How to Plan a One-Week Trip Around Nigeria (2025 Guide)

If you’ve ever said, “I’ll explore Nigeria one day,” this is your sign. 2025 is that day. Planning to take a one-week trip around Nigeria might sound ambitious (because, well, it’s a big country), but it’s absolutely doable with the right plan. 

From the calm beaches of Lagos to the breathtaking hills of Jos and the cultural heartbeat of Enugu, you can actually experience a little bit of everything in just seven days if you plan smart.

Nigeria is massive and full of surprises. Each region feels like a mini-country of its own, with distinct food, languages, festivals, and landscapes. If you’ve been looking for a week-long trip to Nigeria, this guide is a great starting point.

How to Plan a One-Week Trip Around Nigeria in 2025

Day 1–2: Start in Lagos – The City That Never Sleeps

Every trip deserves a grand beginning, and Lagos delivers precisely that. It’s loud, colourful, chaotic, and completely unforgettable. Start your journey with a walk down Freedom Park in Lagos Island, then explore the Lekki Conservation Centre. The canopy walk is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s a must.

For beach lovers, head to Tarkwa Bay or Oniru Beach to unwind before diving into Lagos nightlife. Visit the Nike Art Gallery to catch a glimpse of Nigerian creativity, and grab dinner at Sky Restaurant in Eko Hotel or Yellow Chilli for some traditional jollof rice. 

Lagos might test your patience, but it’ll also steal your heart before you know it.

Day 3: Abeokuta – History, Culture, and the Famous Olumo Rock

Next stop, Ogun State, a short 1.5-hour drive from Lagos. Abeokuta feels like a deep breath after Lagos’s chaos. The city is rich with history and wrapped in ancient charm. The highlight? Olumo Rock, of course. 

Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city, and make sure to listen to your guide’s stories about how locals once hid inside the rock during wars.

Before leaving, visit the Adire Market for hand-dyed fabrics, perfect souvenirs that carry Ogun’s cultural soul. End your day with local delicacies like ofada rice and ayamase, trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Day 4: Ibadan – Calm, Old, and Beautifully Nigerian

Ibadan doesn’t shout; it hums. The brown-roofed city offers a slower pace and a nostalgic vibe. Stop at the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden, explore the Mapo Hall, and if you love panoramic views, climb to Bower’s Tower. You’ll see Ibadan spread beneath you like a storybook.

In the evening, try a plate of amala with gbegiri and ewedu soup (Ibadan’s pride), and if you’re staying overnight, the city’s hotels are way more affordable than Lagos’s.

Day 5: Osogbo – Culture Meets Spirituality

By day five, you’re deep into the cultural heart of the country. Osogbo, in Osun State, is renowned for the Osun Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient shrines, sculptures, and the mystical Osun River.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Osun-Osogbo Festival, you’ll experience one of the most colourful celebrations in West Africa. Don’t leave without stopping by the Osogbo Arts Village, where artists breathe life into fabric, wood, and metal. 

Try your hand at dyeing an Adire cloth, a beautiful way to commemorate your journey.

Day 6: Enugu – The Coal City’s Hidden Charms

Fly or drive eastwards to Enugu, one of the most tourist-friendly cities in Eastern Nigeria. The vibe here is different, relaxed, clean, and full of scenic spots. Visit the Ngwo Pine Forest and the Ngwo Cave and Waterfall; they resemble something straight out of a movie.

In the evening, enjoy suya or nkwobi at one of the city’s cosy restaurants. Enugu nightlife is vibrant yet peaceful; it’s that perfect balance of fun and rest before the journey ends.

Day 7: Abuja – The Grand Finish

You can’t end your one-week Nigerian adventure without a taste of the capital. Abuja’s beauty lies in its calmness and order, wide roads, greenery, and plenty of chill spots.

Start your day at Aso Rock and take in the scenery from Millennium Park. Then, grab lunch at Nkoyo or Dunes Restaurant for a fine dining experience. If you’re into a bit of shopping, Jabi Lake Mall offers both local and international brands, plus a lovely lakeside view.

As the sun sets, find a quiet spot and reflect on the week: the sights, the people, the food, and the small moments that made it all worthwhile.

Final Tips for Planning Your One-Week Trip Around Nigeria

• Book early — domestic flights between regions (like Lagos–Enugu or Enugu–Abuja) sell out quickly.

• Use local guides — they’ll help you discover hidden gems tourists often miss.

• Pack for variety — Nigeria’s weather can switch from blazing heat to rain in a day.

• Stay flexible — part of the magic is the unexpected.

Nigeria isn’t a country you just “see”; it’s one you feel. From the laughter on the streets of Lagos to the quiet peace of Enugu’s hills, every city leaves a mark. A week might not be enough to see it all, but it’s definitely enough to fall in love with this country’s diversity, rhythm, and endless charm.

So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to write your own Nigerian story, one unforgettable stop at a time.

ALSO READ: 

• Top Road Trips in Nigeria: The Best Scenic Routes to Travel
• How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Trip to Calabar (2025 Guide)
• How to Plan Off-Peak Adventure Trips in Nigeria

 

FAQs: How to Plan a One-Week Trip Around Nigeria

Q: Is it safe to travel around Nigeria in one week?

Yes, if you plan carefully and stick to major routes and cities. Use registered transport services and local guides when exploring rural areas.

Q: How much should I budget for a one-week trip around Nigeria?

It depends on your comfort level, but ₦300,000–₦600,000 (or about $250–$500) can cover mid-range travel, accommodation, and meals if you plan smart.

Q: What’s the best time to visit Nigeria in 2025?

Between November and March, when the weather is dry, roads are better, and festivals are in full swing.