9 Amazing Activities to Experience in Nigeria

Envision the world as a network of roads, and Nigeria stands out as one of the less explored paths.

This doesn’t mean there’s a lack of attractions; each region you visit offers a diverse array of experiences, with friendly locals eager to guide you.

For festival lovers, Nigeria has an abundance of excitement, from the grand durbars in the north to vibrant masquerades in the central and southern regions. Food enthusiasts will delight in the delicious variety, including fluffy jollof rice and hearty ogbono soup. And if beaches are a must for your getaway, you’ll find plenty of options, from Lagos to Akwa Ibom.

With over 250 ethnic groups, Nigeria is rich in traditions that have been preserved through generations in various communities. Here are nine top experiences to enjoy in Nigeria.

1. Experience the Ilorin Grand Durbar

For anyone interested in cultural, religious, or ceremonial events in Northern Nigeria, the durbar is a must-see. This exhilarating parade features hundreds of vibrant horses and riders adorned in colorful turbans, celebrated in cities such as Kano, Zaria, Katsina, Bauchi, and Gombe to mark Eid-el-Fitr, signaling the end of Ramadan.

In the historic city of Ilorin, which has been hosting this event since the 1930s, the durbar spans three days. The highlight occurs on the second day when the Emir, in a specially designed horse-drawn carriage, leads a procession of his traditional council, royal families, and warrior clans through the city, pausing occasionally to greet the cheering crowds and pay respects at ancestral sites.

Planning tip: This is one of the rare occasions when the Emir appears in public, drawing large crowds along the procession route. Join the procession if you want to blend in with the crowd or if you can't walk for about three hours. Otherwise, find a seat in the spectator stands at the palace, where the main performances take place.

2. Explore the historic districts of Calabar

Long before European settlers arrived in what is now Southern Nigeria, the indigenous communities—like those across the country—were organized around agriculture, ancestral worship, and monarchies. The Old Residency Museum, a pre-fabricated building from the 19th century, showcases everyday and ceremonial artifacts that depict life in Old Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, before the 15th century.

A visit to Old Calabar provides context for this exhibition. In the areas of Duke and Henshaw, you'll discover shrines and the palace of the Obong (the paramount leader), alongside a colonial cemetery, churches, and schools. Along Marina Road, locals continue age-old traditions, engaging in fishing, trading, and boat building as their ancestors did centuries ago.

While the exhibition honors the creativity and resourcefulness of the people from that era, it also reflects the disruption that followed the arrival of European traders and Christian missionaries. Their presence initiated the transatlantic slave trade and the subsequent oil palm trade that replaced it. On the upper floor, enjoy a panoramic view of the Calabar River, which was central to all these developments. Golden Anchor offers a variety of themed tours throughout Calabar and the state.

3. Discover pottery making in Ushafa

Nigerian artisans have a rich history of creating functional and ritualistic pottery. While decorative flower vases have become more popular recently, many locations still highlight the traditional pot-making process.

In Ushafa, located 30 km from Abuja, there are at least four generations of women who produce numerous pots each day. The process starts with collecting bags of clay from a nearby field, followed by crushing, pounding, soaking, and kneading. Once molded and dried, the pots are stacked beneath straw and firewood, preparing them for the firing that brings them to life.

Detour: Just a 10-minute drive from Ushafa, Bwari is renowned for its pottery as well. Visiting this town provides an excellent opportunity to observe how two neighboring communities can create pottery with distinct styles and finishes. The Jos National Museum features an entire gallery dedicated to Nigeria's pottery collections.

4. Camp on the Mambilla Plateau

Exploring the Mambilla Plateau promises an unforgettable Nigerian adventure, aiming to conquer the 2419m-high (7936ft) Chappal Waddi. The closest city with an airport is Jalingo, located in southeastern Taraba State. The real journey kicks off with a seven-hour road trip to Gembu, the nearest significant town to the mountain's base. Along the way, you'll encounter caves, flowing rivers, rural homes, and several stunning waterfalls.

Set up camp just a stone's throw from a cascading waterfall and rise early to hike to the summit. Your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape, as you find yourself literally amidst the clouds.

Planning tip: Whether departing from Lagos or Abuja, plan for five to seven days for this adventure and prepare for cooler temperatures. Don’t forget to include a stop in Serti for a quick tour of the museum at Gashaka-Gumti National Park.

5. Watch bronze casters at work in Benin City

For centuries, a secret guild of bronze casters serving the royal court of the Oba (king) in Benin City has crafted intricate artworks using the 'lost-wax' technique. Today, around 15 family-run bronze workshops continue this rich tradition along the vibrant Igun Street in Benin City.

