STAYCATION – NIGERIA

May 7, 2017September 21, 2018

A GUIDE TO KAYAKING in LAGOS

I am sure you may be a bit confused with my title but its true, Kayaking does happen in Lagos and yes on the Lagoon. I used to be on of those people that complained that “There is nothing to do in Lagos” but truth is there is and thanks to websites like NothingToDoInLagos, Lagosians have been able to unearth activities to jazz up our lives. I went Kayaking with a friend of mine and below is a video clip of our afternoon kayaking. Read on for Kayaking activity tips and how to book your session.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHYOLZPOeXE[/embedyt]

TIPS

Ensure to go along with a friend, the more people you have with you, the more fun you’ll probably have.
Bring drinks and snacks for hydration
I would suggest wearing sandals or flip flops (no need for fancy footwear)

OTHER INFO

FEE: N 6,000 Per Kayak For 4 Hours, 2,500 Per Hour for 2-3 Hours & N3,000 For 1 Hour (Fee accurate as at April 2016)
TIMING: Thursday & Friday 9:00AM – 6:00PM Saturday 9:00AM – 6:00PM Sunday 9:00AM – 6:00PM (Timing accurate as at April 2016)
DRESSING: Caps, Sunglasses, Sports apparel or any waterproof apparel (including ziplock bags for phones in case you want to take your camera along) is recommended

HOW TO BOOK

Contact NothingToDoInLagos via nothingtodoinlagos@gmail.com

Lagosians, What other activities are worth exploring in Lagos?

April 11, 2017February 3, 2019

A GUIDE TO VISITING LEKKI ARTS & CRAFT MARKET (TIPS & HACKS)

Lekki Arts & Craft (also known as Oba Elegushi International Market or Jakande Art Market) is what I would call a gem that does well to showcase the beauty that is within my country, Nigeria. It is a gem that gets overlooked because of its hidden location. Prepare to get another history lesson as you manure through this unique place. The market consists of well organised mini stores (over 60 stores if not more) that sell pieces from carvings to metal work to corals to painting to pearls and much more.

The market is located on Oba Elegushi Street, Off Lekki-Epe expressway (between 4th and 5th roundabout) which is about a 15-20min journey from Victoria Island. Below is a visual diary of my visit to the Lekki Arts and craft Market. I will also be sharing tips and contacts of stores that impressed me so read on:

A snapshot of a row of stores at the very well organised market

One of my favourite stores “Alara Collections” (Store D6 & D19) with unique home craft pieces. Contact: 0803 6578603

Custom furniture anyone?

Affordable gem stones anyone?

ART!

If you are interested in Ambar, Shebra Beads, Chevron Beads, PEARLS (real) and even leather bags, go to “Nura Bala” at Shop D9 (This gentleman is amazing and he will give you a great deal – show him this pic to seal the deal). Contact: 0802 618 2073

My travel companions and I

TIPS FOR SURVIVING AND WINNING BIG AT LEKKI ARTS & CRAFT MARKET

?*TIP 1* Don’t buy from the first shop you visit (Window Shop First). Stores are well labelled so easy to find in case you want to return.

?*TIP 2* Prepare to bargain heavily (I always try to start my bid at 25% of the sellers first price).

?*TIP 3* Don’t feel pressured to buy anything (especially if you have a few days in Lagos and you can visit again). Simply collect the vendors information for future visit.

?*TIP 4* Pretend to be a local and tell the vendor that Nigeria is home so they have to give you a non-touristy price.

?*TIP 5* Wear a hat and ensure you have water for hydration as it can very hot.

?*TIP 6* Avoid going at weekends if you can

Do you know of other hidden gems like this Lekki Market in Lagos? Share below

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April 6, 2017September 21, 2018

CHECKING IN: Nike Guest house, Osogbo

For many that venture into states other than Lagos and Abuja, we can be skeptical of the availability of good facilities such as hotels. I recently visited Osogbo, a town in Osun state and whilst I was there, I stayed at Nike Guest House. Nike Guest House is a product from Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Nigeria’s internationally known and renowned female designer and artist. Below are visuals from my stay. Read to the end to see my honest thoughts on my stay.

