While visiting Nigeria, there are certain experiences that any tourist should have. These experiences may not be the most remarkable, but they tend to leave a certain feeling of euphoria in the hearts of those who dare to try them. We, at Jovago.com, Africa’s no.1 online hotel booking portal have selected 5 completely refreshing experiences for anyone on a trip to Nigeria in search for a life-changing encounter with nature.



The smell of the trees and plant life in Ngwo Pine forest

An untamed forest located in the eastern region of the country, Ngwo Pine Forest is famous for its unique array of pine trees. The scent of pine wood and earth pervades the air, trapping one in the glory of nasal bliss. Its serene and peaceful atmosphere further makes it a perfect getaway destination for tourists and indigenes.



An early morning walk through fields of the Obudu mountain

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the whole of Nigeria, Obudu mountain resort is an enclave of romantic beauty. Tourists experience nature at its best when they visit the destination. One of the best things to do is take an early morning walk, preferably alone along the fields of the mountain while luxuriating in the intoxicating scent of morning dew.

Eating local Jollof rice and fried plantain, for the first time,a after a long tour.

It is no secret that Nigeria makes the best Jollof rice in the world. It is not the amount of ingredients used in preparation that makes it peculiar. It is a combination of the aura that pervades the environment and the uniqueness of the traditional recipe passed on from generation to generation. Tourist who have not tried this delicacy are bound to have an orgasmic experience trying it…especially if it is served piping hot in a local bukka after a long day of touring and washed down with chilled zobo drink.



Listening to the silent rush of the Ikogosi Warm Spring

Located within the Ikogosi Warm Spring resort in Ekiti state, the Ikogosi warm spring is an enthralling site for any visitor. The rhythmic rush of the spring is a lure to visitors who enjoy nature. Best way to experience the beauty of the site is to visit sometime in the evening and listen to the water rush down slippery stones while enjoying a solo picnic and of course, inhaling the sweet scent of nature.



The feeling of “feeling history” at Umuahia war museum

The civil war in Nigeria left a huge scar on the nation, however the display of the artifacts which tell the story tend to raise a feeling of nostalgia in the hearts of visitors, including locals who are fortunate enough to visit the Umuahia war museum and witness firsthand, the relics of the war. Knowledge gained at the museum ensures that any tourist takes a bit of Nigeria with them before they leave.

Iconic statues pregnant with esoteric and superstitious meanings, landmarks that have stood for years and priceless headstones that signify royalty cut across different parts of Nigeria. For travellers, who are planning their itinerary around Nigeria and want to see exciting monuments, Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal identifies some of them. Don’t forget to take selfies.



Arometa (Three White cap chiefs)

Sculpted by Biodun Shodeinde in 1991, the three white cap chiefs was originally positioned at the point of entry to Lagos to welcome visitors to the centre of excellence. However, due to some superstitious belief and the statue being burnt down, it was moved to its present location in Epe. Even though the statue was previously meant to welcome people to Lagos, the sculpture is rich in meaning. The three chiefs represent the three kinds of traditional greetings in Lagos Island. All the chiefs display clenched fists with the right hand always placed above the left. This signifies the supremacy of the right over the left. This monument is 12 ft tall.



The Kano city walls

This is arguably one of the oldest monuments in Nigeria and located in the commercial heartbeat of Northern Nigeria, Kano. The wall was has existed as far back as the 14th Century after the foundation was laid by Sakri Gijumasu in 1095. The purpose of the Kano city wall was to provide refuge for people of Kano. Many of the walls have been renovated but you will still find remnants. In 1959, the Federal Government declared it a National Monument.



Ogbunike caves

The Ogbunike caves is a popular landmark in South East Nigeria located in Anambra state. The caves have existed for decades and the local found solace in the Caves during the war. Unlike in the past where only the daring visitors attempt to climb, there is now a walkway of about 317 steps which makes for a stress-climb. You are to remove your shoe before you are allowed in and also menstruating women are barred from the caves.

Jesus de Saviour statue

The Jesus de Saviour statue in Abajah, Imo state. The statue which is 28 ft tall is located at the St. Aloysius Catholic Parish African. It was modelled like the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil.



Benin Bronze Heads

One of the most respected traditional institutions in Nigeria is the Benin traditional kingdom. Closely attached to this kingdom are priceless bronze heads representing different members of the royal families of Benin. Some of these bronze heads have been carted away while others are located in the palace of the Oba of Benin. You will have a two-edged experience if you decide to see these amazing bronze heads as well as the magnificent Oba’s palace.

Nigerians like other citizens from countries all over the world are eternally human, and as such, there are times they have done very silly and maybe even embarrassing things they would never admit to others, so as not to lose their “good self”. No matter how much they share either verbally with family and friends or on the social media, these acts are the ones that they would love to keep under wraps and maybe hope that they are not revealed until they move on to the afterworld…even though they are well aware that these little quirks make them normal people.

Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal reveals some of the embarrassing things ever people living in Nigeria does but will never admit to. Enjoy!



Hustling for souvenirs they do not need

Many people love freebies and Nigerians are not left out of the loop. At almost every event: wedding, party or even funeral, you will see a number of Nigerians hustling to get their own share of the souvenirs being distributed. These souvenirs could be simple items like plastic cups, pens or handkerchiefs which they can easily afford or do not even need.

Purchase something just because it is on sale

The average Nigerian will purchase an item because it is on sale and cheaper, not necessarily because they need it or need the quantity required to be purchased before the sales bonus is given. Most of the culprits who fall in the sales trap convince themselves that they will need it in the future and it is a wise purchase as they are saving money.



Farting in public

Ok, this is not really just about Nigerians. Every human has had moments where they fought the battle of stifling gas in public only to have it escape their behind anyways. Some others however knowingly fart in public, especially when they are sure it would be a silent fart.

Take a second serving at a wedding

This is very common. Nigerians love party-jollof rice and will employ all sorts of tricks to get extra servings at parties, especially weddings. They could go as far as changing tables or seats so they can get served again.



Make grammatical error in English

This is a no-brainer. Even the most educated Nigerian has at some point made a mistake in their English grammar or even spelling, but for some reason, this is one of the hardest things for Nigerians to admit! There really should be no shame in this, English is the country’s official language not their native language.

Haggling with no intention of buying

The reasons why some Nigerians do this is unfathomable. They accost a seller and haggle with them on the price of their commodity, sticking to a price they know is unreasonable as they do not have intention of buying. This is very common in traffic situations. The hawker runs to meet the potential buyer, only to have him price the commodity and refuse to buy. There is a chance that this act is spurred by curiosity or even boredom.



Eavesdropping on conversations

More on curiosity, almost every Nigerian has eavesdropped on a conversation that has nothing to do with them at some point in time. Nigerians are naturally curious and inquisitive and they like to gather knowledge. If you are having a private conversation with a friend and you find someone sitting close to you, who seems to be doing nothing and maybe just staring into space, chance are, the person is listening to your gist with his or her ears.

Lagos is a truly distinctive place which has become a haven to a lot of interesting individuals, and no matter how long you have lived in the city or how many times you have visited, there will always be secrets waiting to be uncovered.

The city is full of peculiar things which do not necessarily make it into your average guidebook. Truly, it is not surprising to witness unusual things happen within the city as beside its legendary entertainment, cuisine and nightlife that rival that of any other place in Nigeria, there are other things that you can do that most certainly would not make the stock for any tourist’s holiday.

Hoping to explore the more eccentric side of Lagos off-beaten track? Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal offers 7 things you most certainly did not know you could do in Lagos.



Meditation and yoga at Ashram

The Indian population in Lagos is quite substantial and as such, there are Hindu temples and ashrams around the city. Very popular is the Geeta Ashram in Lekki Phase 1. If yoga or meditation interests you, you are bound to have a deeply rewarding time spent there. The ashram is an isle of calm that people (not only Indians or Hindu) visit to heal their minds, bodies and souls, so, Yoga and meditation at the ashram, are great ways to strengthen the mind and body.

Camp on the Street

For locals in the city, this idea may sound completely crazy but if you are visiting and you are up for a bit of adventure, especially the type that will offer you a different perspective in life, as well as firsthand knowledge of Lagos street life, then camping a few days on the street might be the perfect solution. You can either do this by renting a bus which you would park on any of the safe spots streets or use a tent.



