I'm planning to visit the Northern part of Nigeria for the first time in July when I'll be on leave.

I want to see as many vilages/towns as possible within a week.

Im considering...

Lagos-Ilorin-Lokoja-Minna-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano-Jos-Gboko/Makurdi-Lagos

Please advise me in what order and also suggest cheap and safe guest houses or hotels. And if you ply this route regularly, how much should one budget? Any danger or warning. Are there any must-visits? What to expect?

I only want to travel to educate myself on the other parts of this country I have never been to.



MODIFIED (27th March 2019)

Couldn't go last year. I went to Badagry instead.

This year I'm traveling to Kano from Lagos via train.

Then from Kano - Kaduna - Abuja - Minna - Ilorin - Lagos by vehicles . Will take train again from Kaduna to Abuja.

Going from first weekend of April till Easter. Will stay at least 2 nights in each city.

If you willing to join in, indicate by replying this post. We will eventually talk on WhatsApp.

You can decide to join me in the train from Lagos to Kano only. And then go back to Lagos.

Or meet up in Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Minna or Ilorin if you are there to your or hangout.

Male or female.
Everyone will be responsible for their expenses, 100%.
It's only accommodation we can share, but not a must.

Only one advice; Keep your wits sharp, your eyes open and your gun loaded. On the flip side, relax and enjoy your adventure

Apart from some few red flags, I think Northern states are the best in Nigeria. You can go to Abuja, Nasarawa, Jos, or Kaduna. Those are the places I know and I think they are good places to visit.

Zonacom:
Only one advice; Keep your wits sharp, your eyes open and your gun loaded.
On the flip side, relax and enjoy your adventure

No need to load any Gun. You don't even need a cutlass
It's a different story from what you guys hear in Lagos. Northerners are peaceful, especially the Christians.

Sirmuel1:



No need to load any Gun. You don't even need a cutlass
It's a different story from what you guys hear in Lagos. Northerners are peaceful, especially the Christians.

I don't stay in Lagos. Have been in the North most of my life. But I still maintain my advice to the Op though not literally

spiralwedge:
I'm planning to visit the Northern part of Nigeria for the first time in July when I'll be on leave.

I want to see as many vilages/towns as possible within a week.

Im considering...

Lagos-Ilorin-Lokoja-Minna-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano-Jos-Gboko/Makurdi-Lagos

Please advise me in what order and also suggest cheap and safe guest houses or hotels. And if you ply this route regularly, how much should one budget? Any danger or warning. Are there any must-visits? What to expect?

I only want to travel to educate myself on the other parts of this country I have never been to.

Nobody ever goes to the north for pleasure so I'm guessing this is a business trip. If it is within your power don't go. But if it is unavoidable, here are some tips.

Stay away from crowds as much as possible. Crowds are usually the first sign of Islamic mob violence. Almajiris also operate in as pickpockets in crowds.

Try to make the acquaintance of Southern non-Muslims who have spent some time in the particular neighborhood you plan on staying in.

Don't allow yourself to end up in a situation where you will be financially dependent on any of the natives.


Don't stay in a hotel or guesthouse where most of the staff don't speak English.

Finally, don't stay long and try to avoid ever going back.

Well, I'm traveling for pleasure and learning. So that means i would love to have first hand experience with the culture. I suspect it would be different from the one we experience with Northerners in the South.

I need more comments on hotels and good places to visit please. Bus fares too.

Would not mind to travel with whomever is interested to join too.

HajimeSaito:


Nobody ever goes to the north for pleasure so I'm guessing this is a business trip. If it is within your power don't go. But if it is unavoidable, here are some tips.

Stay away from crowds as much as possible. Crowds are usually the first sign of Islamic mob violence. Almajiris also operate in as pickpockets in crowds.

Try to make the acquaintance of Southern non-Muslims who have spent some time in the particular neighborhood you plan on staying in.

Don't allow yourself to end up in a situation where you will be financially dependent on any of the natives.


Don't stay in a hotel or guesthouse where most of the staff don't speak English.

Finally, don't stay long and try to avoid ever going back.

Funny.

Which part of the North should I observe all these?

Sirmuel1:
Apart from some few red flags, I think Northern states are the best in Nigeria. You can go to Abuja, Nasarawa, Jos, or Kaduna. Those are the places I know and I think they are good places to visit.

