The 20 Best Things to Do and See in and Around Abuja”
Many who have worked or lived in Abuja have found the city difficult,
boring, and frustrating. Well, yes, it is all of that, but if you have
to live in Abuja, there are actually many things to see and do, if you
don’t mind facing some danger and frustrations. I like Abuja, but I like
Africa in general. If you decide never to leave the city, there are
also options: only bowling alley in West Africa, best golfing outside
South Africa, and pool bars at many hotels to sun yourself or drink
yourself silly.
The 20 Best in Places and Activities in and around Abuja (in my opinion):
1.) IBB Golf Course. I was a member, and recommend becoming a member to anyone living in Abuja (about US 2K to join then annual membership of about US 700 for unlimited golf). The course has 18 beautiful holes (long front 9 and challenging back 9). Great driving range, short game area, and great terrace with the best view in Abuja. The food is so-so, but the drinks are cheap and you could sit on the terrace for hours with friends (did many times). The Sunday brunch is nice. There are two tennis courts, golf pros, great caddies, and a really nice atmosphere.
2.) The Hilton pool, gym, and Fulani Bar (largest hotel in Africa). The Hilton is a nice place, not world class, but good for Nigeria. The pool is a great place for kids (kiddie pool, and water toys in big pool). You can do laps in the morning. The gym there is good, with cardio and weights. If you join (about US 700 a year for the family) the gym, you can use the pool, squash courts, tennis, and volleyball. The Fulani bar has passable food and has poolside service; great festive Sunday atmosphere.
3.) The Mediterranean Hotel (near ECOWAS). This is a nice place for the younger crowd and for fun. Abuja’s only swim-up bar with strong drinks. The restaurants are pleasant and the nightclub has one of Abuja’s better sound system and ambiance. The hotel does a great outdoor BBQ on weekends. Rooms are nice and safe. Close to Cherry’s II bakery for sweets and bread.
4.) The Hash House Harriers Run/Walk. Every other week on Saturday afternoon, meeting at the Hilton parking lot (check in the Hilton gym for announcement or ask an expat). The Hash House Harriers are often the best place to meet people in foreign places. The Hash, will not get into the history, is basically a run or for less athletic, brisk walk, to points throughout Abuja. It could be a run in the bush or a jaunt around a housing estate. Great bargain, about US7 for the run, and chop afterwards (all the beer and food you can drink and eat). Plus there is normally a sponsor who throws in a tee shirt and door prizes. Meet all kinds of locals and expats. They also do an annual run up Aso Rock—big rock in Abuja.
5.) The Dome (on airport road). The Dome is new to town with bowling alleys (only bowling in West Africa), pool tables, video games and several restaurants. Great for kids.
6.) Grand Square Supermarket (near main Mosque). This place came as a great relief to expats in Abuja. It is new—French owned—and has some of the best bread outside Paris. The ice cream is a favorite for all in Abuja, there is a nice restaurant with a great view upstairs. The prices are high—like all in Abuja—but the meats and cheese selection is the best in Abuja. Amigo’s supermarket also deserves praise for its service and selection.
7.) Chase Restaurant Terrace (near Sheraton). I watched riots from the terrace and entertained many guests at Chase. Chase is consistently a favorite place for both expats and Nigerians. Great food, great management (Joseph Dogo, manager is a real pro). Their Sunday brunch (Lebanese and Chinese) is the best in Abuja. Cherry’s bakery downstairs has the city’s best pastries.
8.) Yankari National Park. The Park is an easy 7 to 8-hour drive to the east of Abuja. I recommend leaving at around 8am, stop in Jos to see the National Museum, have lunch at the Ceder Tree restaurant (good Lebanese and African) then make it to the park in late afternoon. Take a plunge in the Eden-like Wikki Warm Springs and spend two days viewing animals and nature.