Explore a city farm

Lagos is no longer a strictly “brick wall” destination. the developing in the area of agriculture and animal rearing and as such, a handful of city farms that are home to farm animals, including rare breeds have cropped up around the city. Visit one of these farms to explore its environs. You get to learn more about these farm animals and farming in general, and if you are lucky , you may take home some bags of freebies.

Learn the Salsa dance

Lagos may be an African city in Nigeria, but if your dream is to appear on “dancing with the stars”, you can make headway in the city by registering in one of the many dance clubs, where you can learn the Salsa dance. The Latin Dance club conducts salsa training sessions every wednesday, friday and sunday at 7.30 pm, and most times, it is free! Club Reloaded(former 11:45) at 113, Awolowo road, Ikoyi, Lagos , as well as La casa del habana on Ozumba Mbadiwe, VI. are other places can get classes whether you are a total beginner, improver or already an experienced dancer.



Go to a mid-week dance club

Lagosians love to have fun and as such, night club no longer only have dance nights on the weekend. While visiting Lagos, you can actually have fun at a dance club on the weekday! Designed with weekday workers in mind, it is a good way to let off some mid-week steam , stay out late and enjoy a weekend dance party on a weekday. Most of the mid-week dance clubs open from 7-11pm.

Go on a Cemetery Tour

Most of the natives are superstitious and would be very hesitant to go for this option, however , if you are fascinated by unusual tours, a cemetery tour in Lagos would be just the perfect thing for you. From the 150-year old Atan cemetery in Yaba, to the Vaults and Garden cemetery, Ikoyi, as well as the Victori Court cemetery, you can see the final resting places of certain Nigerian dignitaries and celebrities as well learn much about the Nigerian history. Some of these cemeteries are open from 8am to 6pm and are free, while you have to buy a ticket for others. You can take the tour alone too, or hire a guide.



Turn the city into your gym

While there are so many gyms and fitness centers around the city, as expected, you actually do not have to patronize them. Aside from purchasing your own gym equipment and knocking yourself out with free routines online, you can actually air out your muscles with a free-run around on literally any spot you chose around the city. A favorite is the Lekki-Ikoyi toll bridge. Occasional free classes are offered on some streets as well.

Vibrant, erratic and unapologetic is Lagos. Popular for so many things including the unnerving traffic and security agencies who man major highways. Their duty is to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and keep Lagos safe. From the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Vehicle Inspector Office, Federal Road Safety Corporation and the Nigerian Police; they are responsible for the security of Nigeria’s heartbeat.

If you are on a visit to Lagos, you are bound to encounter a traffic officer. It is unavoidable. To ensure you stay on the right side of the law, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares 6 ways to keep your record clean in Lagos.



Have your complete vehicle documents

This is perhaps the easiest way for motorists to be delayed by the police in Lagos. They know that many Nigerians do not have their complete documents and they take advantage of this and randomly stop cars. But if they encounter someone with all their documents, they are terrified that they start making demands which are not backed by law. At the end the policeman will just say Oga, carry your wahala dey go! Only the photocopy of your documents.

Communicate in English

Do you know why many traffic officers are scared of Lawyers? Because lawyers know their constitutional rights and can also speak big grammar. Persons who are familiar with the traffic police know that they prefer to communicate in vernacular. It is a lacuna you should exploit. When he speaks vernacular, reply in English. You will be amazed about how quick he waves you away but not after checking your papers.



Show some respect and be formal

Everyone deserves respect. No less the police. If you do not, they will not hesitate to delay or ‘deal’ with you for the whole day. This is because just a handful of Nigerians appreciate the police. As a caveat, do not be overly respectful as they will take you for a ride. In summary, be formal, keep a straight face and smile intermittently.

Speak with a superior on ground

When a situation is getting out of hand, you should speak to the superior officer on the ground. The superior officer may be more understanding. If this does not work, you can take the name and number of the police officer or their vehicle and make a complaint. You can take advantage of their twitter handle to make complaints. The Nigerian Police complaints handle is @PoliceNG_CRU.



Do not offer or give’bribes’

Offering or giving a bribe is not the best way to wriggle yourself out of an encounter with a police officer as offenders are now being punished under the corruption charge. Sometimes you have to be patient to see through the situation. In the end, it will be resolved.

Owerri is considered one of the most expensive cities in the eastern part of Nigeria; however eating out in the city does not necessarily have to leave your wallet empty. Between cafés, street food stalls and lesser-known restaurant deals, Owerri has a host of cheap bites that do not cut back on flavor or finesse.

While the most affordable hubs may offer a gourmet meal, they can promise is a solid and tasty cheap eat. Read on to discover Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal’s 5 most affordable places to eat great meals in Owerri.



White rice and Stew at Nda Leti

You can never go wrong with Nda leti. A favourite bukka in Owerri, you are bound to get much more than your money’s worth. Go for White rice and stew with beans or plantain and of course, “orishirishi” beef which includes well marinated pieces of entrail and assorted cow meat. With just NGN 500, you will have a most satisfying meal.



Spicy noodles and Suya at Ikenegbu

This spot is located opposite Samsung plaza in owerri. Very popular for their Indomie and egg with Suya, the place caters to a crowd of customer from mid-day to late in the night. The indomie is different as it is spice with the Suya pepper/sauce and also served with spicy hot Suya and fried or boiled depending on your choice. A plate starts from as low as N500.

Channel O sharwarma

This place is one of the oldest and most popular spots in Owerri. Practically the best place to buy sharwarma, you need not be scared of not getting your money’s worth or leaving with some sort of food poisoning. You can get Chicken sharwarma for NGN700 and NGN600 for beef sharwarma. You can also include sausages or go for a mix of chicken and beef or even just extra beef, depending on your preference.



Ofe owerri at the restaurant behind ITC Park

There is song that goes “onye na enweghi ego, o na eri ofe owerri?”, which is translated literally as : “a person who isn’t wealthy, can he afford to eat Ofe-owerri?” the people of owerri are known for their special soup named after them “ Ofe owerri’, and the soup is considered very expensive as it usually includes a lot of condiments and assorted meats. Fortunately, you can get the soup at an affordable price at the restaurant behind ITC park in Owerri. It is also not just affordable at the spot, but also very tasty.

Goat meat Pepper soup Ukwu Mango

Ukwu Mango another spot that people in Owerri absolutely love. You can get your plate of specially made goat meat pepper soup at the spot at an affordable price and if you are the type who likes to combine it with “Agidi” or rice, you can ask for a combo and wash it down with good old beer.

Babies do not have a mind of their own. They heavily rely on their parents to keep them safe and healthy. Whenever couples travel or go on vacation to their favourite destinations with their children, it is key to make comprehensive plans and preparations so as not to deny themselves a fantastic vacation. One of such preparations should include prepping your hotel room for your baby. How do you baby-proof a hotel room? Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares some tips on how to achieve this.



Call your hotel

Even though most hotels do not have special rooms for babies, you can call your hotel to find out if they can make arrangements for you and your child. If they agree, this may come at an additional cost but at least, you will not need to worry about baby proofing your hotel room yourself.

Move furniture away from the windows

You cannot always have eyes on your baby. But to prevent something sinister from happening, you should move furniture away from the windows. This will prevent your baby from crawling indiscriminately. If you do not want to move the furniture, you can securely lock windows and doors.



Cover unused electrical outlets

A duct tape should be part of the items you pack if you are traveling with your baby. It will really come handy in baby proofing your room. As a safety measure, use the duct tape to cover all unused electrical outlets as well as other openings you think can cause injury to young baby.

Don’t forget your mosquito net

Mosquito nets are designed to shield your baby from mosquitoes and many hotels cannot guarantee a mosquito free room. They may fumigate it intermittently but to be on the safe side, it is better to set up your own mosquito net in your room.



Move items away from your baby’s reach

Watch out for items like mouthwash, shampoo, suitcase, cosmetics, and medications among others which should be kept far away from the reach of your baby to prevent cases of unmonitored ingestion.

There is no denying that a trip to Nigeria is not complete without a taste of Suya. The long thin cut of beef, marinated in delicious spices and grilled over red-hot coals, has over the years become one of the favorite street foods consumed by locals in the country. You can hardly go 3 miles around certain cities, including cities outside the Northern region where it is said to originate from, without catching a whiff of its tantalizing aroma in the air. Actually, Suya is one foods in the country that is enjoyed to all and sundry irrespective of age, sex, ethnic group or tribe.