Thanks.

In what order please? Whats the fare like from each of these places to another?

spiralwedge:


Funny.

Which part of the North should I observe all these?

In all parts, especially in the far north, like Kano, Katsina, Sokoto etc

HajimeSaito:


In all parts, especially in the far north, like Kano, Katsina, Sokoto etc

Ok. I will like to see Kano, even if it's few hours.

I especially want to welcome you to the North, Jos in particular. You will notice a little change in lifestyle from the southeast & southwest zones.

Here are a few tips you need to settle with before embarking on your journey.

Never be in a hurry to catch a bus. Life here is calm and easy

If you wake up 7am and get to shower, you can still catch up to any part of town before 8am

Night life is unlike in the other part of the country. 8-9pm almost the whole town people have gone home to their loved ones. 9:30pm is like 3am in remote parts of lagos. Take note.

When you enter a taxi or keke napep (marwa as is called in Lagos), greet first or if greeted, respond as you would to a neighbor

Inquire about religious divides and warnings before you wander into the wrong part of town. Especially if you are not conversant with culture of the people. Example, you can't hold hands or express love gestures with a girl wearing hijab in Kano. Its suicide.

Aboki is not an offensive word, note that it means friend. Feel free to call any northern indigine an Aboki.

Lastly, don't insult Buhari in the presence of a Hausa man they are all ignorant sheeps. Don't praise Buhari in presence of your southerners and Easterners either, they deserve better. Unless you are a Buhari supporter then I have no business talking to you in the first place.

spiralwedge:


Thanks.

In what order please? Whats the fare like from each of these places to another?

I think two thousand naira should take you to Kaduna from Nyanya (Abuja).

The price varies. Though the states are not far from each other. The main problem/stress is traveling down to the North.

Sirmuel1:



I think two thousand naira should take you to Kaduna from Nyanya (Abuja).

The price varies. Though the states are not far from each other. The main problem/stress is traveling down to the North.

Thank you.

Is this order okay?

Lokoja-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano-Jos/Nassarawa?

HajimeSaito:


Nobody ever goes to the north for pleasure so I'm guessing this is a business trip. If it is within your power don't go. But if it is unavoidable, here are some tips.

Stay away from crowds as much as possible. Crowds are usually the first sign of Islamic mob violence. Almajiris also operate in as pickpockets in crowds.

Try to make the acquaintance of Southern non-Muslims who have spent some time in the particular neighborhood you plan on staying in.

Don't allow yourself to end up in a situation where you will be financially dependent on any of the natives.


Don't stay in a hotel or guesthouse where most of the staff don't speak English.

Finally, don't stay long and try to avoid ever going back.

Bros, there are people staying in the North, stop discouraging Op.

spiralwedge:


Thank you.

Is this order okay?

Lokoja-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano-Jos/Nassarawa?

Nasarawa comes after Abuja.

Just be ready to spend half of your journey hours inside vehicle on dry lands

beatcoins:
I especially want to welcome you to the North, Jos in particular. You will notice a little change in lifestyle from the southeast & southwest zones.

Here are a few tips you need to settle with before embarking on your journey.

Never be in a hurry to catch a bus. Life here is calm and easy

If you wake up 7am and get to shower, you can still catch up to any part of town before 8am

Night life is unlike in the other part of the country. 8-9pm almost the whole town people have gone home to their loved ones. 9:30pm is like 3am in remote parts of lagos. Take note.

When you enter a taxi or keke napep (marwa as is called in Lagos), greet first or if greeted, respond as you would to a neighbor

Inquire about religious divides and warnings before you wander into the wrong part of town. Especially if you are not conversant with culture of the people. Example, you can't hold hands or express love gestures with a girl wearing hijab in Kano. Its suicide.

Aboki is not an offensive word, note that it means friend. Feel free to call any northern indigine an Aboki.

Lastly, don't insult Buhari in the presence of a Hausa man they are all ignorant sheeps. Don't praise Buhari in presence of your southerners and Easterners either, they deserve better. Unless you are a Buhari supporter then I have no business talking to you in the first place.

Thank you, except for the last paragraph

What's the weather like in July? And any interesting places to visit in Jos? Cheap and safe hotels?

