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NederlandsNigeria – Osun Festival Tour
Nigeria – Osun Festival Tour
Ready for something completely different? Join us on an unforgettable journey through Nigeria, the most vibrant country in Africa! From the chaos of Lagos (where you’ll really need to find your way) to the magical, ancient hills of Idanre, and from the deep-rooted history of Ife to the colorful Osun Festival in Oshogbo. This is not your typical tourist trip. It’s a cultural experience with a big dose of adventure and surprises.
NOTE: There’s a first for everything, and this tour is our Explorer’s Tour. It’s a new group tour, which means you get to be first with us to explore Nigeria. However, it also means adventure, as with a first tour not everything might go as planned. Please keep this in mind when booking. The tour will be guided by Rik Brinks, founder of CultureRoad.
General info
| Start date | 9 August 2025 |
| End date | 15 August 2025 |
| Days | 7 days / 6 nights |
| Price | € 2195 |
| Including | Accommodation Transportation on the ground Western & local guide Visa support Breakfast Entry fees |
| Excluding | International flights Insurance Single room: €300 Visa Lunch & Dinner Tips for the guide Personal expenses |
Itinerary
Day 1 – Saturday 9 August – Lagos
- Arrive in Lagos, the biggest city in Africa and the center of Nigeria’s economy.
- Pick-up and transfer to the hotel.
- Overnight stay in Lagos.
Day 2 – Sunday 10 August – Lagos – Idanre
- We’ll leave Lagos in the morning and drive to Idanre, a historic town in Ondo State with a large Yoruba population.
- Highlight: We’ll explore the Idanre Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful rock formations and history. Climb the ancient steps to see old shrines, palaces, and mysterious writings on the rocks. This sacred place has been home to the Idanre people for centuries.
- Overnight stay in Idanre.
Day 3 – Monday 11 August – Idanre – Ife – Oshogbo
- Early departure to Ife, a historic city with deep roots in Yoruba culture and beliefs. In Yoruba mythology, Ife is seen as the birthplace of civilization, where the gods are said to have created the first humans. Today, it remains a cultural and spiritual landmark, known for its ancient artifacts and rich heritage.
- Highlight: Visit to multiple sites which offers a deep look into Yoruba royal traditions, artistic heritage, and centuries-old myths:
- Visit the Ooni’s Palace, home of the Ooni of Ife, the traditional leader of the Yoruba people.
- Explore the Ife Museum, which has ancient bronze and terracotta artworks that show the city’s rich history.
- See the Oranmiyan Staff, a tall stone monument that marks the resting place of Oranmiyan, a famous Yoruba king and warrior.
- We will hit the road and continue to Oshogbo, a city famous for its rich culture as it hosts the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival (often referred to as the Osun Festival).
- Overnight stay at Oshogbo.
Day 4 – Tuesday 12 August – Oshogbo
- Highlight: Today, we’ll experience the Osun Festival, one of Nigeria’s biggest festivals. It honors Osun, the river goddess of fertility. The festival helps people renew their connection to the divine. Osun blesses the community, and they promise to protect her Sacred Grove. This festival comes from the Yoruba religion, which started in West Africa and has over 100 million followers today.
- After the festival we’ll take a short city tour of Oshogbo.
- We’ll check out Susanne Wenger’s House. Wenger was an Austrian-born artist and priestess of the Yoruba religion who dedicated her life to preserving Nigerian culture and traditions. Her house stands as a striking example of Brazilian-style architecture that played a central role in Nigeria’s architectural heritage, featuring over 400 artworks within its walls.
- Visit the Osogbo Central Mosque to see the city’s Islamic heritage.
- Explore the Fetish Market, where you can see ingredients for amulets and potions, such as live chameleons and medicinal plants.
- Overnight stay at Oshogbo.
Day 5 – Wednesday 13 August – Oshogbo – Abeokuta
- We’ll leave Oshogbo and drive to Abeokuta.
- Highlight: Visit Olumo Rock, a famous site that once served as a fortress for the Egba people during wars. You can climb the rock for great views, explore its caves, and learn about its cultural meaning.
- We will also visit the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library to learn about the life of Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria.
- We will finish the day with a visit to the local market and enjoy a traditional Nigerian meal (possible cooked by us!).
- Overnight stay at Abeokuta.
Day 6 – Thursday 14 August – Abeokuta – Lagos
- We will leave Abeokuta in the morning to return to Lagos.
- Highlight: Explore Makoko Floating Village, a unique community in Lagos built on wooden stilts above the Lagos Lagoon. Often called the “Venice of Africa,” it is home to thousands of people, mainly fishermen and traders, who depend on the water for their daily lives.
- Discover the Nike Art Gallery and learn about Nigeria’s foremost artist, Nike Okundaye.
- Visit Lekki Conservation Centre, home to Africa’s longest canopy walkway, and explore the rich wildlife, including monkeys, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.
- We’ll finish the day with a visit to the Kalakuta Republic Museum. Fela Kuti’s old home, which was also his base for activism, has been turned into a museum where everything remains just as he left it.
- In the evening we’ll head to the New Afrika Shrine, this music club is situated on the original site of where afrobeat star Fela Kuti played for years, before the military destroyed the place.