9.) The Durbar in Kano: Kano is an easy 5-hour drive north from Abuja. The Durbar is held twice yearly. It is just amazing and a must for anyone staying in Nigeria. The Emir of Kano’s (traditional Nigerian ruler) subjects pay homage to the Emir during this religious holiday. Literally thousands of horsemen in beautiful garb parade through Kano’s streets. Stay at the Prince Hotel and enjoy.
10.) Kano City itself. I love Kano for some strange reason. You can easily spend two to three days tooling around town. It is an old city with interesting things to do and nice restaurants. Tough dirty, it is manageable. Stop in Zaria City on the way and see the Sudanese mud architecture, city walls, and old mosque—it is enclosed in the new mosque. Check out Zaria’s colorful Emir’s palace.
11.) Suleja (35 kms away from Abuja on the Kaduna road). Suleja is home to Zuma Rock (the rock on the back of the 100 naira note (money)). It is worth a look, see the haunted, abandoned hotel next to the rock. In Suleja, there are pottery stores. Suleja is famous for its glazed pottery. About 90 minutes from Suleja is Gwara Falls, great day trip to falls, take picnic, though no swiming due to water borne diseases.
12.) Jos or Kaduna (both three hours drives from Abuja). These two cities are day trips or overnights from Abuja. Jos is stunning; sitting in Plateau State. There are several waterfalls on the road from Abuja to Jos. In Jos, see the museums. Stay and eat at the Cedar Tree. In Kaduna, well there are a few museums, nice public parks, and some good restaurants. Like Royal Garden hotel for a night or two. Unicorn Chinese in the Hamdala Hotel is excellent. The French Café and Biblos are very good restaurants.
13.) The People, Nigerians. Ok a plug for Nigerians who have made Abuja their home. Nigerians are often called the Americans of Africa; they are a feisty bunch, and I learned a lot from them. Abuja is an expensive and complicated place for Nigerians. Many have moved in to find some type of work with government or live off family members who have found jobs. Take a trip to a satellite town and see how many people exist. Conditions are tough, and volunteering to work at an orphanage or tutoring school kids can really get you in touch with Nigeria’s crushing poverty, yet resilient people.
14.) The British Village and British Council. The British village (must pay for membership) has a really nice restaurant and relaxed weekend atmosphere (when non-British can go there). Good food and drink. The British Council has a nice library and internet connection. It also has a great terrace restaurant.
15.) Tour the National Assembly. Well there are no formal tours; I don’t think Nigerian elite in general want school children seeing what they actually do in the Assembly. You can however contact a Senator of Assemblyperson; just ask someone who may know one. It is interesting to see this building and talk with these democratically elected officials. Actually, many are impressive and even with the problems, Nigeria’s democracy is taking root.
16.) Happy Hour and Steak at the Sheraton Hotel. The lobby bar has one of the few happy hours in Abuja; drink a few, then head to the hotel’s great steak restaurant, pricey, but most expats are making a lot of cash.
17.) Waikki’s Restaurant (near Sheraton). Ok, this is my favorite place for drinking and eating. Great Indian food and cold, cold beer. Honorable mention goes to great ambiance at the Thai restaurant and its terrace and the outdoor courtyard at Ali’s place at El Bacha, great place for a large group for Lebanese mesa.
18.) The Best, Best African Outdoor Place (near Kaduna). Ok, this is a bit tricky, but on the road from Abuja to Kano there is a great place that few expats stop at; they should. Once you leave Kaduna on the Zaria road, the rest stop is about 10kms north of Kaduna’s market, right before the first old tollgate outside Kaduna. Just ask in Kaduna or on the road. The place has an excellent African/Lebanese place with great roasted chicken and fresh squeezed OJ. There are about 15 meat salesmen (stalls) cooking anything from heart or liver to mutton. The Hausa people are known for their mutton so grab it here. Otherwise try the restaurant. Really one of the only places with clean bathrooms in northern Nigeria.