If you are visiting and wondering what the fuss is about this mouth-watering delicacy, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal reveals 7 reasons Nigerians are obsessed with Suya.



It is absolutely delicious

Unless your taste buds are numb, the taste of Suya on your tongue is one you will remember for the rest of your life. A nibble fills your mouth with a burst of flavor and the luscious taste of meat. Also, the cayenne pepper and ginger adds some zing, making it eternally palatable.

It comes in several varieties

Suya is far from boring. It comes in different varieties! Suya can be made with skewered beef, ram, chevon or chicken. Vegetarians even have their veggie Suya made with mushrooms.

It can be combined with almost anything

Suya is one food you can combine with anything. From bread, to salad, rice and soaked garri, it can serves as the perfect combo. Nigerians have since found creative ways to make the most of this tasty delight. Some chefs now include Suya as an ingredient on other recipes.



It is affordable

No matter how fancy or grand the sales point, Suya is always affordable, and it is no secret Nigerians love anything affordable. Along the street, you can get a stick for as low as 200NGN, or ask a ‘mallam’ to cut a small portion worth about N100 for you. The sellers who prepare theirs indoors are more expensive, they are found at fancy store and malls. However, the highest you can purchase a stick of suya probably is N2,000. Suya basically gives you gastronomic fulfillment at an affordable price.

It is the perfect finger food for any occasion

From birthdays to weddings, private parties and cook-outs, there is literally no Nigerian event where Suya cannot fit in on the menu. It is mostly served as finger food alongside small chops, samosa and spring rolls.

You can buy it anywhere

Suya is one delicacy that is not hard to find in Nigeria. It is sold at almost every corner of the major cities in Nigeria. The tastiest are found on the street as open air tends to add to its aroma and taste. Usually, you have so many spots to pick from and the locals are always willing to advise you on whose suya is the most palatable. Again, the ingredients for making them are easy to find as well, so those who are hygiene conscious can just make it for themselves at home.



There is no such thing as bad Suya

Suya never tastes bad. Even when it is not properly marinated or properly grilled, it still gives the consumer a measure of satisfaction. The aroma alone can make the stars at night shine brighter.

Nnewi is a mix of the old and the new, reflected in thatched-roof mud houses alongside concrete buildings as well as the abdication of some fetish features associated with their festivals.

Notwithstanding, the quiet and peaceful city has seen rapid development, as a result of the industrious nature of the natives who are mainly Igbos. It is therefore not surprising that the first wholly Nigerian car manufacturing company is located in the heart of the city. It also has the accolade of being the second largest city in Anambra State after Onitsha.

Whether you are a budget traveler or not, you are assured of a fun visit to its various destinations without breaking the bank. A trip from Lagos to Nnewi by road is 6 hrs 40 mins at the cost of about N4,000. Alternatively, you can fly to Asaba and take a smooth ride to Nnewi or drive to Nnewi which is roughly 1 hour 5 mins.

With a population of 391,227, Nnewi covers 4 local governments namely Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ekwusigo, and Ihiala. It is a perfect destination for the budget traveler. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 hotel booking portal gives you more details on how to find your way around the sprawling city.



TOP THREE THINGS TO DO

Take a tour of Innoson motors

Wouldn’t it be an exciting if you visit Nnewi to also checkout Innoson motors which is Nigeria’s only company that manufacture cars. Some Nigerians may ask is this really true? You can go see for yourself if you have a weekend to yourself. Innoson motors runs a plant in Nnewi and 70% of the car are produced indigenously while the rest are imported. It will be a worthwhile experience.

Visit the palace of the Igwe of Nnewi

The Igwe of Nnewi is the custodian of traditions and customs Nnewi. To get a comprehensive history and relics of Nnewi’s past, you must pay a visit to the palace of the Igwe of Nnewi, His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III. He was coronated on 2nd June 1963. He is being on the throne for more 50 years. There is so much to see and learn about Nnewi at the palace of the Igwe who is also the Obi of Otolo.

Attend Ofala Festival

Ofala is a popular festival in South East Nigeria especially in Onitsha. But in recent years, Ofala is now celebrated by neighbouring Igbo communities including Nnewi. It is a long surviving traditional ceremony of the Nnewi people which marks the climax of the New Yam festival. According to oral history, Ofala Nnewi dates back to the 1950s and the monarch on the Nnewi throne must celebrate the Ofala annually. Indigenes bearing gifts will pay homage to the Igwe.



Where to sleep

The price of the following hotels Hotels, Hotel De Decent, Swiss Park Hotel and Suites, Calido Fine Hotel Limited, Kings Palace Hotel Extension, Best Option Hotel Limited and Lennox Gardens hotels range between N6,000 and N7,000. This further lends credence to the affordability of Nnewi.



Eating

Igbos have tasty and irresistible cuisines. Abacha, Uha Soup, Ofe Onugbu, and Nkwobi to mention but a few are some of the foods you will served in Nnewi. Some of the restaurants to savour the taste of these foods includes Mayan foods, Ogechukwu Evergreen Restaurant, Eat Right Foods, Tetrazzini Food Limited, Kitchen De Royale, Recoboza Café Restaurant.



Shopping

If you want to feel the ambience and aura of Nnewi, the best place to go is the Nkwo Nnewi Market. The market is busy 24/7 and you can get everything you. But if you are not inclined to visit the market, you can check out other places to shop and do other businesses like The learning Point, Precious creation services and MT computer Press.

Fun fact

Nnewi is the city that host the only car manufacturing plant in Nigeria i.e. Innoson Motors.

Although one of the oldest and most ancient cities in the Nigeria, Ibadan is often overlooked by tourists. However, when you explore this African city, you will see how easy it is to indulge in all its hidden beauty, food, and history. There are an incredible variety of worthwhile activities and attractions to explore, and while it would be impossible to fit all of them in to 24 hours, believe there is much you can do with just a day to spare. Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal shares a few things you can do on a day spent in this cultural treasure.



9am: Breakfast time

To start your day, you need to get some breakfast. If you are lodged in a hotel like Kakanfo Inn close to ring road , La Maison hotel at Iyaganku GRA or Owu crown hotel at Iwo road, you will be offered complimentary breakfast; However, if you have private accommodation arrangements and not in the mood to cook up something, you could find a lot of breakfast options at Bodija. From Tantalizers, Creamy Inn, Village Kitchen, Mr. Bigg’s, Big Treats, Foodco and others , a myriad eatries and cafes are located so close to each other that only a few buildings and roads separate them. The people in Ibadan love their food, and it is almost impossible to get a bad meal.



10am: Shop till it hurts

Ibadan may not be as metropolitan as Lagos or Abuja, however, it has its share of ultra-hip shopping enclaves and offers quite a number of the stores for shopaholics. From the Agbowo Shopping Complex to Elisabeth II Road and Ogunmola Street –a mecca of haute couture and hot new labels, and the local markets including Dubge Market there is so much to see and buy! You just need to ensure you remain vigilant while shopping local as there are a number of pickpockets in the area. Again, if you prefer to simply window shop or you just crave a mall experience, there are number of malls that you will find appealing, including Heritage Mall e.t.c.



1:30pm: Lunch like a local – amala, gbegiri and efo

After shopping, you would be exhausted and hungry. If you are not adventurous with food, you may want to stick with the local options offered in your hotel. But for a real taste of local food in Ibadan, visit local bukkas. Restaurants like Mama Ope restaurant, Sade Eleja (a fish-and-drinks-only joint) and Ina Strait restaurant or considered landmarks as it is , and are good options for a taste of original local cuisines. Other well sought after eateries can be found at hotels, or can be catered in to your abode. The best meal to go for, which is also the most popular local dish is Amala and Gbegiri or Efo. Ensure it is steaming hot before you gulp it down.



3PM: A tour of Agodi Gardens

Next should be a tour of Agodi gardens, a lovely landscape located on Parliament Road, Ibadan. There are always different activities going on all over the park as there are many amenities such as a swimming pool, boating cruise, zoo and bouncy castles there. It is excellent for picnics, however food and drink prices are steep at the restaurant & bar area. It is the perfect spot to chill mid-day and admire nature:both plant and animal life.