THE BUILDING

A view of Nike Guest House located on Nike Art Gallery Avenue

Dancers from Nike’s Art & Culture performing in front of the main building at the guest house

Sitting pretty in front of the house

A view of the 2nd building at Nike Guest House

THE INTERIOR

Communal living room in the centre of the main building (similar to moroccan riad style homes)

Another communal living room at the guest house

My room at the guest house. There were many other room options (none alike)

THE FOOD

Dinner couldn’t be faulted. It was a buffet with so many delicious options (The chef did well :))

Breakfast with my tour group was equally great (both continental and african options). We all were stuffed! (my plate is not a true reflection of the options available.

THE GARDEN

Part of the beautiful garden at the guesthouse

A stunning view of the garden from the main building during breakfast, wouldn’t you agree?

The resident tortoise in the garden.

What I loved: The food, the evening entertainment and the beautiful garden (not to mention the amazing staff that were very helpful).

What I didn’t like: Well the room I took didn’t have a solid partition between the room and the bathroom. I didn’t mind but I guess its non-conventional.

Would I go back: If I visit Osogbo again, I will certainly visit. I would also recommend it to family and friends

Hope you enjoyed the write-up on Nike Guest House.

March 30, 2017September 21, 2018

A GUIDE TO VISITING OSOGBO, OSUN STATE || STAYCATION

I went on a weekend trip to Osogbo. Osogbo is a city in Osun state located about 225km NE of Lagos state. Osogbo also turns out to be my birth town. I have never stepped in Osogbo since birth and as such this trip had more significance to me than others. I was stunned by how much heritage Osogbo had and wanted to share that with you all with the hope that one day, you will visit too.

DAY 1: DRIVE TO OSOGBO (WITH A SHORT BREAK AT IBADAN) – VISIT LOCAL BLACK SOAP/PALM OIL/CASSAVA PROCESSING FACTORY – VISIT AN OBA’S (A KINGS) PALACE

After receiving a black making soap process tour from this amazing woman, we bantered together in my local dialect “Yoruba”.

Watching the palm oil processing process

At the cassava-processing (a.k.a garri making) plant.

We had the pleasure to attend the 10th anniversary of the Oba of Ido Osun at his palace and his appointing of a Chieftaincy.

Post the chieftaincy ceremony

DAY 2: VISIT UNESCO HERITAGE SITE “OSUN GROOVES” – VISIT SUSANNE WENGER’S HOUSE – NIKE’S ART GALLERY

The visitor centre at the UNESCO Heritage site “Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove”

A meeting place at Osun Grove

Standing by one of the amazing sculptures by Susanne Wenger and other artists mentored by her. Stay tuned for my full write up on this beautiful heritage site (VLOG of my trip also coming up soon)

At the home of Susan Wenger, An austrian artist and a priestess.

Some of the art collection by Susanne Wenger and artists she mentored at her home.

Nike Art Gallery, Osogbo

A visit to Nike’s Art Gallery in Osogbo. Chief Nike is one of Nigerias internationally known and renowned female designers and artist.

More art at Nike’s Art Gallery

Fashion at Nike’s art gallery

WHERE I STAYED: NIKE’S GUEST HOUSE

See here for my full review of my stay at Nike’s guest house

What did I like: Unearthing gems in Osogbo. The tour of the UNESCO site by a very knowledgeable tour guide was enlightening. My stay at Nike’s guest house was also memorable. The guest house’s garden (home to a tortoise) was nothing short of stunning. The visit to the Oba’s house was memorable as we were serenading with musicians and dancers.

What didn’t I like: I wish the local processing plants (i.e. for soap, palm oil) were more formally organised in a co-op for the benefit of those these.

