make sure you arrive in time to meet other visitors to the city. Carnival proper starts on the 25^thof December, so try to see as much of the city before it becomes crowded.

Tinapa Resort is a great place to start. Here you can shop with no hefty added taxes and play as a family in the games arcade. Explore local and continental culinary delicacies at the Tinapa Lakeside Hotel’s restaurant.

Join up with a tour company and see the city on the Double Decker bus. Marina Resort with the Slave Trade and National Museums will showcase the role of the Portugese in trading within this Port City. A visit to Calabar’s highest point in Duke Town is the best background for your perfect picture.

See Mary Slessor’s Tomb and visit the palace of the Obong of Calabar while here. Set aside a day to explore the natural vegetation and waterfalls in Calabar. Kwa Falls is an excellent location to do this with its cascade that stems from the second river in the state of Cross River.

Get lost in the beauty and lushness of the tropical mangrove forest and if you are fit, hike up the 234 steps of this fall. Picnic lovers can set up a spread here and create memories with a good view. Dine like a local at a restaurant with native delicacies such as Ekpang Nkwukwo, Edikaikong, and Afang on the menu. You will not be disappointed.  Now, you can make your way to the Calabar Municipal Garden, the 2016 Calabar Carnival Village. When you arrive, feel the pulse of the city and join in the party.  Budget for 2 people (N60, 000 to N150, 000).