5PM: Soak in the culture with a drive through the city

Although it sounds touristy, a visit to Ibadan is not complete until you go on a pilgrimage to the different landmarks in the city. From the Cocoa house to Bower Memorial Tower, maybe The IITA Hotel and Resort and University of Ibadan to Olorunkole and the Ibadan Museum, there is enough history waiting for you to discover.



6pm: VIP dining

For the ultimate high-end culinary experience, try one of the high-class hotels in the city. You are bound to get a truly unforgettable dinner experience at Premier hotels. You can however also try other great spots around town that offer continental and intercontinental dishes as well as buffets. If you are craving Chinese food though, your best is Kabachi Chinese Fusion Bistro.



8:00pm: Drinks, cocktails and dancing

Lattitude bar, is the best place for cocktails, drink and dancing . It features a bar and lounge, Karaoke and live music and it is great for meeting new people. There are other Ibadan bars and pubs that offer awesome nightlife. If you decide you want to go deeply local, you can visit any of the beer palour around town and be sure to request for a popular local drink called ‘ Emu’ (Palm Wine), a natural juice from palm trees that has higher alcohol content when fermented.

Since the liquidation of Nigerian airways in 2003, successive administrations have pondered on the idea of floating a national carrier. This has not resulted in something concrete as the giant of Africa cannot boast of one.

Smaller African countries like Ethiopia and Kenya own Ethiopian and Kenyan airlines respectively. And you begin to question why Nigeria, one of the most attractive African destination does not have one. In line with this, Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal unveils 5 reasons why Nigeria needs a national carrier.



Promote Nigeria’s tourism industry

Tourism is huge in Nigeria. There are tourists attractions scattered all over the nation from the Yankari Games reserve in the North to the Obudu Cattle Ranch in the South, Ogbunike Cave in the East and the Idanre Hills in Ondo. One way to promote these destinations is via the national carrier through promotional materials like videos, flyers, photos and exclusive discounts to visit these sites. A national carrier will be committed to the promotion of Nigeria’s destination than the privately run airlines.

Reciprocate Bilateral Air services Agreement (BASA)

Bilateral Air Services Agreement is an accord nations sign, allowing international commercial air transport move between territories. For now all the BASA agreements signed by Nigeria favours other countries due in part to the fact that she doesn’t own a national carrier. In 2015, Nigeria penned 15 BASA agreements and has signed over 78 so far and just a handful is reciprocated by Nigeria. The agreement is lopsided. With a national carrier, Nigeria can reciprocate these agreements.

Earn Foreign Exchange

Foreign exchange is scarce in Nigeria today. The government of the day will tremendously appreciate all avenues to earn foreign exchange. The establishment of the national carrier is one of those avenues. In establishing of the carrier, majority of the stake in the airline will be privately owned while the role of government will be largely supervisory and regulatory.



Symbol of National pride

Emirates, Etihad, and South African airways et al are among internationally recognized airlines in the world. Each airline is a symbol of National pride for their respective nations. Citizens of these countries always want to associate themselves with their airlines. It is also a source of good international relations. Nigeria and Nigerians will feel this way if and when a National Career-Air Nigeria is established.

Affordable airfares

The erratic and indiscriminate change in airfares experienced with private airlines will not be applicable to Nigeria’s national carrier. The air fares will be affordable for every Nigerian and airfares will remain stable.

Abuja is home to most of Nigeria’s political technocrats. And while the city is largely considered quiet in comparison to its busy counterpart, Lagos, it is no surprise that a lot of amazing things happen around the city.

For those looking to visit, Jovago.com, Africa’s no.1 online hotel booking site reveals 5 things that you are bound to find uniquely different about the city (especially if you are visiting from other parts of the country), that way you are not alarmed when you see or experience them.

1. N200 cab

Abuja is certainly the only city in the country where you can get a cab for 200 naira! Although the standard of living within the city is generally considered high, transportation is the extremely cheap and affordable. Everyone literally moves around in cabs, even for short distances, which is quite significant considering the smallest fee for cabs in almost every other city in the country in N1,000, even if you do not spend up to 1 hour on the road or the car is up to standard.

2. Flashy car parked in a sublet

Do not be surprised when you see 5 range rovers and 4 Mercedes cars parked in front of a sublet building with just 4 flats. The people in Abuja love flashy cars and see it as priority. The average A-B-jan will buy a car while squatting with a friend or even before getting a job.



3. Garden hangouts and party

While there are clubs, lounges and pubs around the city, people in Abuja seem to prefer gardens as their hang out spots. The average native spends the evening not strolling and enjoying the serenity of a garden, but eating Suya or fish and chips with beer and making merry with friends.



4. Early morning beer

It is not surprising to find men in Abuja drinking beer in gardens or pubs early on weekday morning, especially in the Wuse 2 area. The city is not fast-paced and most of its inhabitants who mostly come from wealthy family rarely find the urge to hustle as most people in other parts of the country do. Things are pretty much chilled in the city and the people are not afraid to have fun when they want to.

5. Weird sense of humor

It is actually simple, Abuja people are just not the funny sort, like their Warri counterparts, as such most visitors find it hard to ‘get’ their jokes.

She is already used to gifts like designer bags, clothes and shoes, Brazilian hair and chocolates you buy for her whenever you travel locally or abroad. This has made you predictable as she can effortlessly guess what her next birthday package will be and soon, your gifts will mean nothing to her unless you try a different tack. Why not take a break from the norm and go the traditional way? Jovago.com, Africa’s No. 1 hotel booking portal shares 4 of these Nigerian made gifts for the lady you love.



Ankara shoes/bags

Ankara made bags, shoes, bangles and earrings are now popular as many Nigerians have begun to embrace their uniqueness. As a reflection of the entrepreneurial and creative abilities of young Nigerians, this beautiful and fashionable Ankara items are not difficult to find in Lagos. This is a gift that your significant other will definitely appreciate as you can buy bangles, shoes, and bags that match.

Adire fabric

Adire is processed in Nigeria. The handmade patterns on the fabric are beautiful, stylish, and traditional. It is not important whether your partner is a traditionalist or not for her to like. You can take it a step further by sewing it for her. Isn’t it love? Remember to get her measurement.



A portrait painting of her

Painting a portrait of your lover is not a big deal. But very few people do it. Portrait painters are not difficult to find and are afforddable. And its special because whenever she stares at the portrait, she will always remember you with a smile. You can give it a try.

Solo weekend vacation to Calabar

Calabar is arguably Nigeria’s most prolific destination. If you want to spark up your love life, just send her on an all expenses paid solo trip to this tourist haven! She will definitely relish the pass to indulge all alone.

Travelling alone is fun…usually. However, there is this sublime excitement and eventual fulfillment that comes from group travel: you do not have the time to think about deadlines, dishes, or meditate on personal battles as your friends keep you distracted and you can indulge in good food and conversation.

Nigeria is an amazing destination as it offers a wide variety of cultures and exotic locales. This also means there are a number of cities perfect for visiting with friends. If you are visiting the country with friends and wondering, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site has the lowdown on five amazing cities with great bars, restaurants, landscapes, and activities to keep any crew happy, day and night.



Asaba

One of the favorite locations for Nollywood movies, Asaba is a major ‘fun’ capital that screams to be visited in a group. With an endless abundance of bars, galleries, clubs, and restaurants, take a break from the overwhelming Nigerian history and relax on the beach, or window shop through one of the most many shopping areas in the city.

Calabar

A city popular for hosting Africa’s biggest annual street party known as the Calabar Carnival, Calabar’s rustic charm and sweet hospitality attracts groups of visitors all year round.. The tasty delicacies, beautiful architecture and reasonable standard-of-living also makes it is popular with tourists and locals alike. Life in this city is pretty much zen and would be enjoyed most by a large groups of close friends looking to spend quality time together.



Lagos

An entertainment, business and culture hub, Lagos is the best city for hitting every necessary indulgence. Crowded, very historical, certainly the ultimate party destination, with distinctive shopping, bustling nightlife and no shortage of fine dining… the place is just too much to see and enjoy all by yourself. Life in the city is generally fast-paced, and while it is not exactly dangerous, having your crew as backup is not exactly a bad idea. It is the perfect destination for any group of friends.

Enugu

With a lot of young people in the city –thanks to the tertiary institutions around town –it is not secret that the city is energetic and hip…and the nightlife in Enugu can be epic too. Enugu’s clubs have wild dance floors and multiple tiers, so you’ll need a big crew to take them on. For other hours of the day, there are opportunities for group fun activities.



