Its history is as diverse as its culture, but deciding on flights to Nigeria and touring one of the most varied countries in Africa is worth any price. In Nigeria, travelers will bear witness to more than 250 different traditions, languages, and sagas recalling ancestors and past affiliations.
Nigeria is located on the west coast of Africa and borders Chad, Cameroon, Benin and Niger, and sits along the Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Guinea). Flights to Nigeria send travelers along the Nigeria coast, where the site of the Niger Delta protrudes among other smaller rivers and streams. But flying to Nigeria is only half the fun. Take a hike through one of the many rain forests or trek through Nigeria’s deserts.
While tourism remains a staple to the Nigerian economy, its main source of income comes from being Africa’s largest oil producer.
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In general Nigeria’s climate is humid sub-tropical, but there are variations across the country. Along the coast temperatures top 90 degrees (F) and humidity is a factor.In inland areas, the wet season extends from April to October and the dry season runs from November to March. Temperatures during the dry season can reach 104 degrees; hot days and cold nights.
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Peak season:
Nigeria is a year-round destination so it's easy to book Nigeria flights and accommodations, but take note of the following: June is a month of heavy rainfall in the south; and the dusty harmattan winds blow between December and January.
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Nigeria is known as the “giant of Africa”. Given its size, the quickest way of getting around is by plane. Several airlines offer domestic flights including Arik, which connects Abuja with Benin, Calabar, Enugu, Lagos and Port Harcourt.
Bellview links Abuja with Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Owerri.
Chanchangi Airlines is Nigeria’s largest domestic airline and flies between Lagos and Abuja, Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Owerri.
Virgin Nigeria, a venture between Virgin Atlantic and private investors, flies from Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos to Abuja, Kano, Owerri, Sokoto and Calabar.
The rail system has been neglected greatly in the past. There is a connection between Lagos and Kano and Port Harcourt and Maiduguri with some stopovers. It is an inexpensive, but unreliable, way of getting around.
Several bus companies offer services around Nigeria. ABC Transport, for example, operates services in eastern, western and northern Nigeria. There are also shared taxis (for up to six people). Hiring a car with a driver is also an option for travelers.
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- Many travelers book flights to Nigeria for a stay on one of the country's beautiful beaches. There are several along the Gulf of Guinea including Coconut Beach, west of Lagos; Bar Beach (or Victoria Beach) is very popular with Nigerians; Tarkwa Bay, a sheltered beach accessible by boat – rent a banana boat at Tarzan Jetty on Victoria Island; and Lekki Beach on the Lekki Peninsula.
- The gateway to Abuja, the capital city, is Zuma Rock. It is 984 feet high and two-thirds of a mile long.
- Yankari National Park in the north east is said to have Nigeria’s only remaining wildlife. On about 870 square miles, it has more than 50 species of mammal including elephant, baboon, antelope, hartebeest, lion and buffalo and more than 350 types of bird including stork, vulture and egret. It also boasts natural warm water springs.
- The Cross River National Park is made up of two forest reserves (Bashi-Okwango and Oban Forest) and has the last remaining rain forest in Nigeria. At home in the park are forest elephants, the indigenous white-faced monkey, lowland gorillas, leopards and buffalo.
- The dye pits in Kano are said to be Africa’s oldest. They are still in use and still owned by local crafts guilds. The third-largest city in Nigeria is also the center of Islam. The beautiful central mosque – one of Nigeria’s largest – dates from the 1950s, replacing one built in the 1400s. See also the Emir’s Palace, which was built in the 15th century.
- The Durbar is a military parade, held after Id-el Fitri (the end of Ramadan) and Ide-el Kabir (commemorates Prophet Ibrahim sacrificing a ram in place of his son) - October in 2008. The most spectacular durbar is in Katsina. It starts with prayers, and then horsemen ride to the square in front of the Emir’s palace, where each village group, district, and noble house gather to pay homage to him.
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Lagos (LOS) (Murtala Muhammed) is 13 miles north of Lagos.
Kano (KAN) is 5 miles north of Kano.
Abuja (ABV) is 22 miles from the city.
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Note that visa conditions are subject to change. Citizens of virtually all countries require a visa to enter Nigeria (the few exceptions are mainly neighboring African states). Visas must be obtained in advance through the Nigerian consulate in your home country. All visitors also require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the visit, and a return ticket or documents for onward travel. Those entering for business reasons must also have a letter of invitation, verification from Nigerian representatives abroad stating purpose of entry, and sufficient funds.
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United States citizens must have a valid passport (must be valid for at least six months after period of intended stay). A visa is required.
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