Explore the major tourism attractions of the Southwest of Nigeria over twelve days. These natural, culturally rich gems have been enjoyed by generations of local indigenes, come hear their story. Behold exotic species of flora and fauna, undulating hills & awesome landforms, and scenic waterfalls. Interact with locals, sample local delicacies and learn about exciting cultures and heritages.

HIGHLIGHTS 

• Exotic species of flora and fauna, undulating hills, awesome landforms and scenic waterfalls

• Interact with locals

• Sample of local delicacies

• Learn about exciting cultures and heritage of the people of South West Nigeria

 Depart London for Lagos via Virgin Atlantic ETD 10:30PM (guests can choose to fly any airline of their choice to arrive Lagos 27 March or early 28 March). Arrival in Lagos. Meet and greet at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos. Transfer to Lagos Hotel and overnight. 

Morning at leisure. Late afternoon introduction to Lagos mainland social life with a mini-city tour and hangout at a popular social spot. 

Depart Lagos for Idanre Hills. Ascend the ancient Idanre Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Listed site, and marvel at the panoramic views that unfold as you climb the centuries-old steps. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the indigenous people and explore the mystical Owa's Palace, a testament to the resilience of the Yoruba culture. We enjoy photo sessions at Wonderful Rock and at other vantage spots on the hills and then descend the hill to some entertainment by a local cultural troupe whilst sipping palm wine and before heading for Akure. Overnight in Akure.

Experience the thrill of Ondo Auto Rally, an annual event since 2017 which brings some of the best car racing drivers in Nigeria to Akure, competing in on and off-road events. Enjoy a tour of the 18-hole Smokin Hills Golf Resort, designed by American architect Ron Garl and built to USGA standards for Nigerian business magnate Chief Michael Ade-Ojo who is also the patron of the Ondo Auto Rally. Overnight in Akure.

After breakfast we visit the south west’s most popular waterfall, Olumirin Waterfalls, a natural wonder nestled in the heart of the rustic town of Erin Ijesha. Olumirin waterfalls, also known as Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls is an assemblage of seven distinct cascades located on the southwestern slopes of the lush Effon Ridge. The people of Erin-Ijesha believe that

the waterfalls exude from a big pot located at the top of the ridge. According to one of the custodians of the waterfall, it was discovered by a woman called Akinla, founder of Erin-Ijesha town and a granddaughter of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race, in the year 1140 AD during the migration of Ife people to Erin-Ijesha. Afterwards we visit the Osun Osogbo Grove, another site on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. The dense forest of the Osun Sacred Grove, on the outskirts of the city of Osogbo, is one of the last remnants of primary high forest in southern Nigeria. Regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility Osun, one of the pantheon of Yoruba gods, the landscape of the grove and its meandering river is dotted with sanctuaries and shrines, intricate sculptures and art works in honour of Osun and other deities. Overnight n Osogbo.

Today we visit the Palace of the Ooni of Ife. The Ooni of Ile-Ife is the traditional ruler of Ilé-Ifẹ̀ and the spiritual head of the Yoruba people. The Ooni dynasty existed before the reign of Oduduwa which historians have argued to have been between the 7th-9th centuries A.D. Besides its reputation as the oldest of Yoruba city-states, Ilé-Ifẹ̀ is famous worldwide for its ancient and naturalistic bronze, stone and terracotta sculptures, dating back to between 1200 and 1400 CE. Overnight in Ibadan.

We enjoy a city tour of Ibadan. Our tour is incomplete without a visit to Mapo Hall, Ibadan’s most iconic landmark which was modeled after St George’s Hall in Liverpool, designed and constructed by Welsh engineer Robert Jones about a century ago. After lunch we transfer to Abeokuta for overnight.

We set out to see double literally in Igbo-Ora, renowned for its multiple births phenomenon. Engage with the locals, known for their warm hospitality, and gain insights into the traditions that have earned Igbo Ora the title of "Twin Capital of the World." We then visit the nearby Idere Hills, famous for its history, hanging lake and rock combinations. Overnight in Abeokuta.

Abeokuta is famous for a lot of things, one of which is being the hometown of one of the most famous families in Nigeria – the Ransome-Kuti family. The Ransome-Kuti family is a Nigerian Yoruba political family noted for its simultaneous contributions to art, religion, education and medicine. Fela Kuti is known worldwide as the founder of AfroBeat, his siblings, Beko and Olikoye were renown doctors, and their mother was Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti who was a trailblazing educationist, political and women’s rights activist. A visit to the Kuti Heritage Museum provides an insight into this iconic family and their contributions to nation building. We will depart Abeokuta only after trying our hands on designing our own traditional adire attire, a type of dyed cloth made in south west Nigeria by Yoruba women, using a variety of resist-dyeing techniques. Overnight in Lagos.

Day free at leisure. Today is YOUDay – Tell us what you want to do in Lagos. (shopping, Volunteering, visiting an attraction, or just lazing on the beach, we will make it happen). 

Today you get to become art itself as you dress up like a Lagos Socialite and attend a real Nigerian wedding. Nigerian weddings are famous for their food, colour and rhythm. Like they say, “there is no party like a Lagos party”. Late evening check-outs for night flight departures.

Check out and transfer to airport for 09:00AM Virgin Atlantic (or other airline of preference) flight out of Lagos. End of tour.