Abuja

Abuja like Lagos is another popular metropolis in Nigeria, except that the level of fun experience in the area is on a smaller scale. Basically, it is not as overwhelming as Lagos can be. With spots like Jabi Lake, Silverbird Cinema and Millennium Park, sightseeing…and chilling…is huge in this area. For girl groups, there are ample opportunities for shopping as there are a myriad stores within the city looking to give value for money spent.

The fact that you travelling does not mean you should look dishevelled. You can still look good whether you are exploring the Chappal Waddi Mountain in Taraba state or the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos. This said, there are certain fashion items you can simply pack to match every the items in your suitcase. This will reduce the time you spend in dressing up as well as packing. Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares 4 essential fashion accessories to pack whenever you travel.



Black leather bag

Black is a unique colour. It can match any clothes or accessory in your closet. The bag should be well polished and big enough for any occasion whether you are going to the office or picking up some items at the grocery or better still going on a date with your boyfriend.

Gold Bracelet

If you are obsessed with wearing a fashion item on your wrist aside a wrist watch, a gold bracelet is the perfect item for you. Aside making you appear sophisticated, it will boost your personality and confidence.



White Sneakers

For the fashionista, white sneakers may not be an item they may be disposed to but it is stylish especially if you are adorning ripped-jeans. With this, you will make an impressionable statement. White sneakers also have the ability to finish every outfit.

Simple necklace

No matter the make of your necklace whether gold, diamond or silver, if it’s simple, it can match anything you plan on wearing. Plus it does not necessarily have to be the same colour with your dress, shoe or bag.

Travel buffs in Nigeria prefer to travel by air; however, they would admit that the airport may not be one of the favorite aspects of their trips. From the intimidating crowd, long lines and delayed flights, getting through the airport can be a struggle!

Airports do not have to be a complete nightmare though. There are many ways to navigate airports like a pro, saving you a lot of time and money, also, making your journey faster and more comfortable. Here are 6 airport hacks from Jovago.com, for Nigerians who love to travel.



Make your luggage easy to spot

Most luggages come in dark colours and similar designs so it can be extremely difficult to identify at the airport. Aside from causing undue delay, especially when you end up with someone else’s luggage, not being able to identify your luggage can cause a measure of frustration. To avoid all that and ensure a quick getaway at baggage claim, go for an eye-catching suitcase. It could be in manner of design or in colour. You could also just tie a brightly colored fabric or ribbon to the handles too.

Meet friends at departures

The airport, especially arrivals, usually buzzes with a crowd of people and so it can be difficult locating someone or identifying a stranger you are meant to meet. To cut out the stress of roaming the entire airport in search of a friend or contact, ask the person to meet you at the departures. It is so much easier there.



Search for an airport buddy when delayed

If you are travelling alone and your flight has been delayed. Rather than sit on your own and perish in agony, seek out someone else and make friends with them. Unlike other airports around the world, Nigerian airports do not offer free Wi-Fi, so your chances of alternative entertainment may not be high if you do not have data on your phone. To keep things interesting, search for someone who looks roughly your age and go chat them up.

Do not hesitate to ask for free things

Nigerians they tend to shy away from freebie in public lest they be judged as freeloaders. Unfortunately, refusing to ask for free things when you are at the airport can deprive you of very luscious benefits or opportunities to save. Ensure you take advantage of special events like birthdays and honeymoon! Inform the airline staff of your unique situation and ask for the possible privileges attached to it. The worse that can happen is a polite no.



Wear Your Extra Luggage

Sometimes, you find that when you get to the airport and your carry-on weight is over the limit…even if you already weighed it at home. Rather than toss some of the items away or going into a gift shop in the airport and asking for a large shopping bag with which you can carry all the extras, you can simply wear the heaviest items in layers to get past security, and once you are done with security, you then head to the nearest bathroom and switch out of the clothes.

Always use the checkpoints on your left

It almost amazing how most people in the airport always steer to the right when choosing a security checkpoint line, leaving fewer people in line on the left. To save time and reduce stress, just head toward the left rather than the right.

Whether you are using a mobile phone or personal computer for browsing, you likely have come across music, photos, videos or documents that you want to download. However, if you are not careful you will inject virus like trojan or Raila Odinga virus in your system especially if your antivirus is weak and sooner than later, your device may start exhibiting unusual symptoms. You definitely do not want to go through this. To keep your devices safe, check out these exciting tips
shared by Jovago.com, Africa's No.1 hotel booking portal so that you can download anything online without any hassles.

Check the websites with friends

quite a number of people have an online presence, some of them must have downloaded from the site. Alternatively, you can ask your friends to recommend a safe site to download. Do not really on Google to give you results of websites to download. These sites may not be safe.

Up to date virus checker

There are virus checker extensions which you can download that will help you check if it is safe to download or not. Hence, when next you want to download ensure that you activate the virus checker and ensure that it is up-to-date.

Download from reputable sites

There are thousands of sites which you can download movies. But this does not give you the pass to download movies indiscriminately. Unless you want a virus ridden system, make use of the virus checker that will help you determine whether the site is safe or not.

Save files before opening it

There are files you may not make use of immediately. You want to save it for later. After saving and downloading the file, do not open except you scan. This is safe because if your antivirus detects any virus, you can simply delete it before it swims into your system.

Read reviews before downloading

Depending on what you want to download, the reviews of other users can help you decide if you should download or not. Most times if you want to download a game, reviews will tell you if you should download the game or not and if it is safe to download from the websites. Also, the ratings of the page can also help you decide if you should download.

Many people cannot do without the internet which strongly depends on the strength of the WiFi. If the Wi-Fi signal is weak, you will be unable to do anything which may result in you missing your deadlines. A slow WiFi may not be the fault of your service provider but could be that your Wi-Fi connection is being remotely disrupted which is why Jovago.com Africa's No 1 hotel booking portal points out a few ways to speed up your WiFi.

Router positioning

The position of your router can also determine how fast your WiFi will be. The farther your PC from the WiFi router the slower the connection. Also, the height of the router can also make a significant difference.

Wireless interference and noise

With nearly every device requiring electromagnetic waves to function, it should not surprise you that these wireless devices are interfering with your WiFi connection. Devices such as Microwave, phone mast Bluetooth, hotspots, printers, and microwaves are some the interfering gadgets. Although these devices are not on the same frequency with the router, they still do well to disrupt your signal.

Avoid downloading large files

A video is one large file to download from the internet. The result? All your connection will be focused on the file you are downloading rather than sharing data proportionally with the other websites you are attempting to open. Thus, avoid downloading large files.

Check if your WiFi is being tapped

Routers are passworded which makes it difficult for others to use unless they get your permission. But if you suspect that your WiFi is unusually slow, you should check your setting if your connection is being illegally shared. If this is the case, delete it and change your password.

Replace your WiFi antenna

If none of the aforementioned is the problem, then it is maybe your WiFi antenna. The router's antenna may be too short to pick signals. Purchasing a WiFi antenna will definitely boost your signal and give you wider reach and coverage.

Like the rest of the world, Nigerians have replaced hard-copy memos and letters with e-mails. The average person would rather send an email -whether personal or for official purposes- than type it out on paper. Unfortunately, emails can make things go horribly wrong as certain words used can come off as haughty when the original intent was probably to sound proactive, efficient or even likable.

Communicating via email does not take away the need to stay careful in the choice of words as certain terms or words with meanings that can easily be identified when said in person- based on the speaker’s facial expression and tone- may sound completely different when used in emails. For Nigerians who are not conversant with some of these dicey words, ToNews.ng shares jovago’s revelation of five most common mistakesto avoid in emails..

Sorry

This is the word commonly used to show remorse or regret, however, the word has been so overused that it is no longer taken seriously. In fact, some people consider it non-genuine and hardly acknowledge it. If you need to apologize when you have done something wrong, rather than say “sorry”, use a phrase like “I apologize”. “I apologize, it totally slipped my mind” looks a lot better than “Sorry, I forgot!”

No

In a normal conversation, you can easily say something like: “No, it belongs to the company” with a soft tone that implies you are not being judgmental or acting superior. However, in an e-mail, the “No” can make the same statement sound even condemnatory. Using the word “No” in an email can be very dicey, so it is best to just omit it and stick with the compliers.