What would I change: Nothing, absolutely nothing

What did you think about my write-up? Hope you enjoyed it. And if you have suggestions of what you would like for me to write on, let me know x

March 7, 2017September 21, 2018

A GUIDE TO VISITING MAKOKO – A SLUM IN THE CENTRE OF LAGOS?

For many years whilst driving through the “Third Mainland Bridge” in Lagos, I notice a community built on water. I always asked myself why people lived there and years later I ask why they chose never to leave. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit this community whose name is “MAKOKO” and had my questions answered.

Makoko is a community with over 100,000 people (85% Christians and 15% muslim). This community is a fishing community with men responsible for catching fish whilst women are responsible for smoking and selling fish. The people are mainly from the Ijaw tribe (hence the reason I couldn’t understand the language spoken in Makoko) with some from the Yoruba and Igbo tribe. Makoko consists of 11 communities (6 of which are built on water). The community operates self sufficiently with limited interference from the government with chief being the judicial system. Below is a visual diary of my trip to Makoko (see also my SHORT video diary):

Approaching…

Commerce. Tomatoes anyone? Canoeing is the mode of transport.

Kids learn to swim from the age of 3

Mother and child

Certificate of chieftancy at the visit to the Chief’s house

A view from the primary school

The primary school in Makoko which educates 269 people a year

With the Chief’s youngest brother Noah Shamede who is also the Director of the school

Yours truly

How did I organise this trip: I am a member of the Nigerian Field Society, a national organisation made up of volunteers that organise trips across Nigeria. If you are interested in well organised trips, ensure to join the society.

How long was the trip: A 20-30min boat trip from Victoria Island to Makoko. Overall trip was 3 hours long.

What did I enjoy the most: The Q&A with Noah Shamede which gave interesting insights into the community. And seeing Makoko from inward instead from how I viewed it driving on the third mainland bridge.

Travel tips:

The heat can be intense so I suggest you take along drinks and snacks
Wear a hat to protect you from the heat
Wear comfortable shoes like trainers
Wear trousers (makes getting in and out of the boat easy)

Hope you enjoyed the write up on Makoko. Share your most memorable site to visit in Nigeria.

February 14, 2017September 21, 2018

CHECKING IN: MAISON FAHRENHEIT LAGOS NIGERIA

Every year there seems to be new hotels springing up in Lagos and today I will review a relatively new one “Maison Fahrenheit”. This hotel is located in Victoria Island and is considered a boutique hotel (with 26 uniquely decorated rooms and 4 suites). I stayed in one of the suites termed the “WOW” suite. Keep reading if you want to know if the “WOW suite” WOWED ME or was just a waste of money.

The room

The living room in the suite

Bathroom goals?

Balcony views

Breakfast room

Yummy breakfast

A view from the rooftop bar

Pool time

Pool view by night

The WOW suite: It was a decent size unlike the standard rooms which were considerable smaller. Decor was very modern.

THE BREAKFAST: There wasn’t extensive choice like in the bigger hotels but the choice available was GREAT and TASTY

THE FACILITIES: The pool was divine. I loved the decor. Unfortunately no gym (which is a big negative for me)

ROOFTOP: Home to a restaurant and bar which gave hotel guest a 20% discount on platters and drinks. Loved the rooftop

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: Call me picky but dirty floor towels on the balcony isn’t quality. Also everyone visiting the hotel has access to all floors. Even public guest to the rooftop could easily visit other floors in the hotel (safety issue, no?)

Overall I liked the hotel and would recommend it for those who were visiting Lagos. I paid a very good price for this room which I am sure was a website error so it was definitely worth it. If I had to pay the standard price, I may have been unimpressed 🙂 ….Value can be a function of expectation.

January 21, 2017February 3, 2019

CHECKING IN: LA CAMPAGNE TROPICANA BEACH RESORT (DAY TRIP REVIEW)

With the value of the Naira diminishing every day, it is the case that many Nigerians are re-thinking their annual Dubai and US holidays. The truth is that many Nigerians do not feel they have gone on holiday until they have checked-in their luggage at Murtala Muhammed airport and jumped on an international flight.