19.) Fabio’s Hair Salon. Everyone in the expat community in Abuja knows Fabio or ask the concierge at the Hilton or Sheraton. He is Italian, but spent most of his life in Nigeria. The Italians were big in construction and even had their own school in Jos. Fabio is expensive, but many swear by him and his staff. Get your nails done, hair set and just talk. Honorable mention goes to the Lebanese barbers who come to your house. Just ask a Lebanese, barbers in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano will come to your house or hotel. Also there are several masseuses in Abuja, ask expats.
20.) Bush Bars and Life Camps. There are many small bars in town or a short drive outside town that normally serve roasted meats, fish and cold beer; try the bar near the British High Commission. There is also Berger Life Camp, home to Berger Construction people (they do a monthly BBQ, have good German food on the weekend). They also do an amazing Christmas event a few weeks before X-mas. They turn their compound into Christmas village, complete with German food and beer, crafts, a cooler container where they serve warm, spiced wine. Berger also employs many Filipinos who cook up great food and make excellent crafts. Not to be missed. PW life camp has a Irish pub and pub grub.
Enjoy, and if you find something good, post it to this site.
The 20 Best in Places and Activities in and around Abuja (in my opinion):
1.) IBB Golf Course. I was a member, and recommend becoming a member to anyone living in Abuja (about US 2K to join then annual membership of about US 700 for unlimited golf). The course has 18 beautiful holes (long front 9 and challenging back 9). Great driving range, short game area, and great terrace with the best view in Abuja. The food is so-so, but the drinks are cheap and you could sit on the terrace for hours with friends (did many times). The Sunday brunch is nice. There are two tennis courts, golf pros, great caddies, and a really nice atmosphere.
2.) The Hilton pool, gym, and Fulani Bar (largest hotel in Africa). The Hilton is a nice place, not world class, but good for Nigeria. The pool is a great place for kids (kiddie pool, and water toys in big pool). You can do laps in the morning. The gym there is good, with cardio and weights. If you join (about US 700 a year for the family) the gym, you can use the pool, squash courts, tennis, and volleyball. The Fulani bar has passable food and has poolside service; great festive Sunday atmosphere.
3.) The Mediterranean Hotel (near ECOWAS). This is a nice place for the younger crowd and for fun. Abuja’s only swim-up bar with strong drinks. The restaurants are pleasant and the nightclub has one of Abuja’s better sound system and ambiance. The hotel does a great outdoor BBQ on weekends. Rooms are nice and safe. Close to Cherry’s II bakery for sweets and bread.
4.) The Hash House Harriers Run/Walk. Every other week on Saturday afternoon, meeting at the Hilton parking lot (check in the Hilton gym for announcement or ask an expat). The Hash House Harriers are often the best place to meet people in foreign places. The Hash, will not get into the history, is basically a run or for less athletic, brisk walk, to points throughout Abuja. It could be a run in the bush or a jaunt around a housing estate. Great bargain, about US7 for the run, and chop afterwards (all the beer and food you can drink and eat). Plus there is normally a sponsor who throws in a tee shirt and door prizes. Meet all kinds of locals and expats. They also do an annual run up Aso Rock—big rock in Abuja.
5.) The Dome (on airport road). The Dome is new to town with bowling alleys (only bowling in West Africa), pool tables, video games and several restaurants. Great for kids.
6.) Grand Square Supermarket (near main Mosque). This place came as a great relief to expats in Abuja. It is new—French owned—and has some of the best bread outside Paris. The ice cream is a favorite for all in Abuja, there is a nice restaurant with a great view upstairs. The prices are high—like all in Abuja—but the meats and cheese selection is the best in Abuja. Amigo’s supermarket also deserves praise for its service and selection.
7.) Chase Restaurant Terrace (near Sheraton). I watched riots from the terrace and entertained many guests at Chase. Chase is consistently a favorite place for both expats and Nigerians. Great food, great management (Joseph Dogo, manager is a real pro). Their Sunday brunch (Lebanese and Chinese) is the best in Abuja. Cherry’s bakery downstairs has the city’s best pastries.