Actually

Commonly used as sentence starters or transitional words in everyday communication, “Actually” can actually come off as condescending, as though you intend to correct someone or an idea. For instance, you could reply an email with the sentence: “Actually, I have to leave work by 5pm today” and It would sound extremely rude and combative. Actually has a way of turning a simple response into an awful one. Instead, use alternative

Thanks

“Thanks” is something almost everyone writes at the end of an email, especially when we are in a rush, however, the expression -which is a short form of “thank you”- is often considered sarcastic or unprofessional, especially when used in official situations. It is important to always use the full form of the phrase when writing e-mails.

Need

The word “need” almost always comes off strong. Most times, using the word suggests that you place yourself in a position of authority, superior to the person receiving the message. Also, it sounds demanding. It may be preferable to use phrases like “I would like…”

You may not appreciate what your phone can do for you until you are in a situation where you desperately need it. In addition to this, your smart device can also forestall problems and help in an emergency. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 hotel booking portal shares some ways your phone can save your life.

Send text when you cannot call
Why send a text message when you can make a call? But there are some places in Nigeria where communication network is unstable and always fluctuating. Hence, you have no choice than to result to text message to reach whoever you want to call.

Help you find your way
Google maps controlled via satellite have helped many individuals find their way. With GPS enabled on phones, you can easily find your way around.

Remind you to take your drugs
Remind Me, MedCoach and MediSafe, to mention but a few are mobile apps which can remind you to take your drugs as at when due. In addition to this feature, some of the apps can help you contact your pharmacy to place orders to refill your prescription.

Put your medical condition on your phone
If you are suffering from a certain medical condition or you take a recommended drug, such information can appear on your phone. This will make it easier for doctors to be aware of the condition for easy diagnosis. You can add In Case of Emergency to your phone.

Predict heart attack or stroke

A smartphone which can detect an impending heart attack or stroke. With the smartphone, you can keep tabs with the heart activity via your fingertips. You simply place your fingers on the smartphone and the phone will do the rest by converting the finger’s impulse to ultrasound signals. Within minutes, you get your result. You can streamline your activities by using the app.

Africa’s leading online hotel booking platform, jovago.com, has launched its first iOS app as it hosts successful business fireside chat.



Lagos, Nigeria, May 3rd, 2016 –Africa’s largest online hotel booking portal, Jovago.com has officially launched its iOS App, as part of its drive to further transform the way travellers book hotels online using their mobile devices. This is coming as stakeholders gathered to discuss key industry issues at the just concluded Business Fireside Chat which held in Lagos on Friday, 29th of April, 2016.

“The launch of the IOS App is a great step towards our efforts in creating faster and flexible booking experience to our customers who are looking for accommodation across Africa,” said Paul Midy, CEO of Jovago. “There is need to tap into the vast growth of mobile devices in Africa and with the iOS App, more of our customers can readily access our growing inventory of hotels on the go,” he added.

The iOS App, which has a sturdy repute for being quick and secure, will allow customers find and book accommodation from the site’s list of 200,000 hotels around the world at the click of a button. Through Apple devices, travellers can get exclusive deals and offers, view profile pages for listed hotels including pictures, descriptions, locations, facilities and reviews; as well as have access to the best price guarantee on all services anywhere in the world.

Speaking on the launch, Kushal Dutta, Managing Director, Jovago Nigeria said, “At Jovago, we understand that innovation is a priority for every company who wants to lead the technology market which is why we are excited at this new introduction for Apple device users and this is the first of many big things to come.”

According to statistics by Jovago, 3 out of 4 people use the Android App, representing 75% of smartphone users in Africa. Notably, the IOS Application is the latest version of the Android, well advanced and without software bugs.

“Six month after the launch of the Android App, today Jovago offers a performant App with all our latest options and technologies,” said Abdesslam Benzitouni, Global Head of Public Relations. “Apple users represent around 25 % of our visitors and although Android users are more popular in Africa, in Jovago, we want to provide the best hotel booking experience to all the Mobile users in the continent”, added Abdesslam.

As Smartphones become more deep-rooted in the modern society, mobile travel bookings have also become more commonplace than the conventional booking methods. In a bid to help its clients keep up with the trends, Jovago.com is committed to keep diversifying its technological tools, in order to promote thousands of hotel options.

The iOS App is now available here on the AppStore to the entire community of Apple users for free. Jovago offers 10 % discount for all the IOS users for their first booking.

About Jovago

Jovago.com is an online hotel booking service with offices in Kampala (Uganda) Lagos (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya) and Dakar (Senegal) founded by Africa Internet Group and has Rocket Internet, MTN, Millicom, AXA, Orange and Goldman Sachs as its investors. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 booking portal, facilitates the booking process for its users to provide them with the best hotel booking experience with fast, transparent and easy-to-use services. Jovago.com has over 25,000 local hotel listings across Africa and over 200,000 hotels around the world.

Travel buffs in Nigeria prefer to travel by air; however, they would admit that the airport may not be one of the favorite aspects of their trips. From the intimidating crowd, long lines and delayed flights, getting through the airport can be a struggle!

Airports do not have to be a complete nightmare though. There are many ways to navigate airports like a pro, saving you a lot of time and money, also, making your journey faster and more comfortable. Here are 6 airport hacks from Jovago.com, for Nigerians who love to travel.



Make your luggage easy to spot

Most luggages come in dark colours and similar designs so it can be extremely difficult to identify at the airport. Aside from causing undue delay, especially when you end up with someone else’s luggage, not being able to identify your luggage can cause a measure of frustration. To avoid all that and ensure a quick getaway at baggage claim, go for an eye-catching suitcase. It could be in manner of design or in colour. You could also just tie a brightly colored fabric or ribbon to the handles too.

Meet friends at departures

The airport, especially arrivals, usually buzzes with a crowd of people and so it can be difficult locating someone or identifying a stranger you are meant to meet. To cut out the stress of roaming the entire airport in search of a friend or contact, ask the person to meet you at the departures. It is so much easier there.



Search for an airport buddy when delayed

If you are travelling alone and your flight has been delayed. Rather than sit on your own and perish in agony, seek out someone else and make friends with them. Unlike other airports around the world, Nigerian airports do not offer free Wi-Fi, so your chances of alternative entertainment may not be high if you do not have data on your phone. To keep things interesting, search for someone who looks roughly your age and go chat them up.

Do not hesitate to ask for free things

Nigerians they tend to shy away from freebie in public lest they be judged as freeloaders. Unfortunately, refusing to ask for free things when you are at the airport can deprive you of very luscious benefits or opportunities to save. Ensure you take advantage of special events like birthdays and honeymoon! Inform the airline staff of your unique situation and ask for the possible privileges attached to it. The worse that can happen is a polite no.



Wear Your Extra Luggage

Sometimes, you find that when you get to the airport and your carry-on weight is over the limit…even if you already weighed it at home. Rather than toss some of the items away or going into a gift shop in the airport and asking for a large shopping bag with which you can carry all the extras, you can simply wear the heaviest items in layers to get past security, and once you are done with security, you then head to the nearest bathroom and switch out of the clothes.

Always use the checkpoints on your left

It almost amazing how most people in the airport always steer to the right when choosing a security checkpoint line, leaving fewer people in line on the left. To save time and reduce stress, just head toward the left rather than the right.

A popular city located to the east of Lagos State, Lekki has a reputation of being an area with one of the most expensive real estate assets in Lagos State, Nigeria, as it currently houses several Estates, gated residential developments, agricultural farmlands, areas allocated for a Free Trade Zone, with an airport, and a sea port under construction. There are two main local governments – Eti-osa and Epe in the area, however, it is better classified by the two phases in the Lekki vicinity: Lekki Phase I and Lekki Phase II.

The city is not entirely intimidating as its environs are simple, classy and serene. However, with the high cost of living, sprawl of major hot spots and limited public transport, it could pose financial challenge for budget travellers who want to visit. Visitors are bound to have fun in the area as there are numerous opportunities for fun including several number of beaches and resorts around the location, a very bubbly nightlife and the music shows held frequently. Visitors will however find that this city is not all glitz; it has many cultural highlights as well as all the glamorous modern add-ons. Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal shares the details.