HajimeSaito:


Nobody ever goes to the north for pleasure so I'm guessing this is a business trip. If it is within your power don't go. But if it is unavoidable, here are some tips.

Stay away from crowds as much as possible. Crowds are usually the first sign of Islamic mob violence. Almajiris also operate in as pickpockets in crowds.

Try to make the acquaintance of Southern non-Muslims who have spent some time in the particular neighborhood you plan on staying in.

Don't allow yourself to end up in a situation where you will be financially dependent on any of the natives.


Don't stay in a hotel or guesthouse where most of the staff don't speak English.

Finally, don't stay long and try to avoid ever going back.

Just listen to Yourself! Have youyou ever been to the North? Yeye dey smell while any sane Northerner will not risk going to Anambra Imo Bayelsa warri and the skull mining states in the West! You are here spewing rubbish! Where i come fromfrom we don't know kidnapping, Yahoo Yahoo, Money Ritual, Militancy and Cultism! The only state in can live in the South is Lagos!

spiralwedge:
I'm planning to visit the Northern part of Nigeria for the first time in July when I'll be on leave.

I want to see as many vilages/towns as possible within a week.

Im considering...

Lagos-Ilorin-Lokoja-Minna-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano-Jos-Gboko/Makurdi-Lagos

Please advise me in what order and also suggest cheap and safe guest houses or hotels. And if you ply this route regularly, how much should one budget? Any danger or warning. Are there any must-visits? What to expect?

I only want to travel to educate myself on the other parts of this country I have never been to.

Op if you Really want to have a Northern Experience forget about Abuja Nasarawa and Minna! Go to Bauchi and Visit Yankari Game reserve! Besides thats where you will know the real North. Next stop Enter Jos You will feel at home due the Large Christian population then Go to Kaduna a Very Liberal state that almost all the Muslim guys and girls take booz and go to strip clubs lol unlike Bauchi, Then Enter Kano the Capital of Arewa You will Yet again have another unforgettable experience visit the Zoo Cinemas and watch Kannywood Movies but get a translator! Even a Keke driver can help you, North is peaceful apart from Jos and other states that religious crisis usually occurs! Dont make the mistake of going into the Muslim territory if u are a Christian anything can happen and vise versa! My Advice op Go to Bauchi Kano Kaduna Abuja Maybe Jos! I live in the North East and its very far from The North west talk less of the South but if you can visit my state you will drink fresh cow milk daily i promise u that! Besides here is more liberal than the North West, Even the North Westerners can attest to that we flex 24/7 here no crisis no Boko haram!

aumeehn:
Op if you Really want to have a Northern Experience forget about Abuja Nasarawa and Minna! Go to Bauchi and Visit Yankari Game reserve! Besides thats where you will know the real North. Next stop Enter Jos You will feel at home due the Large Christian population then Go to Kaduna a Very Liberal state that almost all the Muslim guys and girls take booz and go to strip clubs lol unlike Bauchi, Then Enter Kano the Capital of Arewa You will Yet again have another unforgettable experience visit the Zoo Cinemas and watch Kannywood Movies but get a translator! Even a Keke driver can help you, North is peaceful apart from Jos and other states that religious crisis usually occurs! Dont make the mistake of going into the Muslim territory if u are a Christian anything can happen and vise versa! My Advice op Go to Bauchi Kano Kaduna Abuja Maybe Jos! I live in the North East and its very far from The North west talk less of the South but if you can visit my state you will drink fresh cow milk daily i promise u that! Besides here is more liberal than the North West, Even the North Westerners can attest to that we flex 24/7 here no crisis no Boko haram!

Wow, thanks. I wasn't considering Bauchi until I read this. Thanks again. I will think about adding Bauchi, I still have up to July to firm it out. Are you in Bauchi?