8.) Yankari National Park. The Park is an easy 7 to 8-hour drive to the east of Abuja. I recommend leaving at around 8am, stop in Jos to see the National Museum, have lunch at the Ceder Tree restaurant (good Lebanese and African) then make it to the park in late afternoon. Take a plunge in the Eden-like Wikki Warm Springs and spend two days viewing animals and nature.
9.) The Durbar in Kano: Kano is an easy 5-hour drive north from Abuja. The Durbar is held twice yearly. It is just amazing and a must for anyone staying in Nigeria. The Emir of Kano’s (traditional Nigerian ruler) subjects pay homage to the Emir during this religious holiday. Literally thousands of horsemen in beautiful garb parade through Kano’s streets. Stay at the Prince Hotel and enjoy.
10.) Kano City itself. I love Kano for some strange reason. You can easily spend two to three days tooling around town. It is an old city with interesting things to do and nice restaurants. Tough dirty, it is manageable. Stop in Zaria City on the way and see the Sudanese mud architecture, city walls, and old mosque—it is enclosed in the new mosque. Check out Zaria’s colorful Emir’s palace.
11.) Suleja (35 kms away from Abuja on the Kaduna road). Suleja is home to Zuma Rock (the rock on the back of the 100 naira note (money)). It is worth a look, see the haunted, abandoned hotel next to the rock. In Suleja, there are pottery stores. Suleja is famous for its glazed pottery. About 90 minutes from Suleja is Gwara Falls, great day trip to falls, take picnic, though no swiming due to water borne diseases.
12.) Jos or Kaduna (both three hours drives from Abuja). These two cities are day trips or overnights from Abuja. Jos is stunning; sitting in Plateau State. There are several waterfalls on the road from Abuja to Jos. In Jos, see the museums. Stay and eat at the Cedar Tree. In Kaduna, well there are a few museums, nice public parks, and some good restaurants. Like Royal Garden hotel for a night or two. Unicorn Chinese in the Hamdala Hotel is excellent. The French Café and Biblos are very good restaurants.
13.) The People, Nigerians. Ok a plug for Nigerians who have made Abuja their home. Nigerians are often called the Americans of Africa; they are a feisty bunch, and I learned a lot from them. Abuja is an expensive and complicated place for Nigerians. Many have moved in to find some type of work with government or live off family members who have found jobs. Take a trip to a satellite town and see how many people exist. Conditions are tough, and volunteering to work at an orphanage or tutoring school kids can really get you in touch with Nigeria’s crushing poverty, yet resilient people.
14.) The British Village and British Council. The British village (must pay for membership) has a really nice restaurant and relaxed weekend atmosphere (when non-British can go there). Good food and drink. The British Council has a nice library and internet connection. It also has a great terrace restaurant.
15.) Tour the National Assembly. Well there are no formal tours; I don’t think Nigerian elite in general want school children seeing what they actually do in the Assembly. You can however contact a Senator of Assemblyperson; just ask someone who may know one. It is interesting to see this building and talk with these democratically elected officials. Actually, many are impressive and even with the problems, Nigeria’s democracy is taking root.
16.) Happy Hour and Steak at the Sheraton Hotel. The lobby bar has one of the few happy hours in Abuja; drink a few, then head to the hotel’s great steak restaurant, pricey, but most expats are making a lot of cash.
17.) Waikki’s Restaurant (near Sheraton). Ok, this is my favorite place for drinking and eating. Great Indian food and cold, cold beer. Honorable mention goes to great ambiance at the Thai restaurant and its terrace and the outdoor courtyard at Ali’s place at El Bacha, great place for a large group for Lebanese mesa.