TOP 3 TOURIST SITES

Lekki conservation Centre

One of the major Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) conservation sites, this major tourist attraction established in the 1990 for the conservation of wildlife found in southwest coastal environment of Nigeria, in the face of sprawling urban development, covers a land area of 78 hectare in Lekki.

Lekki Craft Market

The Lekki Craft Market is a classic open air African market, which offers almost everything from antiques to traditional Nigerian woven fabrics (aso oke) and batik pieces, leather goods, Benin bronze works, wood carvings, drums and masks , e.t.c.

Nike Art Gallery

Ultimately the Number one spot for Arts in Lagos state and the largest of its kind in West Africa, Nike Art Gallery is an art gallery in Lagos owned by Nike Davies-Okundaye. The gallery is Housed in a five-storey tall building, it boasts a collection of about 15,000 diverse artworks from various Nigerian artists.



LODGING

Lekki’s hotels and resorts will dazzle and delight you as they are some of most expensive accommodation in Lagos, but luckily, they leave you feeling like you have gotten your money’s worth. Also there is actually something to suit every taste — from opulent to standard. Aside from the high-end hotels, there are a few best value hotels, with traveller-friendly facilities. Boutique hotels are wonderful as well, however, some of them lack the facilities (pool, gym etc) available in other hotels of similar price brackets in other parts of the state.



SHOPPING

Lekki can be a haven for shopaholics as the locals like to look good and set trends. Shoppers are spoilt for choice between gleaming new city-centre shopping centres, boutique arcades, bohemian streets and farmers markets. There is perhaps maybe too much choice for the tourist. Visitors can get anything from high street fashions, boutique gems, jewellery, gadgets, books, games, food or anything else under the sun for that matter.



DINING

The dazzling array of different restaurants and cafes, as well as local bistros you will encounter in Lekki reflects the sheer joy the locals take in eating. Dining out is one of the main social activity. The menu is not restricted to local foods only. From Chinese to Indian, French and Lebanese, Lekki restaurants have got it covered. There is also food from every corner of Nigeria (and beyond) to be sampled too.

FUN FACT:

The Lekki Lagoon located in the North of the city, is part of a rich folklore and provides an important source of livelihood for the people of Lagos and Ogun State. It is the most important common property aquatic resources and the largest source of freshwater fish production in the states.

For fun seekers who reside in, or are visiting Lagos, there are several places to unwind in the city. Because when it comes to having a good time, Lagos leads with its vibrant nightlife. However, if you are a culture enthusiast who craves to have an encounter with history and you probably do not know where to go, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal round up 5 places to experience art and culture in the centre of excellence.



National Theatre

Exterior shaped like a military hat, built by the military regime of Olusegun Obasanjo in 1976 in preparation for the 1977 Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC), and it played a significant role in promoting Nigerian theatre. It has two 5,000 seater cinema halls. It is a hub for a perfect cultural and art experience!

Freedom Park

Freedom Park is the remnant of a British Prison located on Broad Street in the heart of Lagos. In order, to preserve this history and cultural heritage, the government upgraded the park. The Park for the past few years has become a one-stop centre to appreciate art, culture and have fun at the same time. It showcases the work of literary giant Prof. Wole Soyinka via the Kongi’s Harvest Art gallery, live music, spoken word, live drama, and hosts events like the Afropolitan vibes and Lagos Black Heritage Festival.



National Museum

Remember the 1976 assassination of former military Head of State Murtala Mohammed? If you want to relive what happened on the faithful day, visit the National Museum which is 150 metres Southeast of Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos and you will see the bullet-riddled car in which he was assassinated. Other attractions include brasses from Benin city, Nok Terracotta heads, carved ivories, royal crowns and much more.



Mende Cane Village

The Mende market may not readily appear on any to-do list or itinerary but it is a place worth visiting. The market is situated under the Odo-Iya Alaro bridge at Mende, Maryland. At the market, you find artisans carving various household materials like baskets, cots, bridal chairs, tables, and other items from bamboos. The expertise displayed by these persons who have eked out a living from carving these items is fascinating. Interestingly, these baskets are affordable and you can purchase one.



Badagry

Being an ex-slavery hub, everywhere you go in this pretty quiet town reflects its slave history and past. A day’s visit to Badagry is not enough to navigate this coastal town. Whispering Palms, Badagry Heritage Museum, Slave Museum, Slave Markets, Slave prisons (Baracoon), Slave Port, Gberefun Island, Point of No Return, 1st Primary School, 1st Church, 1st story building are a few of the many places. There so much cultural interaction and exchange in Badagry.

Launching a startup is tough enough. However, it’s a much tougher struggle to effectively articulate your startup’s value proposition and acquire customers. For those who already have customers, there is always the problem of retaining them.

This is exactly why iDEA and JOVAGO are teaming up to organize a fireside chat with the topic: HOW TO EFFECTIVELY ACQUIRE CUSTOMERS AND STRATEGIES TO RETAIN THEM.

The goal is to create an environment where startup founders can engage experienced and high growth startup founders/executives on the strategies to attracting customers and keeping them; using their companies as case studies.

The invited guests are:

1) Kushal Duttal



Managing Director, Jovago Nigeria. He is a dynamic professional with 9+ years of experience in E-commerce / OTAs/ Online Start-ups, Channel/Franchise Development , Revenue management, Sales & Marketing, Product & Brand Management, Team management, Sales Training.

2) Adetayo Bamiduro



Co-founder, Max.ng. He previously worked with Konga as the VP, Logistics and has a consulting background with Dalberg.

3) Mark Slade



Managing Director, Ringier Nigeria. He Oversees Ringier verticals in Nigeria; Pulse.NG – Nigeria’s online news platform and RDM – Ringier Digital Marketing – Nigeria’s online marketing partner. He is also Lotus at Pattaya, Bar-Lounge.

Admission is Free and only registered participants will be allowed.

Date: Friday, April 29, 2016
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (WAT) – Add to Calendar
Venue: IDEA Hub Lagos – 296 Herbert Macaulay Road, Lagos Mainland, Lagos

The average person hates packing for a trip. There really is nothing pleasant about it: the stress of folding, rolling and squeezing clothes in, the confusion of having to decide what to pack, the dilemma of trying to manage the space you have got and the fact that it takes all the time in the world!

No one wants an over-sized luggage, and so Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal suggests 4 simple yet highly effective packing hacks that will help any traveler organize their essentials much easier.

Roll your clothes, do not fold

The general method for packing clothes is folding. While folding plays a huge role in ensuring your clothes are organized and crease is limited, they can also be the reason you do not have enough space for the other stuff. Rather than fold your clothes, consider rolling instead. Rolling may require more effort, but it surely saves more space compared to folding.

Pack items inside your shoes

Shoes are usually the most difficult to pack, especially if they are made of leather or sterner materials. The shoes however can offer good space to pack smaller items as the holes in them can hold little items that won’t fit in your toiletry bag, like socks.



Place the heavy items on the bottom

Most people do not care to check the weight of the items they throw in their bags or boxes. They jumble all sorts of item together, even placing some of the heaviest on the top, making it hard to squeeze in extra items or zip the luggage up. Endeavour to pack your heaviest items on the bottom and work your way up to the lighter items, that way, your bag will have an easier time compressing into the compartments.

Avoid little pouches and purses

While packing, the idea of keeping certain items in separate pouches or purse may seem cute or give off a super organized look, however, they are not very helpful for managing space. Rather than use little bags like toiletry and make-up bags, squeeze them into the nook and crannies of your bag or whatever little space they can fit into.

There is no scarcity of things to do in Nigeria. From visiting various landmarks and tourist sites to meeting the locals and trying the various street foods, everyone has enough activities to last them a lifetime. While these experiences are almost priceless, they are not always enough for thrill seekers who storm the country for ultimate heart-pounding moments.

Adventurous travelers want their adrenaline pumping and they want to feel a certain high. Luckily, there are several other places for these kinds of travellers to achieve their goal in Nigeria. As long as you have the finances to get away for a few days, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site has rounded up 5 incredible travel activities that will rock your world.



Gear up and climb Chappal Waddi

Also known as Gangirwal a.k.a Mountain of Death, the Chappal Waddi mountain is considered the highest peak in Nigeria at 2419 meters. It is located in the southern sector Gashaka Gumti National Park, on the border of Cameroon in Taraba State. Featuring a waterfall and the thick forested slopes, it is surrounded by flowing rivers with mischievous monkeys and chimps lurking around. A climb will leave you breathless and ecstatically thrilled.