Earlier today, after using google and the map, this is how my travel schedule looks like:-

Day 1
Lag - Lokoja = abt 9hrs= 7am-4pm= lodge
Explore Lokoja 5 - 7pm

Day 2
Explore Lokoja - 8am - 1pm
Lokoja - Kaduna - abt 5hrs - 1pm - 6pm =lodge

Day 3
Explore Kaduna, Zaria - 7am - 1pm
Zaria - Kano - 2hrs - 1pm-3pm
Explore Kano- 3-5pm
Kano - Kaduna - 2hrs- 5-7pm - lodge

Day 4
Kaduna - Jos - 5hrs - 7am - 12noon
Explore Jos - 12noon - 3pm
Jos - Makurdi - abt 5hrs - 3-8pm - lodge

Day 5
Explore Makurdi - 7-9am
Makurdi - Onitsha - abt 7hrs - 9am- 4pm - lodge
Explore Onitsha - 4-9pm

Day 6
Explore Onitsha and Asaba - 7am - 2pm
Asaba/Onitsha - Lag -6hrs - 2pm - whatever time


Low Budget Estimates
Each lodging = 3k x 5nights = 15k
Transport fares = 40k
Feeding = 2k per day x 5 = 10k
Tours n Tickets = 5k
Souvenirs + Miscl = 10k
TOTAL = N80k

Please help correct any error or say your suggestion.

Modified
I'm also looking at how to cut costs.
- I will appreciate hints on how to hitch rides at cheaper rates. (it's called Sọọlẹ in the SW).
-And also on lodgings. If I'd have co-traveler to share the amounts with.

also remember to travel with at least two bags of sachet water, the weather there is something else.

But some peeps get time shaa.

Pesin dey complain say time no dey, pesin dey here they calculate how to waka about.


Nawao...

spiralwedge:


Thank you.

Is this order okay?

Lokoja-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano-Jos/Nassarawa?

Lokoja - abuja - suleja - Kaduna - keffi - lafia - makurdi

Or lokoja - abuja - suleja - Kaduna - kano - Kaduna - ......

spiralwedge:


Wow, thanks. I wasn't considering Bauchi until I read this. Thanks again. I will think about adding Bauchi, I still have up to July to firm it out. Are you in Bauchi?

Earlier today, after using google and the map, this is how my travel schedule looks like:-

Day 1
Lag - Lokoja = abt 9hrs= 7am-4pm= lodge
Explore Lokoja 5 - 7pm

Day 2
Explore Lokoja - 8am - 1pm
Lokoja - Kaduna - abt 5hrs - 1pm - 6pm =lodge

Day 3
Explore Kaduna, Zaria - 7am - 1pm
Zaria - Kano - 2hrs - 1pm-3pm
Explore Kano- 3-5pm
Kano - Kaduna - 2hrs- 5-7pm - lodge

Day 4
Kaduna - Jos - 5hrs - 7am - 12noon
Explore Jos - 12noon - 3pm
Jos - Makurdi - abt 5hrs - 3-8pm - lodge

Day 5
Explore Makurdi - 7-9am
Makurdi - Onitsha - abt 7hrs - 9am- 4pm - lodge
Explore Onitsha - 4-9pm

Day 6
Explore Onitsha and Asaba - 7am - 2pm
Asaba/Onitsha - Lag -6hrs - 2pm - whatever time


Low Budget Estimates
Each lodging = 3k x 5nights = 15k
Transport fares = 40k
Feeding = 2k per day x 5 = 10k
Tours n Tickets = 5k
Souvenirs + Miscl = 10k
TOTAL = N80k

Please help correct any error or say your suggestion.

Modified
I'm also looking at how to cut costs.
- I will appreciate hints on how to hitch rides at cheaper rates. (it's called Sọọlẹ in the SW).
-And also on lodgings. If I'd have co-traveler to share the amounts with.

Your budget is unrealistic especially for hotels

spiralwedge:


Wow, thanks. I wasn't considering Bauchi until I read this. Thanks again. I will think about adding Bauchi, I still have up to July to firm it out. Are you in Bauchi?