- Overnight stay in Lagos.
Day 7 – Friday 15 August – Lagos
- Drop-off at the airport.
- End of the tour.
Experience Nigeria: A Perfect Blend of Adventure & Culture
Nigeria is one of Africa’s most vibrant and diverse countries—perfect for travellers with a curious spirit and a taste for the extraordinary. CultureRoad Travel’s Nigeria group tours give you the chance to explore this culturally rich destination alongside a like-minded group of adventurous travellers, all led by a knowledgeable local guide. Whether you’re drawn to colourful festivals, ancient history, or off-the-beaten-path discoveries, a CultureRoad group tour to Nigeria offers a travel experience like no other!
Why choose a group tour to Nigeria with CultureRoad?
Nigeria is a land of contrasts. It is full of energetic cities, sacred heritage sites, unique landscapes, and deeply rooted traditions. From the world-famous Osun-Osogbo Festival to the stunning hilltops of Idanre, Nigeria offers something special at every turn. Despite its cultural wealth, it remains a destination not often visited by travellers—making it ideal for those who want to go beyond the usual travel routes.
CultureRoad Travel takes care of all the details: accommodation, transport, and local activities are arranged for you. That way, you can fully focus on enjoying every moment of your journey, without the stress of planning.
Nigeria group travel with CultureRoad Travel, the benefits
At CultureRoad, travel is about more than just seeing the sights—it’s about discovering the soul of a place. Our Nigeria group tours are small-scale and immersive, allowing you to get up close with local culture and communities. With your local Nigerian guide, you’ll be able to experience the country in an authentic, respectful, and memorable way.
All our group tours attract people who are curious about the world, love cultural experiences, and enjoy travelling with others who share the same adventurous mindset. In every CultureRoad group tour, you’ll find this sense of connection and shared curiosity.
Highlights of CultureRoad Travel’s Nigeria Group Tours
Osun-Osogbo Festival
This iconic festival is one of Nigeria’s most important cultural events. Held annually in Osogbo, it celebrates the river goddess Osun with colourful ceremonies, traditional music, and sacred rituals. You’ll get the unique opportunity to witness the festival up close and learn about Yoruba culture and religion directly from those who live it.
Ancient cities and local heritage
Travel to historic towns like Ile-Ife and Osogbo, known for their royal palaces, traditional crafts, and deep historical significance. Explore ancient myths, royal customs, and cultural landmarks that have shaped Nigerian identity for centuries.
Idanre Hills
Climb the ancient stone steps of the Idanre Hills for stunning views and a glimpse into a once-thriving hilltop settlement. This natural wonder offers a blend of scenic beauty and cultural history.
Local life and traditions
Meet local communities and gain insight into the rich daily life of Nigeria’s ethnic groups. From artisans and priests to drummers and dancers, every day brings a new story to experience and remember.
Off-the-beaten-track experiences
Our Nigeria group tours are designed to go beyond the standard tourist stops. Whether it’s visiting sacred shrines, bustling markets, or remote villages, you’ll experience the real Nigeria—raw, vivid, and unforgettable.
Empowering Women Through Travel in Nigeria
At CultureRoad Travel, we believe in creating safe, respectful, and meaningful experiences for female travelers. Nigeria’s rich traditions and warm hospitality make it an unforgettable destination for women ready to explore the world on their terms. Inclusivity is a top priority at CultureRoad. Our group tours are thoughtfully designed to support local women-led initiatives, foster cultural exchange, and ensure every journey leaves a positive footprint.
Responsible group tours through Nigeria
Travelling gives us the opportunity to explore the world and learn about new cultures. At the same time, it brings with it a responsibility to treat the destinations we visit with respect and care. At CultureRoad Travel, responsible and sustainable travel is key. Destinations like Nigeria, countries still relatively untouched by mass tourism, are especially vulnerable. Our group tours to Nigeria are designed to not only offer unique travel experiences, but also have a positive impact on the local community and environment.
CultureRoad Travel is a Travelife Partner, so sustainability is a top priority. You will read more about it in our sustainability policy, but here is what we would like to tell you in advance:
- CultureRoad Travel plants 1 tree per traveller through TreesForAll, helping to combat the approximately 10 billion trees that disappear every year.
- CultureRoad Travel is a certified Travelife Partner. CultureRoad’s operations and travel offerings meet more than 100 Travelife criteria.
- We actively support sustainable tourism in local communities through ongoing collaboration. By promoting environmentally conscious practices, we help ensure the long-term preservation of these places, benefiting both locals and future travellers.
- We inform guests about the respectful treatment of the different ethnic groups in Nigeria. Our local guides play a significant role in this process and ensure that you can enjoy all cultural experiences in an appropriate, respectful way.
- Small-scale group tours have a lower carbon footprint and less impact on local communities. This way, we disrupt the daily lives of the locals as little as possible, while still giving you the chance to experience the country in a deeper way.
Booking an organised Nigeria group tour
CultureRoad Travel is all about bringing you to unexpected destinations—and Nigeria is one of our most exciting options for travellers looking to experience something truly memorable.
If you have any questions about booking a group tour with CultureRoad, please feel free to let us know. We would be very happy to help you plan your perfect Nigeria trip!