Africa - Nigeria

Co is starting flight to Lagos with double miles, thinking of going. I have been to SA and on safaris there. They were great. Any info on what to do in Nigeria, safaris? sightseeing. I am an active senior citizen going with my wife

You might like to read up on Nigeria - it's not really a tourist destination - and it's for a reason. It's reasonably dangerous and difficult to deal with - and quite unlike South Africa in most respects. As far as I am concerned, it is not somewhere you would choose to go - double miles or not. If you were sent on business, you'd have things sorted in advance, security, transfers etc. I cannot think of too many things to see in any of the cities I've visited...

Don't get me wrong, I like the place enormously as it has a charm all of its dirty own, but if you're looking for somewhere interesting to go in west Africa, you'd be better off in Accra (Ghana). At least there, you can walk on the streets with minimal interference.

I agree with GoldCircle. Nigeria is not a "tourist" destination (not at this point in time at least). Safaris are out of the question (they don't even have them). Ghana is certainly worth a visit and for safaris, Tanzania is a very good option (even if CO doesn't fly there).

Safe travels...

thanks for the input, will try different country

... but if you're looking for somewhere interesting to go in west Africa, you'd be better off in Accra (Ghana). At least there, you can walk on the streets with minimal interference.
Totally agree with GoldCircle about Nigeria's unsuitability as a tourist spot.

I would also like to endorse Ghana as an adventurous destination. It's still challenging (that really means 'chaotic' - but nicely so) but there are some local tour operators who can package an interesting itinerary.

Don't only go to the capital Accra as you will miss out on so many historical and natural spectacles. Check out Lonely Planet (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ghana) or just look at the beautiful pictures on this site (http://www.maxmilligan.com/books/ghana) for some inspiration

If you do want to take advantage of the double miles, you may consider flying into Lagos but spending time in Benin, Nigeria's small neighbor to the west. I am going to Lagos in May to visit a friend working at the US Consulate there. We will spend maybe 1 day maximum in Lagos, which is supposed to be awful, but we will spend the rest of the week in Benin, which has several interesting national parks (Parc National de la Pendjari and Parc National du W) and beaches and some interesting cultural attractions.

The border with Benin is only 60 miles or so from Lagos, but if you are actually interested in going, you may just wanna book a separate ticket to Cotonou (for which there are short direct flights) and find a tour operator that can set you up from there. The road crossing/approach to the border is supposed to be pretty unpleasant.

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pendjari_National_Park
http://www.parc-w.net/en/index.html
http://www.pendjari.net/english/

If you do want to take advantage of the double miles, you may consider flying into Lagos but spending time in Benin, Nigeria's small neighbor to the west.

Benin is nice, but Cameroon is nicer. Virgin flies nonstop to DLA from Lagos (1h40m). You could stay at the Le Meridien there, rest up, and take a ride out to a nice beach resort in Kribi. The waterfalls are fun and the people are very friendly. Or try the mountains, or take a safari...

Since Virgin Nigeria was sold last year (and renamed Air Nigeria) it's not considered quite so safe any more.

Fly with Arik Air. LH does their maintenance. ;)

Since Virgin Nigeria was sold last year (and renamed Air Nigeria) it's not considered quite so safe any more.

Says who? The name may have changed but exactly the same people in their maintenance department are doing the exact same job they were before. The CEO is a friend of mine from his days with Ethiopian Airlines and my experiences with him reinforce his inflexible attitude on safety issues.

Fly with Arik Air. LH does their maintenance.

I am far more concerned about flying with Arik considering the heavy turnover in their Flight Ops management department and the financial issues that tend to ground their fleet on a monthly basis. Not saying Arik is unsafe, but the potential for compromising the safety margins is far greater at Arik than Air Nigeria.

Hey team,
hope you don't mind refreshing old subject.

I'm going for a biz trip to Lagos end of July and I was wondering if there's a point in staying 1-2 days longer there? I understand from previous posts (and all other information sources) that it's not too safe and not too tourist-friendly.
So I am wondering if hiring security and going through several hassles ($$$ mainly) can be balanced out by the experience on the ground.

What do you think?
thanks in advance for advise!
mfk

I've been there often enough and have never seen anything that would make me say 'Next time I'm going to put a day aside to see that'. Myself, I'd take a few days, fly to Accra and have a look round there instead.

Myself, I'd take a few days, fly to Accra and have a look round there instead.