18.) The Best, Best African Outdoor Place (near Kaduna). Ok, this is a bit tricky, but on the road from Abuja to Kano there is a great place that few expats stop at; they should. Once you leave Kaduna on the Zaria road, the rest stop is about 10kms north of Kaduna’s market, right before the first old tollgate outside Kaduna. Just ask in Kaduna or on the road. The place has an excellent African/Lebanese place with great roasted chicken and fresh squeezed OJ. There are about 15 meat salesmen (stalls) cooking anything from heart or liver to mutton. The Hausa people are known for their mutton so grab it here. Otherwise try the restaurant. Really one of the only places with clean bathrooms in northern Nigeria.
19.) Fabio’s Hair Salon. Everyone in the expat community in Abuja knows Fabio or ask the concierge at the Hilton or Sheraton. He is Italian, but spent most of his life in Nigeria. The Italians were big in construction and even had their own school in Jos. Fabio is expensive, but many swear by him and his staff. Get your nails done, hair set and just talk. Honorable mention goes to the Lebanese barbers who come to your house. Just ask a Lebanese, barbers in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano will come to your house or hotel. Also there are several masseuses in Abuja, ask expats.
20.) Bush Bars and Life Camps. There are many small bars in town or a short drive outside town that normally serve roasted meats, fish and cold beer; try the bar near the British High Commission. There is also Berger Life Camp, home to Berger Construction people (they do a monthly BBQ, have good German food on the weekend). They also do an amazing Christmas event a few weeks before X-mas. They turn their compound into Christmas village, complete with German food and beer, crafts, a cooler container where they serve warm, spiced wine. Berger also employs many Filipinos who cook up great food and make excellent crafts. Not to be missed. PW life camp has a Irish pub and pub grub.
Enjoy, and if you find something good, post it to this site.
Helpful?
146
Thank vlady
Report
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Sligo, Ireland
1 review 
61 helpful votes
“A visit to Abuja.”
Your journey to Nigeria must begin with more than the usual preparation.
The timing of your trip (best during the dry season months of November
to February), your City of arrival and thoughts about your transit from
airport to your destination in the city, expectedly preoccupy you till
you safely arrive at your destination.
You see, it 's widely known by Nigerians that the best 'travel guide' to Nigeria, is to seek the counsel of a Nigerian. If you're a first-time traveller to Nigeria, do not underestimate the value of this advise.
Most nigerians will inform you rather casually and with great humor about the best ways of keeping safe and enjoying your stay there.
A couple of quick tips to get you started;
If you must visit Nigeria from Abroad, I advise traveling through Abuja. Almost decrepit as the International airport may seem to the Well travelled visitor, it is much safer and the wear-and-tear on you as you navigate yourself through Immigration is less. You can actually expect to take a Taxi into Abuja city from the airport (which is a good 20 miles from the city, and cost- abt $16), uneventfully.
Do change the equivalent of $100-200 into the local currency-the Naira, while in the airport lounge!
Abuja needs to be unfolded slowly, this town is quite friendly, but as usual, it is always advisable that ALL foreigners in Nigeria keep to the usual tourist trail. You cannot afford to be as adventurous as you would be in , say , any European city, except in the company of a Nigerian who knows his way around. If for any reason, you find yourself in an uncomfortable location, look for a taxi or take the ubiquitous commercial bike and get to the nearest central location.
The hotels mentioned on this site represent the very best hotels in Abuja and Nigeria. I feel it's unfair to to recomend only 5 star hotels for the visitor to Abuja. Though prices are usually safe guide to location and consequently safety, there are some very good budget hotels in Abuja. I have stuck to one of them Opposite the National War college-Afri Hotel (very clean, large rooms at a good value-approximately $50-70 for a double airconditioned room).
I stay here because it's opposite a military installation (no god-fearing Nigerian criminal plys his trade near a military facility), and in an 'administrative ' section of the town. There are so many others better than the Afri, with comparable prices, sprinkled around the Central area of the City.
