NIGERIA
Highlights
Kano, ancient caravan city of the Hausa Kingdom, among lavish palaces and mighty walls
The ancestral traditions of the Yoruba people, strongly linked to Voodoo
Olumo Rock and other wonderful natural scenery of the country
The megalopolis of Lagos and an intense visit to the stilt village of Makoko
Where we sleep
Hotels and Guesthouses
How we move
Car or Minivan, Plane
TYPE OF TRIP
Road trip that does not require great physical effort, but does require a good spirit of adaptation; short, not particularly demanding treks are planned
For more information on our trips, see the FAQ section.
DAY 1: departure from Italy with a connecting flight to Kano
DAY 2: arrival in the second largest city in Nigeria, completion of entry formalities, and hotel check-in. Visit to Gidan Rumfa, the Emir of Kano’s Palace, dating back to the late 15th century. We will immerse ourselves in its rich history, among lavish rooms and lush courtyards. We continue the visit of Kano with the Makama Museum, housed in a traditional residence, and through the labyrinth of stalls in the lively and colorful Kurmi Market. To end the day, at sunset we will enjoy the view of the city from above from the sacred Dalla Hill. Dinner and overnight in Kano.
Morning: this morning we will visit the traditional Kofar Mata dye pits, a centuries-old industry in Kano that will take us back to the glorious past of the Trans-Saharan routes, observing ancient local dyeing techniques
Afternoon: walk through the historic center and along the mighty defensive walls of ancient Kano, before witnessing a spectacular demonstration of Dambe, a traditional martial art of the Hausa culture
Evening: dinner and overnight in Kano
Morning: transfer to the city of Dutse, famous for its splendid architecture characterized by intricate and colorful decorative elements, and a visit to its crowded market
Afternoon: return to Kano to witness and be amazed by the mystical performances of the Hyena Men, an unconventional “urban tribe” that fascinates the public with daring acts involving hyenas, snakes, and baboons. Using spells and ancient magic, this practice passed down from generation to generation intertwines mysticism and the art of animal control
Evening: dinner and overnight in Kano
Morning: transfer to Kano airport and flight to Lagos
Afternoon: arrival in Lagos; the metropolitan area of this megalopolis is the most populous on the African continent, with about 21 million people. Hotel check-in followed by an emotional visit to the immense stilt village of Makoko, nestled within the urban area of Lagos. A powerful experience that is sure to leave an impression
Evening: dinner and overnight in Lagos
Morning: departure from Lagos heading north; we will climb to the top of the natural wonder of Olumo Rock, discovering beautiful caves and enjoying memorable views of the surrounding landscape from this rock that symbolizes the strength and resilience of the Egba people
Afternoon: visit to the large market of Abeokuta, with particular focus on the Voodoo fetish section and its diverse selection of magic potions, natural herbs, and handcrafted objects with healing powers. This is followed by a visit to the Palace of the Alake of Egbaland, a monarch and figure of preeminent importance in the culture of the Egba people. Hotel check-in
Evening: dinner and evening in Abeokuta
Morning: departure towards Osogbo, the capital of Osun State
Afternoon: arrival in Osogbo in the afternoon and visit to the Nike Davis-Okundaye art gallery to admire the works of the prominent Yoruba textile artist and painter
Evening: dinner and evening in Osogbo
Morning: we begin the day by being enchanted by the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005; we will explore this primary forest adorned with beautiful sacred statues and shrines celebrating the deity Osun, the goddess of fertility. Visit to the home of the Austro-Nigerian artist Susanne Wenger to discover her deep connection with Yoruba culture
Afternoon: departure after lunch for Ile-Ife, arrival and hotel check-in
Evening: dinner and evening in Ile-Ife
Morning: visit to the Royal Palace of the Ooni of Ife, a sacred place considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Nigeria, and the National Museum of Ile-Ife to discover more about the fascinating Yoruba culture
Afternoon: we pay tribute to the legendary figure of Oduduwa, the mythical progenitor of the Yoruba people, by first stopping at the Opa Oranmiyan staff dedicated to him, and then visiting the Sacred Forest of Oduduwa, where the first king and founder of the Yoruba dynasty rests
Evening: dinner and evening in Ile-Ife
Morning: morning visit to the main Temple of Ile-Ife for a further immersion into the spirituality of the cradle of Yoruba culture, followed by departure towards Lagos
Afternoon: arrival in the late afternoon in the giant former capital of the country and hotel check-in
Evening: dinner and evening in Lagos
Morning: departure for the coastal city of Badagry, a historic nerve center of the slave route and a precious witness to a dramatic past. A mystical encounter with the Zangbeto, the revered Voodoo guardians of the night
Afternoon: afternoon dedicated to visiting the city and its important museums that tell the tragedy of slavery, before reaching the “Point of No Return.” Return to Lagos
Evening: dinner and evening in Lagos
Morning and Afternoon: entire day dedicated to the main attractions of Lagos, including the Onikan House, Freedom Park, the British colonial district, and King Kosoko’s Palace
Evening: depending on the flight schedule, transfer to the airport for the return flight to Italy with a layover, arriving on Day 13; alternatively, return flight on the morning of Day 13 and… until the next BHS adventure!