The city is also set to welcome two new museums: the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Benin Royal Museum, which will be located at the Oba’s palace. Once completed, these institutions will showcase the numerous bronze works being repatriated from international museums and galleries.

To discover contemporary artworks, stroll along the road lined with art shops and galleries, where you'll find the casters dressed in t-shirts, shorts, and sandals, focused on molds made from reddish-brown clay, tending to large wood fires, and skillfully chiseling bronze and brass figurines. Operating under a guild, they create pieces for private commissions as well as for the tourist market.

Local tip: In the evenings, when the galleries and shops close, parts of Igun Street transform into a lively entertainment hub filled with bars, street food, and the vibrant sounds of Afrobeats music.

6. Witness a traditional Iria (wrapper-tying) ceremony in Bonny Kingdom

On the Niger Delta island of Bonny, the Iria (wrapper-tying) ceremony is a significant traditional rite of passage in Ibani culture, celebrating girls' transition into womanhood. This event unfolds in stages and includes both private and public elements, welcoming visitors to join in.

The ceremony starts with the Iriabo (celebrant) residing in a symbolic fattening room, where older women and caretakers bathe her and prepare her meals. Between meals, the Iriabo is covered in camwood and palm oil. On the night before the main event, she is adorned from head to toe with intricate tattoos using dye and indigo ink; tourists are welcome to observe the tattooing process (men can participate but must wear a wrapper), and those interested can even receive a tattoo themselves if they wish.

Iria Day unfolds in two segments. In the morning, close friends and family gather to visit the bride, engaging in chants, dances, and placing money into a bowl. By afternoon, the bride, adorned in vibrant wrappers (with damask and George being favorites), showcases a series of dance routines, delighting the crowd with her performance. Don’t just watch the festivities—feel free to join in the dancing and singing as well!

7. Discover Osogbo’s rich history

Few places in Nigeria boast as many ancient palaces as Osogbo. Among them, two of the oldest can be found at the Osun Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additional palaces are located near the Ataoja’s palace, just a 15-minute stroll from the grove. Together, they provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of Yoruba societies during the 18th and 19th centuries. Plan for about three hours to fully explore the area.

For an unforgettable glimpse into indigenous spirituality, visit in late August when thousands of Osun devotees gather in the grove and at the palace for the Osun-Osogbo festival, an annual tribute to the Yoruba goddess of fertility. Even if you miss the celebration, Osogbo remains a charming destination throughout the year.

Detour: Indulge in the vibrant Osogbo art scene. Beyond paintings and sculptures, the Nike Art Gallery (Old Ede Road) boasts an unmatched collection of local fabrics. Just across the road, you can explore its batik cloth-making workshop. Don't miss the private residence (Ibokun Road) of the late Austrian Osun priestess, Suzanne Wenger, where the exterior features beautiful stool wood and artistic designs, along with a gallery of traditional wooden sculptures on the ground floor.

8. Participate in an Egungun procession

From June to August, Western Nigeria comes alive with Egungun (Yoruba masquerade) season, and Ibadan is the place to be for this cultural spectacle. These masquerades, symbols of ancestral reverence, emerge from various shrines and homes after performing rituals, parading through neighborhoods while chanting and praying for individuals and families. Their elaborate costumes are crafted from lace, satin, wax, damask, and other fabrics, often topped with intricately carved wooden headdresses and transparent face coverings.

Expect drummers, singers, and lively teenagers to accompany the festivities. You’re welcome to walk and dance alongside the procession. While some parades (like the Eyo Festival in Lagos) follow set routes through their communities, others (such as Iyekiye in Iragbiji) create their own paths, stopping occasionally to pay respects as needed.

9. Enjoy herbal tea in Bauchi

Chai (tea) vendors play a vital role in daily life across northern Nigeria, with a variety of teas served in pots, glass cups, and flasks featuring prominently on restaurant menus. Tea houses serve as local hangouts, providing a space not just to unwind but to socialize as well, regardless of the weather.

You can choose from an array of flavors such as cashew, strawberry, doum palm, and basil. For those seeking herbal options, offerings include malaria killer tea, anti-diabetic tea, garlic tea, and even anti-ulcer tea. If you're new to the scene, start with Maiduguri tea, a unique blend simmered with ginger, cloves, and various roots.

In Bauchi, try tea at UK Mai Shayi on the Dogon Yaro roundabout or at The Cup Place on Murtala Mohammed Way. Both spots provide a chance to chat with locals and purchase tea to take home. Bauchi Friends also organizes tours around Bauchi and throughout northern Nigeria.