I'd skip Accra too and go home instead! :D

Great idea! :D

Thanks folks,

I did expect some "be careful" or "are you sure?" notes BUT I got the message now. My GF will be really happy :)

thanks and have a great weekend!
mfk

Hey team,
hope you don't mind refreshing old subject.

I'm going for a biz trip to Lagos end of July and I was wondering if there's a point in staying 1-2 days longer there? I understand from previous posts (and all other information sources) that it's not too safe and not too tourist-friendly.
So I am wondering if hiring security and going through several hassles ($$$ mainly) can be balanced out by the experience on the ground.

What do you think?
thanks in advance for advise!
mfk

Biz trip to Lagos without a day or two checking out the locals/city/culture/food!!. You may as well conduct the biz online in the comfort of your home.. Lagos is a big city(bigger than NYC) with all the complexities of a megacity in a developing country....expensive, crime, the bad the good and the ugly. Stay near the beach on Victoria Island.
For biz its OK; as a tourist destination nah. You don't need to hire security unless you have a side trip to the Niger delta area.

I lived in Lagos for 3 years not too long ago. Feel free to PM me with any questions. There are things to do if you can arrange some security.

I lived in Lagos for 3 years not too long ago. Feel free to PM me with any questions. There are things to do if you can arrange some security.

thanks a ton - my travel is booked (less than 36hs on the ground) but will definitely ping you if some questions appear.

thanks again
have a good day
mfk

It would be a shame not to visit a local market (any market in Lagos); organized confusion. Sample some "granot" (ground nuts = peanuts), have some roasted yam (if it's in season) with salt... If you head towards the seaside, you will find tons of locals selling stuff from necklaces to wood carvings, fabrics and things made out of tin cans. Be ready to haggle (as soon as they give you a price, divide by 3 and tell them that is your final offer. If they continue to argue with you, walk away :D). Do not; however, wear any expensive watches or jewelry (rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc) when you're out and about. There are a good number of restaurants to eat at by the way but you will never "see" them that easily as most are behind walls and closed doors (usually in a gated compound), so ask whomever you happen to be visiting there. Enjoy Lagos and all it has to offer :)

I have a short trip to Abuja next week. Arrival in Lagos is around 8pm. Need to stay near the airport for connecting flight to Abuja next morning :(. Has anyone recently stayed over at a decent/safe hotel that is between the international arrivals and the domestic terminal? Sheraton is way too expensive to be considered.

I have a short trip to Abuja next week. Arrival in Lagos is around 8pm. Need to stay near the airport for connecting flight to Abuja next morning :(. Has anyone recently stayed over at a decent/safe hotel that is between the international arrivals and the domestic terminal? Sheraton is way too expensive to be considered.

I've put crews on short layovers at the Welcome Centre by the international airport. No major complaints. Cheaper than the Sheraton, but still expect to pay at least $200-250.

http://www.welcomecentrehotels.com/

Come on folks - Nigeria is not that bad! Yes Lagos is hectic but opportunities in this populous country are great. Just look at the mobile operators - they are doing quite well here, and my often frequented Indian restaurant in Abuja doesn't complain either :-)

We'll be setting up a division of our Danish based strategic innovation consultancy in Abuja in September.

Thank you B747-437B for the link. Made a reservation. Will give a feedback/report.

Come on folks - Nigeria is not that bad! Yes Lagos is hectic but opportunities in this populous country are great. Just look at the mobile operators - they are doing quite well here, and my often frequented Indian restaurant in Abuja doesn't complain either :-)

We'll be setting up a division of our Danish based strategic innovation consultancy in Abuja in September.

Don't think it's that bad but also agree there isn't much to do from a tourist perspective, even though there are some interesting restaurants/nightclubs if you know where to go. If you know of anything else worth seeing, please let me know, as it'd be great to have some diversions on my next trip.

Fly with Arik Air. LH does their maintenance. ;)

Please do you know this for a fact?

Certainly last year for sure; anything can change though.

http://www.arikair.com/MEDIA-CENTRE/Press-Releases/Press-Release-Archives/2010-Archive/Arik-Air-aircraft-back-from-C-check,-repairs.aspx

Suggest you be a little cautious with Arik Air due to some issues lately.

11 August : Nigerian authorities seize Arik Air plane in court case (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/bad-flight-nigerian-authorities-seize-an-airplane-full-of-passengers-over-a-court-case/2011/08/11/gIQASwnz8I_story.html)

21 July : Arik Air Passengers Stranded in Senegal - Authority Grounds Plane Over Debts (http://allafrica.com/stories/201107220662.html)

17 March : Arik Air plane impounded in South Africa (http://punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201103175101137)

Suggest you be a little cautious with Arik Air due to some issues lately.




