Thinking about spending some time outside the Island? How about a 5 days stay in Badagry? Well, I may just have the perfect plan for you.
Badagry is a border town between Lagos and Benin Republic and is famed for its salve trade era, music, relics and history. Flung far away from mainland Lagos whose beehive of activities are the mainstay of the city, Badagry, in contrast, is idyllic and quiet, the most action it sees is that of immigration and customs agents patrolling its highway, on the lookout for smugglers bringing in contraband products from the port in Benin republic. The quiet town, traditionally governed by the Akran of Badagry, is a must-see for everyone looking to take a peek into the sordid past of the slave trade in Nigeria. If leisure and history is your thing, Badagry has a good mix of both to fill your 5 days stay full of activities that will not only be memorable but leave your camera roll with a lot of pictures for a proper show and tell.
There are several tour guides in Badagry who are descendants of former slaves returned to Nigeria or former slave owners who are available to take you on a tour of the relics of slavery in Badagry Town. A visit to the Seriki Abass Slave Museum or the Mobee Royal Family Slave Relics Museum will provide you with one of such tour guides. A recommended place to stay in Badagry is the Whispering Palms Resort which is a stretch of land by the beach dotted with palm trees, cabanas, out-door restaurants and an array of boats docked and waiting for you to take a pleasure ride on the waters of the Atlantic. The rooms of the Whispering Palms Resort are tastefully furnished and designed, with interior décor that is as relaxing as it is as pleasing to the eye. We recommend you get a room with a view like the Palm View Deluxe to add further colour to your stay in Badagry. Badagry is also great for long walks and hikes, in the evenings it is cool and breezy. The inhabitants of the towns who carry out numerous economic activities from fishing to trading, also engage in arts and crafts. On a walk through town, you are certain to come across intriguing hand-crafted pieces such as purses made of coconut shells, and necklaces fashioned out of cowries.
Day 1
Arrival and check-in into your hotel room. Unpack and charge your devices, survey your surroundings and get comfortable. Depending on the time you check-in you may want to order breakfast, lunch or dinner. A stroll along the beach in the evening would be great or you might just plant your feet in the sand with a book to keep you company. My recommended read is Oyinkan Braithwaite’s My Sister, The Serial Killer or for non-fiction, The Art of Not Giving a Fuck!
Day 2
A visit to the first story building in Nigeria. The Seriki Abbas Slave Museum, The Badagry Heritage Museum, The Point of No Return and the Well of Attenuation.
Day 3
A visit to the market and the border with Benin Republic.
Day 4
A day on the beach, boat riding and catching sunsets in the evening. It is more fun if you brought a loved-one along, and if not, there are friends to be made there.
Day 5
Stay in, pack and return home.
Written by Mekwunye, Jessica Adaora (Travel Advisor & Fashion Designer) You can contact us (De Critic) free of charge to advise you on activities and places or link you up to places for best deals and et cetera.
9 Responses
This is nice. Thanks for sharing.
This is lovely. I and my company staff will plan a 5day trip to Badagry.
We are glad to hear this. Your staff must be happy.
I love the idea of 5 days in badagry.
Thank you, Dozie.
And here I was thinking only Island has the best places. Thanks for this.
Oh not at all.
Wooowwww, I am definitely taking your tips. Thanks, Jessica. Thanks, De Critic.
Thank you, Rukewan.