15 days in Nigeria & Cotonou Itinerary

Protected from the Atlantic by sand spits and barrier islands, Lagos quickly grew into a mega city due to its location, and currently operates one of the continent's largest and busiest ports.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Lagos: Hi-Impact Planet Amusement Park and Resort (in Ibafo) and Olumo Rock (in Abeokuta). The adventure continues: look for all kinds of wild species at Lekki Conservation Centre, kick back and relax at Elegushi Beach, examine the collection at The National Museum, and contemplate the long history of Freedom Park Lagos.

To find reviews, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, use the Lagos tour app.

New York City, USA to Lagos is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. You'll lose 6 hours traveling from New York City to Lagos due to the time zone difference. Expect a daytime high around 83°F in August, and nighttime lows around 74°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Cotonou.

Benin's largest city and its seat of government, bustling Cotonou also has one of the largest ports in West Africa.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Cotonou: Ouidah (La Porte Du Non Retour, Ouidah Museum of History, &more), Porto-Novo (Ethnographique Museum of Porto Novo, Cathedrale Notre Dame de l'Immaculee Conception, &more) and Lac Nokoue (in Ganvie). There's much more to do: take a leisurely stroll along Bab's Dock, kick back and relax at Fidjrosse Beach, get a taste of the local shopping with Artisanal Center, and hunt for treasures at Marche Dantokpa.

To find other places to visit, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Cotonou sightseeing planner.

Getting from Lagos to Cotonou by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In September, daily temperatures in Cotonou can reach 84°F, while at night they dip to 76°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Wed) early enough to travel to Abuja.

The capital city of Nigeria, Abuja dates back to the 1980s, and in 2010 it represented the world's fastest-growing city.

Abuja is known for shopping, spas, and nature. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: stay fit while traveling at Abuja National Mosque, don't miss a visit to Jabi Boat Club, pause for some serene contemplation at All Saints Anglican Church, and buy something for everyone on your list at Dunes.

For reviews, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, use the Abuja day trip site.

Getting from Cotonou to Abuja by combination of car and flight takes about 5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and shuttle. In September, plan for daily highs up to 82°F, and evening lows to 73°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Sun) to allow time to fly to Ibadan.

In Ibadan urban meets traditional--Islamic and local traditional religious festivals color the city in contrast to its commercial centers, company offices, and skyscrapers.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Mon): take in nature's colorful creations at Agodi Gardens and then learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at UI Zoo.

To find photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Ibadan trip planner.

You can fly from Abuja to Ibadan in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a shuttle. September in Ibadan sees daily highs of 81°F and lows of 75°F at night. On the 14th (Tue), you're off to home.