There are many gems in this country of ours as alternatives and it takes just a little research to unearth them. One of these gems for me was at the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort based in the Ibeju Lekki. I went to this resort for a day and below is my visual diary and review of my trip at the end. Here also is a video I made of my trip. Enjoy!

The cute corner in the reception room at the resort

The bus that drove my cousin (pictured) and I from the reception area to the beach and back (about a 10min walk so certainly walkable).

The gorgeous beach beds that can be rented for the day or night

Activities were vast at the resort (above was pool volleyball)

A snippet of the really long CLEAN pool with pool bars

An island in the pool

Beach vibes

“Yoru’bar” – One of the many bars at the resort (The name playing on the yoruba tribe name)

One of the accommodation areas. LabaLaba village hosts huts like the ones below which were gorgeous but if you are looking for luxury, I would say to upgrade to the other accomodations.

In front of “Laba 5” (one of the cheaper yet decent accommodation options)

Review of the resort:

Accommodation: I didn’t sleep overnight as I went on a day trip but I did request a tour of the “Laba” and “Obieze” rooms. They were certainly impressive and I was tempted to stay the night.

Activities: So many options from kayaking to basketball to volleyball to many other games.

Cleaniness: I was impressed by how clean the beach and common areas were. There were an abundant of staff on ground everywhere I turned which created the impression that there was always someone around to help.

Food: I had no experience of the food served as our group came prepared with our own bbq spread.

Security: I felt quite secure just because there were “serious” security guards on entrance into the resort.

What I didn’t like: Nothing much to say to be honest as I had not set my expectations high but I was blown away.

Would I go back: Yes! Yes! Yes!

Perfect for: Honeymoon, girls retreat, company retreats. I would also recommend people to stay overnight as I felt that was the best way to get the most of the resort.

Hope you enjoyed the write-up. Do let me know if you have any questions in the comments section below.

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April 18, 2016February 3, 2019

A GUIDE TO VISITING POP BEACH CLUB

On a beautiful Saturday weeks ago, myself alongside my fellow blogger Bidemi (www.bidsingraceland.com) and her friends took a jetty boat from the Lagos boat club in Ikoyi to venture on a 25min bumpy ride to Ilashe. Ilashe is located along badagry creek. This was my second time in Ilashe. The first time, I had come to celebrate a private birthday at a private beach house (which was a blast btw, anything that gets me away from the hustle and bustle of Lagos has my vote – Great company and positive vibes is all you need to have a great time in the crazy city). This time my experience was as great as the first but certainly had a different kinda vibe.

Arriving at the dock with “Akin” the owner of the beach club, we took a 5 minute walk to the club. I was met with a basketball court, a ping pong table, colorful art work and a cool hippy vibe. Pop beach club is an exclusive sports club in Ilashe. It has that unpretentious vibe that most clubs I have been to across the world seem to lack. This vibe seemed to just allow people to be who they are and have a good time. It also seemed to encourages individual mixing out of their groups (something I notice Nigerians don’t seem to do much of – “If I didn’t come out with you, why am I talking to you?”)

I spent the day unwinding, munching (at the goodies and snacks we brought from the mainland shore), swimming, reading me some paulo coehlo and having good conversation. At 6pm, we set off back to Ikoyi contented. If you looking from a cool chilled vibe away from home with a few friends, Pop beach club is the one. The owner was a great host, the grilled chicken and fries delicious and the vibe 100%

Pop beach club also has accommodation for night stays so a perfect staycation out of the bustle of Lagos.

I hope I didn’t bore you too much – If I did, I hope the images below compensate. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. And please if you have cool spots you believe I NEED to see, please share.

Much Love

#SassyFunke x

En-route by boat to Ilashe and spotting my future yachts?? possibly 🙂

Accommodation for night stay & Basketball court

I watched, didn’t want my hair to get wet lol

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