Nigeria flights and travel guide

Located on the Western coast of Africa, Nigeria is a fascinating, unusual destination. It is also one that has been embroiled in years of civil war and sectarian conflict between the 250 Nigerian tribes. As a result, only the hardiest of tourists arrive on flights to Nigeria to explore the country. This is a great shame, for Nigeria is an extremely diverse destination with some amazing attractions. In the southeast are the Obudu Hills, which give way to beaches along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. In the middle and southwest of the country are rainforest, the Lagos estuary and savannah. The Sahel melts into the Sahara in the north.

Lagos is the largest city and arrival point for most flights to Nigeria, but no longer the capital. Most visitors spend some time here, acclimatizing to the surroundings.

If you are planning on booking a flight to Nigeria, be aware that the current travel advice from the government is to avoid all but non-essential travel to Nigeria.

Search and compare: cheap flights to Nigeria

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Nigeria climate

Nigeria really only has two seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The wet season lasts from April to October. From November to March the temperatures are high and the sunshine never ceases.

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When to fly to Nigeria

Peak season:

Nigeria is a year-round destination, but travel out of the summer months is preferable, unless you’re immune to extreme heat. October to May can be the most pleasant time for the cooler weather.

Off season:

The spring and summer months are hottest. In the south, the wet season is from March to August.

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Getting around Nigeria

If you’re travelling long distances in Nigeria, flying is the easiest way to get around. There are many airlines with domestic flights, including Arik, Bellview, Chanchangi Airlines (the largest domestic carrier) and Virgin Nigeria.

The rail system is not very reliable, but is a cheap way of getting around.  There is a connection between Lagos and Kano and Port Harcourt and Maiduguri with some stopovers.

Several bus companies offer services around Nigeria. For travel away from the main, safe, cities, it is advisable to hire a car with a driver.

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Nigeria insider information

• One of the main reasons travellers arrive from flights to Nigeria is to spend some time on one of the beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular are Coconut Beach, which is west of Lagos; Tarkwa Bay; Lekki Beach; and Bar Beach, which is most popular with Nigerians.
• The last remaining rain forest in Nigeria can be found at the Cross River National Park. Inside the rainforest are forest elephants, the indigenous white-faced monkey, lowland gorillas, leopards and buffalo.
• The town of Kano is the third largest city in Nigeria. It has a number of attractions that tourists might like to visit, including dye pits, still in use, the 15^th Century Emir’s Palace and the central mosque.

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Nigeria airports

There are three major airports in the country, though most flights to Nigeria arrive in Lagos.

Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) is situated in the suburb of Ikeja, 22km northwest of Lagos.

Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN) is 3km north of Kano.

Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) is 35km from the city.

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Passport/Visa

Visitors need a passport and visa, which must be obtained in advance from the Nigerian Embassy, to enter the country.

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