Nigeria: Our Next Travel Destination?

After our recent trip to Kenya, we came back home feeling incredibly inspired. Kenya reminded us why we love exploring new places in Africa: the energy, the people, the landscapes, and of course the food. That trip sparked something inside us: what if we explored even more of this incredible continent?

After visiting South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and now Kenya, we want something a bit more off the beaten track… And somehow Nigeria came to mind.

Maybe it’s because we have so many Nigerian friends where we currently live in Kuala Lumpur, who always talk about their country with such pride and passion. Maybe it’s because Nigerian culture is everywhere these days, from the music we listen to, to the movies we watch, even to the food we’ve been lucky enough to try thanks to our friends. Whatever the reason, we can feel that Nigeria needs to be on our travel list soon.

Why Nigeria?

Nigeria is often described as one of the most vibrant countries in the world. And it makes sense, with over 200 million people, it’s Africa’s most populous country…

We imagine Lagos buzzing with life: the art, the nightlife, the chaos that somehow works together. Abuja seems like a more relaxed capital, surrounded by natural landmarks like Zuma Rock. Then there’s Calabar with its famous carnival, often called Africa’s biggest street party.

But Nigeria isn’t only about cities. We’ve read about Obudu Mountain Resort, tucked away in the hills, and Yankari National Park where elephants and baboons roam freely. There are also waterfalls, beaches, and sacred groves. It feels like Nigeria has a bit of everything we love when traveling: culture, nature, and adventure.

What’s your opinion? (leave a comment below)

The Culture We Already Know (a Little)

Even though we haven’t been there yet, Nigeria somehow feels familiar. Afrobeat is often playing in our home, with artists like Fela Kuti, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems… the list goes on. Nollywood movies are everywhere too, and we find it amazing that Nigeria has the second largest film industry in the world.

And then, of course, there’s the food. Jollof rice, suya, egusi soup, puff-puff… we’ve been lucky enough to try some of these dishes thanks to our Nigerian friends, and it only made us more curious to taste them in Nigeria itself.

What’s your favorite dish? (leave a comment below)

What We’d Love to Experience

If we make it to Nigeria soon, here’s what we’d love to see and do:

• Wander the streets of Lagos and feel its crazy energy.
• Visit the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Spend time in Yankari National Park to spot elephants and soak in the hot springs.
• Join the Calabar Carnival one day, to experience the costumes, music, and dancing.
• Eat as much authentic Nigerian food as possible (starting with proper jollof rice cooked in Nigeria itself!).

Of course, before traveling we’d need to prepare the basics, like visas, flights, and filling out the Nigeria Landing Card. It’s one of those practical steps that makes the whole trip feel even more real when you start planning.

Any other suggestions? (leave a comment below)

A Country We Can’t Wait to Discover

We don’t usually write about places we haven’t visited yet, but Nigeria feels different. Maybe because it’s already a part of our lives through our friends, our music playlists, and the food we eat. Maybe because Kenya reminded us how much we love exploring Africa. Or maybe simply because Nigeria feels like a place that has so much to teach us.

Whatever the reason, we know one thing: Nigeria is high on our travel list. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before we finally get to experience it ourselves. And when we do, we can’t wait to share it with you here.

And you, what’s your opinion about Nigeria?