Walk the the Ancient Kano City Walls

Although this great tourist attraction in the northern part of Nigeria was built between 1095 AD through 1134 AD and completed in the middle of the 14th century, it is still described as ‘the most impressive monument in West Africa’. Talk a walk along the ancient beauty and appreciate Kano’s rugged topography while you are at it. There is no better way to explore the city’s landscape.



Tree climbing at Okomu forest reserve

Aside from the wildlife and alluring landscape, the trees at the Okomu forest reserve provide opportunities for exciting and heart-pounding experiences for adventurous tree climbers. The last surviving rainforest area in the south-west of Nigeria, you can challenge yourself with a tree climbing task and afterwards, you can enjoy a host of other attractions, as well as engage in sport fishing, canoeing or crocodile viewing if you are up for it.

Ah! Bank holidays are the best…especially when they fall a day before or after the weekend. Labour Day for Nigerians fall on the 1st of May and luckily, while it is a Sunday this year, the government has ensured we do not get cheated out of the free day by declaring the next day -Monday – public holiday. Hurray!

While holidays are great and offer the best opportunities for many to spend time with loved ones and family, it can be an especially lonely and trying time for people, who for a wide variety of reasons, find that they have to spend the entire time alone. If you are a potential “lonely Londoner” this long week, no need to worry as there are many things you can do to make the weekend a little less lonely. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site numbers them in them in the list below:



Travel somewhere new

You can never go wrong with travelling or visiting some place you have never been to before. It does not have to be to a faraway place like America, Middle East or even Europe, which will require a long journey, cutting out valuable hours from your holiday; you can chose to go to the next town or one of the myriad tourist attractions around Nigeria. Traveling alone will allow you the luxury of going at your own pace rather than always having to make compromises on what sights to see, where to eat, and what activities to do so as to please travel partners. You are able to soak up everything about the trip that you want to and have a marvelous time .



Get experimental in the kitchen

This will only be a distasteful idea to someone who completely hates the idea of handling raw food or cooking. However, a very exciting way to spend the long weekend will be to try out new recipes on your own and test your cooking skills. You could even try to create your own recipe and come up with a completely fresh menu unknown to the world. If it all works out, you can show off your skill of special menu next time you have someone visiting.



Take yourself out on a dinner date

There is no rule that says a date has to be with someone else. Take yourself out on a date, go somewhere fancy and spend money on yourself. Dress up, order fine wine and an exotic meal. Take your time as you enjoy ordering anything you want without anyone else asking for a bite. If you are worried it would bore, take a book along or your iPad so you could stream short funny clips while dinning – really, what could be better than showing yourself some good old love?



Binge on a TV show

In Nigeria, the hustle is real and so most time, most of us do not have time to see all the shows we would love to follow. The long holiday gives an opportunity to get your slice of movie heaven. Pick one of the trending TV shows you have been itching to see and watch all the seasons in a marathon. Game of thrones will be a perfect option, but if you are not up for anything new, you can decided to re-watch series of old shows.



Complete a project

If you are the nerdy type who finds joy working on projects or inventing new things, take the long weekend to expand on and work on that idea that has been nagging at the back of your head. Take some time and do your research, draw up the plan and try to carry it through. You could make it all more exciting by working outside your apartment. You could visit a local library or work from one of the various patisseries around town. At the end of the long weekend, you are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment.



Try stargazing

The average Nigerian will not only consider this idea as weird but think of it as a stressful endeavor. It is always good to try new things. Star gazing can be very soothing and gives you an opportunity to admire nature while clearing your mind. Lay on your back and marvel at your complete and utter smallness in comparison to the rest of the universe.

It takes patience and painstaking effort to go with children on vacation. You have to keep an eye on them because they can be restless and are a serious distraction for other passengers. But how will you deal with packing for the kids on a short notice? If you do not want to spend hours buried under a pile of toys, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 hotel booking portal shares some quick packing tips.



Find out your baggage limit

You will be playing into the hands of airlines if you exceed the acceptable luggage limit because they will be happy to make extra cash off you. Hence, if you know the baggage limit, you should streamline how you pack. You may even get a pass to carry additional baggage because of your kids but try to find out the details first.

Store essentials in a single pack

The essentials are your passports, tickets, toys, hotel reservation and transport details. Summarily, all the items that are difficult and expensive to replace or recover should be in a small bag that can easily be accessible if and when you need them.



Teach your kids to pack themselves

If your kids are old enough, you should show them how to do it. It will definitely reduce the time you spend packing. You simply expend this packing time on your planning your itinerary in Calabar.

Decide what you need while travelling

Since you are travelling with your kids or an infant, what you pack for them should be priority. If you are unwilling to pay additional luggage fee, you should cut down on your luggage. This said, you must set aside what you need on the road like extra pair of clothes for your child, diapers, feeding bottle, toys, among other things. You should keep these items in a separate handheld bag.



Don’t forget to double-check

Imagine if you forget the diapers of your baby at home, that’s an extra cost on diapers. You may rue forgetting some items because you are even if you travelling on a budget.

Lagos is, without a doubt, the most popular city in Nigeria and possibly Africa. Not only is it cosmopolitan and all-encompassing, it offers countless opportunities to its inhabitants as well as visitors. The city literally adopts thousands of new residents each year and so it has become a daunting task identifying who the real Lagosians are.

Let’s face it, while you may need to have spent a reasonable time living in Lagos, you do not have to be an indigene of the state to be considered a proper Lagosian. There are certain signs that generally suggests that you have shed your “newbie” status and you are officially a true “son of the soil”. Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal lists five of these signs.



You do not refer to the state as “Lagos”

Real Lagosians do not refer to the city as ‘Lagos’, a majority use the term “Eko” while the young and trendy use the term “Lasgidi”. If you hear any real Lagosian make reference to “Lagos”, they are most likely talking about the Victoria Island part of the State.

You are always vigilant and in a hurry

Real Lagosians understand the need to always stay sharp and move fast, and it has become second nature to them. You will never catch a true Lagosian keeping his or her things carelessly in public places or walking sluggishly on the streets, especially crowded streets.



The term “owambe” brings you joy

Lagosians love to party and so they find opportunities to make merry. Weekends are basically set aside for owambes…even if Friday nights are spent in one of the many nightclubs and lounges around the city.

You can walk, eat, talk on the phone and hop on a bus, all at the same time

This happens all the time in Lagos. Every true Lagosian operates with the mantra ‘time waits for no man’, so they have learnt tricks and ways to juggle different activities at the same time.

Thankfully, Nigeria is not prone to natural disasters unlike countries like in other parts of the world experience earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes. Nonetheless, there are cases of flooding and other man-made disasters that happen across Nigeria. No one wants to be caught in such a terrifying situation but if you inadvertently find yourself in such circumstances, Jovago.com, Africa’s No.1 hotel booking portal points you to how you can survive and navigate such disaster especially while travelling.



Do not Panic

Most times, it is not the disaster that leads to injury or something more sinister, it is due to the fact that people panicked. It is very difficult to keep calm in a disaster but for you to be safe, it is important not to panic. For example, at the crack of a gunshot in busy cities, people run about aimlessly without verifying the origin of the sound. If they are questioned about what they are running from, their response will most likely be that they “started running because they saw others running”.

Neglecting official channels

During an emergency or disaster, there are official channels the government uses to dish relevant information. It may be via radio, television, or social media. You should monitor all these channels. No matter the channel employed, you should not neglect any of these channels as you will get helpful information.



Stay in touch

In any circumstance, you should try as much as possible to contact family and friends because they will be worried about you especially if you are offline longer than usual.Hence, no matter how dire the situation is, you should not go incommunicado.

Packing non-essential

Many people pack things they do not really need when travelling.Items such as water, food, flashlight, clothes, medicine, all-weather shoes, blankets are some of the important items that will come handy during a disaster that is if you do not lose luggage to the disaster.



Blocking or attacking emergency responders

The first responders to a natural disaster are the fire service, the police and other security agency. However, due to circumstances beyond their control, they arrive late. With this late arrival, they are unable to access the site because everyone wants to get a glimpse of what is happening. In other cases, the people will descend on the emergency responders for no particular reason.