NIGERIA & CAMEROON
January 20 - February 05, 2023
Led by professional tour leader, Nancy Weber    

Nigeria is a huge country that boasts an array of ethnic groups and rich natural attractions such as rain forests, savannahs, and waterfalls. This tour will take you from Lagos - one of the liveliest and most populous cities on earth - to the bronze market of Benin and then onto peaceful Enugu, Nigeria’s major movie location dubbed as “Nollywood”. You will stop at the tranquil Obudu Plateau & Mountain Resort (also a cattle ranch), one of Africa’s finest and most spectacular tourist destinations, located about 45 miles from the Cameroon border. The stunning landscape of the Cross River National Park consists mostly of primary tropical rainforests where it may be possible to spot chimpanzees, mandrills, monkeys, and elephants.

Cameroon, sometimes described as “Africa in one country” in reference to its variety of habitats and people, is a land that will steal your heart away. This virtually unexplored country is home to an astonishing 250 ethnic groups and a matching diversity of landscapes - from the jungles of the south to the Sahel of the north. The southern rainforest is home to Ba’aka and Badgeli pygmy communities, co-existing in harmony with their environment. In between lie ancient kingdoms, cattle herding nomads, stunning golden, palm-fringed beaches, glassy rivers, and volcanic mountain ridges. Forest canopies throb with the call of the rarest of species and flamboyantly colorful tiny markets and streets bustle with excitement. Photogenic waterfalls thunder down in the ‘white smoke’ of spray to pristine rivers and lakes. Vestiges of faded French colonial glory rub up against craftsmen’s alleys where the wisdom and skill of countless generations are revealed to you by the friendliest of locals. You will see nature at its wildest and rarest - from canoes, on roads, and during walks that will take you to places where few outsiders have had the privilege to explore.

Can be combined with the Nigeria Highlights tour (January 13 - January 21, 2023) OR Benin, Ghana & Togo tour (January 08 - January 22, 2023) AND Niger (February 07 - February 15, 2023)

Trip Grade:
II Active: Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable, but busy schedule and some long car rides in a hot, dusty environment.

LODGING Level:
**-*** Moderate to Superior: Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service, and comfort level acceptable to western standards (3 or 4 stars). All with A/C and private bathrooms. A couple of nights in small towns are in acceptable simple properties with private facilities. Some such lodges and motel-style are in need of repairs, added cleaning, and improvements but they are suitable for one-night stays even if they lack western style amenities. (2 or 3 stars)

Important Special Trip Notes:
Please understand that by joining this trip, participants are committing to being flexible when managing any changes or alterations that may be imposed to tour sequence, itinerary, accommodations or facilities. Many factors play a role, including political situations, security, sudden shortages or unexpected events involving hotels. Travelers should bear in mind that things are not the same as they might enjoy at home. Food, for instance, may be rather bland and offer limited options. Roads, and other infrastructure, may not be as smoothly maintained but they are kept to local standards. Typical Nigerian food usually consists of a starch, such as pounded yam, with a sauce and vegetables, meat is usually beef or goat. Please advise us when booking of any special requirements and we will do our best to accommodate wherever possible – but it may not be guaranteed. 

Personal fitness to climb stairs, walk hills or manage about two hours of walking each day (with rests and breaks) is the tour’s only physical requirement. Traveling can be tiring in a hot and dusty climate and road traffic can be frustrating. Nigeria can be a challenging destination but so worth it for the amazing sites and unique cultural experiences. More popular, metropolitan African sites are not comparable, that is part of the adventure. There are limited choices and we always strive to deliver the best of available options. 

Your guides will be on-hand to manage whatever situations arise and we advise travelers to be patient and not get involved. Shortages and conflicts in a country with limited tourism, or the attitudes of local people cannot be fully anticipated. There may be roadblocks or delays – real or imaginary – that are intended to distract you or solicit a bribe. Water and electricity may be in limited supply and guides will be your best resource for any requests.