VISITING LAGOS NIGERIA | Yours Truly Yinka | CT & LA Fashion & Lifestyle Influencer

Going to Lagos in December is an annual trip for most people. It’s a fun time to reconnect with friends, family and explore new places in the city and have fun! Most people who are planning their weddings, will also strategically plan it in December when most people who don’t live in Nigeria will be in the country to attend as well.

As a first generation Nigerian-American I’ve been going to Nigeria since I was a baby. My parents would take me to meet my family members on both sides, but my most memorable trip was when I was 16 and I went with my dad. When I returned I was so proud to share pictures with my friends, tell them stories about my trip and most importantly show off my fresh back-length braids that I came back with. While at Howard, I became close friends with classmates that came from Nigeria to attend school and it was just a natural friendship. After graduation, I went to Nigeria as an adult for the first time and it was such an amazing trip. From that trip, I visit Nigeria at least every 2 years and I go with my friends from college.

After seeing my Nigeria Vlogs, so many people have asked me for tips and advice for exploring Lagos, Nigeria and this post has been way overdue. I’ll be honest and say that Lagos is no joke, lol. I’m joking but I’m also being serious. Maneuvering through Lagos, especially solo isn’t easy. Between the heat, traffic and fast paced energy, it can be tempting to feel frustrated. JUST know that your experience in Lagos will vary depending on the time of year that you go. Visiting in December is a completely different vibe from visiting in the calm of April or if you visit during Fashion Week in October. But the great people, good food, quality beauty and wellness options make the exploration worth it!

Lagos is divided into five general regions that together form an acronym (IBILE), for Ikeja (the capital), Badagry (the far west), Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe (the eastern end of town). Wherever you choose to stay in Lagos, every part comes with its own vibe, with plenty of fun and fantastic things to see and do in every district. When visiting Lagos you can choose to stay on the mainland or on the Island. The Island is mainly a collection of islands that are separated from each other by creeks of varying sizes and are connected by bridges. I normally stay on the Island, and the major areas on the island are Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, Iddo and Ajah/Lekki area. Planning your activities in Lagos is key, so that you can maximize your days!

Below are answers to the most common questions people ask me and few points I recommend to help make your trip as smooth as possible.

GENERAL DOS & DONTS

Always check travel restrictions and don’t forget to register on the Nigeria International Travel Portal. Talk to your doctor about preventing malaria and other vaccines you might need to keep safe. Always pack mosquito repellent and imodium or pepto bismol in your first aid kit.
Pack your summer clothing no matter what month you arrive
Alway bring a portable battery pack and a portable hand fan to keep you cool
Stay connected with wifi
Don’t try and go anywhere that requires you to cross the toll gate from Lekki to Lagos Island between the hours of 4-8pm, the traffic is horrible.
Most establishments have a POS and accept VISA debit or credit cards, but I would also recommend bringing cash. Bring cash in the newer 100 bills to get the most for your exchange and don’t change your money all at once.
When changing you money, banks and the airport typically give you a lower exchange rate, but double check the exchange rates with sites like AbokiFX.com. If someone isn’t able suggest a Mallam (A person who helps you exchange foreign currency to Naira notes) for you to meet to change money, then go to the arts & crafts shop at Eko Hotel to change your money.

TRANSPORTATION

While in Nigeria, I would recommend either using a car ride service like Uber, Bolt or Taxify to help you get around and plan your movements. Depending on the hotel you are staying at they will also be able to arrange a taxi for you as you move around the city. Another option that I found really convenient and used on my last trip was renting a car and driver to help my friend and I get around on the week that we had the most activities and errands planned. We used a car rental company called Golden E Luxury rentals and they are based in Lekki.

Golden E Luxury is a one stop for luxury cars rentals and sales, aircraft, boats and security Services. It was so easy to reserve our vehicle and add a driver to our package for select days we needed. They have vehicles for all budgets and offer services to help your stay in Nigeria be easier and safer so you can enjoy your trip and move efficiently. If you plan to visit and use their services, let them know Yinka referred you with code YINKA15 to redeem a special coupon to save on your booking!

ACCOMMODATIONS

If you are traveling solo or with a group for the first time I would recommend staying at a trusted hotel or finding a AirBnB that is secured during your trip. If you know someone who lives in Nigeria, I would suggest reaching out to them as well to help with logistics such as airport pick up and changing money. Here are a few hotels I would suggest and have personally stayed at, Eko Signature in Ikoyi, Wheatbaker in Ikoyi, The George in Ikoyi, Four Points Sheraton in Victoria Island (For my Marriott girlies) and Radisson Blu in Victoria Island.

This will be on ongoing series called #LagosWithYinka where I will touch on fashion, beauty and food to try while in Nigeria. In the meantime watch my Lagos Vlogs here.