Earlier today, after using google and the map, this is how my travel schedule looks like:-

Day 1
Lag - Lokoja = abt 9hrs= 7am-4pm= lodge
Explore Lokoja 5 - 7pm

Day 2
Explore Lokoja - 8am - 1pm
Lokoja - Kaduna - abt 5hrs - 1pm - 6pm =lodge

Day 3
Explore Kaduna, Zaria - 7am - 1pm
Zaria - Kano - 2hrs - 1pm-3pm
Explore Kano- 3-5pm
Kano - Kaduna - 2hrs- 5-7pm - lodge

Day 4
Kaduna - Jos - 5hrs - 7am - 12noon
Explore Jos - 12noon - 3pm
Jos - Makurdi - abt 5hrs - 3-8pm - lodge

Day 5
Explore Makurdi - 7-9am
Makurdi - Onitsha - abt 7hrs - 9am- 4pm - lodge
Explore Onitsha - 4-9pm

Day 6
Explore Onitsha and Asaba - 7am - 2pm
Asaba/Onitsha - Lag -6hrs - 2pm - whatever time


Low Budget Estimates
Each lodging = 3k x 5nights = 15k
Transport fares = 40k
Feeding = 2k per day x 5 = 10k
Tours n Tickets = 5k
Souvenirs + Miscl = 10k
TOTAL = N80k

Please help correct any error or say your suggestion.

Modified
I'm also looking at how to cut costs.
- I will appreciate hints on how to hitch rides at cheaper rates. (it's called Sọọlẹ in the SW).
-And also on lodgings. If I'd have co-traveler to share the amounts with.

Nice one, but i think stopping in Lokoja and Markudi is just a waste of time and resources since you said you want to visit the North, these places aren't considered as Northern Lands by the Northerners due to the Ebira and Igala majority in Lokoja and the Tiv Christians in Markudi. But that's just my opinion. You can travel direct to Bauchi from Lag, even though i dont reside in Bauchi i can still connect you with a friend that will get a good lodge for u and help u tour the city, Life there is basically cheap so u wont get too much headache, but Kaduna is a Big city so you will spend more Especially on Accommodation, nd transportation, likewise Kano Accommodation and food is not that expensive but transportation is a lil bit expensive but for a guy living in Lagos u can cope! I know Nothing bbout Jos i went there only once the religious crisis made me dislike the place.

kagari:


Your budget is unrealistic especially for hotels

With hotels.ng or similar ones, i can book such hotels once I'm ready.

aumeehn:
Nice one, but i think stopping in Lokoja and Markudi is just a waste of time and resources since you said you want to visit the North, these places aren't considered as Northern Lands by the Northerners due to the Ebira and Igala majority in Lokoja and the Tiv Christians in Markudi. But that's just my opinion. You can travel direct to Bauchi from Lag, even though i dont reside in Bauchi i can still connect you with a friend that will get a good lodge for u and help u tour the city, Life there is basically cheap so u wont get too much headache, but Kaduna is a Big city so you will spend more Especially on Accommodation, nd transportation, likewise Kano Accommodation and food is not that expensive but transportation is a lil bit expensive but for a guy living in Lagos u can cope! I know Nothing bbout Jos i went there only once the religious crisis made me dislike the place.

Thanks.

Lokoja because of the confluence of River Niger and Benue; and also for the historical sites especially Lord Lugard residence and office.

Makurdi, because it will help break the journey (i don't like journeys that are more than 7 hours) and also so that i dont travel in the night.

To cut cost, i may start coming back to Lagos from Jos on day 5 early morning.

If I am to include Bauchi, maybe it would look like this:

Lag-Lokoja-Kaduna-Kano-Bauchi-Jos-Lagos

4 sleepovers in Lokoja, Kaduna or Kano - Bauchi and Jos

spiralwedge:


Thanks.

Lokoja because of the confluence of River Niger and Benue; and also for the historical sites especially Lord Lugard residence and office.

Makurdi, because it will help break the journey (i don't like journeys that are more than 7 hours) and also so that i dont travel in the night.

To cut cost, i may start coming back to Lagos from Jos on day 5 early morning.

If I am to include Bauchi, maybe it would look like this:

Lag-Lokoja-Kaduna-Kano-Bauchi-Jos-Lagos

4 sleepovers in Lokoja, Kaduna or Kano - Bauchi and Jos

budget at least 5k for accommodation 3k is unrealistic

for first hand information on people culture and land topography go by railway and come by bus. try to visit Niger Kaduna and kano state

partnerbiz4:
But some peeps get time shaa.

Pesin dey complain say time no dey, pesin dey here they calculate how to waka about.


Nawao...

You no well

solutionmi:
for first hand information on people culture and land topography go by railway and come by bus. try to visit Niger Kaduna and kano state

This is a good idea. How safe and how long does it take? Please share your experience.