Wow, with all of these issues afflicting Arik of late it dont matter who does their servicing for them. Thanks for the heads up ^

What do some of the experts use for transport to and from the Lagos airport? I'll be staying at a Victoria Island hotel.

What do some of the experts use for transport to and from the Lagos airport? I'll be staying at a Victoria Island hotel.

http://www.lagoscabs.com/ seem to be a quite reliable outfit.

I ALWAYS use a colleague from the hosting firm. I've never had a Nigerian taxi firm that I trusted to the point of re-using, or allowing to collect me. The hosting company understands this.

I agree with GoldCircle. Make sure the hosting company arranges for your transport to and from the hotel (and of course to and from the company). DO NOT rely on local taxi cabs to take you anywhere. You will end up going for a ride and probably losing a few belongings (if not all). Make sure the company communicates clearly who will be picking you up. A description of some sort would be recommended rather than a simple name of a piece of paper.

I ALWAYS use a colleague from the hosting firm. I've never had a Nigerian taxi firm that I trusted to the point of re-using, or allowing to collect me. The hosting company understands this.

Unfortunately I don't really have a hosting company. I guess I will call the hotel (Four Points Sheraton) to see what options they have.

Make sure the company communicates clearly who will be picking you up. A description of some sort would be recommended rather than a simple name of a piece of paper.

I always set up a two tier challenge question-answer in advance to verify the driver is the correct one.

A common problem at Lagos Airport is for scammers to copy the names that various drivers are holding up and then intercept the passengers before they are able to liaise with the correct driver. I had it happen a few years ago that 4 drivers were holding signs with my name on it, but only one knew the appropriate challenge question-answer. The others were simply trying their luck, having copied my name from the sign.

I always set up a two tier challenge question-answer in advance to verify the driver is the correct one.

I had it happen a few years ago that 4 drivers were holding signs with my name on it, but only one knew the appropriate challenge question-answer. The others were simply trying their luck, having copied my name from the sign.


Now thats a bit dodgy, or do you happen to bear a common name like "Mr Smith" or perhaps you are a "Mr Johnson" or "Mr Williams"

http://names.mongabay.com/most_common_surnames.htm

Now thats a bit dodgy, or do you happen to bear a common name like "Mr Smith" or perhaps you are a "Mr Johnson" or "Mr Williams"

Not uncommon (although the spelling is a bit non-traditional), but not particularly common for that part of the world by any means.

Nowadays, with mobile phones being commonplace, its a lot easier to find your driver by simply calling him! That luxury didn't exist in Nigeria until around 5-7 years ago!

Transitting thru Lagos from JNB on SAA connecting to LH- Is there a decent business class lounge for layover?

The LH lounge, up the spiral staircase, is a pit.

I have always used the BA lounge on their opendoors policy for Golds. That no longer applies. If you have a Priority pass, you can shop around; none of the lounges is great. :(

I had read that there was a SAA lounge- did that lounge ever get built.

Never seen one; that's not the same as saying there isn't one, though. When exiting immigration, one tends to cast one's eyes down and move as fast as possible so you don't get stopped for a little something, something. So, I just move out and left without stopping... I suppose it could be to the right, somewhere...

I am suddenly worried and need to confirm if I will need to go through immigration for a 3 hour transit stay and if I will need to get ( purchase) a visa. Then I have read that a yellow fever vaccination is required for all - Am using CO miles and travelling SAA-LH and was told neither is required. The Nigerian govt website does not mention transit.

Easy explanation; a purely (very wise) business decision.

Nigeria=Oil

Oil=IAH=CO major hub.

tentseller-- I am looking to find out if I will need a visa to transit while waiting for my LH flight. AND if I need a yellow fever vaccination if only in transit. I hope someone who has passed through can advise.

Have you been there recently?

Stimpy--are you out there?

Sorry I don't know about the transit visa. Have you tried calling the Nigerian embassy in whatever country you are in now? Maybe try the London embassy.

Do make sure that SAA issues you both boarding passes and that they are aware that you are transiting. Otherwise you might get stopped at the gate in JNB if you don't have a visa.

And I can say the two most important things to bring on any African travels are US dollars and a Yellow Fever certificate. It's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

Thanks stimpy! I just spent some time rerouting- The Nigerian Consulate said that I do need a visa even for transit even tho the airlines say no- Best to avoid hassles- now routed JNB-MUC-IAD- Appreciate the help!