If you do not have a designated hotel before you arrive Abuja, by all means, let your first port of call be the 5 Star hotels mentioned on this Website. It is dangerous to drag a travel case about any town in Nigeria, especially if you are caucasian, or do not 'look Nigerian' even Abuja is not exempt form this caveat. The Locals would never do this, so you should not.
Eating out in Nigeria is essentially a touch-and-go affair. Again, do not be too adventuresome, for continental European Cuisines, Visit the restaurants in the Larger hotels, or very infrequently, a Chinese restaurant if so inclined. Foods are generally spicy, and will take some getting used to. Fast food and pastry shops are generally easily accesible and safe; they include Mr. Biggs, Tantalizers, Tasty Fried Chicken chains.
Bacterial gastroenteritis which can cause severe life threatening diarrhoea and vomitting is endemic. Drink only bottled water, except you have stayed in Nigeria long enough to have acuired some immunity to locally endemic pathogens.
Finally, most Nigerians will go out of their way to assist a foreigner, a courtesy they do not nessesarily extend to fellow Nigerians, Walk around Abuja and enjoy the cheerful glances, the frequent offers of assistance and ready smile from the locals. Haggle for the best prices at most Craft shops. Conversation is usually conducted a higher decibels than you may be used to, just shout back always with a smile, it's all good fun.
Try out your 'Pidgin' English speak by retorting to an enquiry about your welfare, thus;- 'Well done O, my broda (or sister), how ya body, now?'( 'Hello, my brother/sister, hope you're well?'). Thereafter, assure yourself a place in the afterlife and acquire good Karma by generously giving to the beggars you'll most definately meet. Enjoy Nigeria...in the company of a Nigerian!
You see, it 's widely known by Nigerians that the best 'travel guide' to Nigeria, is to seek the counsel of a Nigerian. If you're a first-time traveller to Nigeria, do not underestimate the value of this advise.
Most nigerians will inform you rather casually and with great humor about the best ways of keeping safe and enjoying your stay there.
A couple of quick tips to get you started;
If you must visit Nigeria from Abroad, I advise traveling through Abuja. Almost decrepit as the International airport may seem to the Well travelled visitor, it is much safer and the wear-and-tear on you as you navigate yourself through Immigration is less. You can actually expect to take a Taxi into Abuja city from the airport (which is a good 20 miles from the city, and cost- abt $16), uneventfully.
Do change the equivalent of $100-200 into the local currency-the Naira, while in the airport lounge!
Abuja needs to be unfolded slowly, this town is quite friendly, but as usual, it is always advisable that ALL foreigners in Nigeria keep to the usual tourist trail. You cannot afford to be as adventurous as you would be in , say , any European city, except in the company of a Nigerian who knows his way around. If for any reason, you find yourself in an uncomfortable location, look for a taxi or take the ubiquitous commercial bike and get to the nearest central location.
The hotels mentioned on this site represent the very best hotels in Abuja and Nigeria. I feel it's unfair to to recomend only 5 star hotels for the visitor to Abuja. Though prices are usually safe guide to location and consequently safety, there are some very good budget hotels in Abuja. I have stuck to one of them Opposite the National War college-Afri Hotel (very clean, large rooms at a good value-approximately $50-70 for a double airconditioned room).
I stay here because it's opposite a military installation (no god-fearing Nigerian criminal plys his trade near a military facility), and in an 'administrative ' section of the town. There are so many others better than the Afri, with comparable prices, sprinkled around the Central area of the City.
If you do not have a designated hotel before you arrive Abuja, by all means, let your first port of call be the 5 Star hotels mentioned on this Website. It is dangerous to drag a travel case about any town in Nigeria, especially if you are caucasian, or do not 'look Nigerian' even Abuja is not exempt form this caveat. The Locals would never do this, so you should not.
Eating out in Nigeria is essentially a touch-and-go affair. Again, do not be too adventuresome, for continental European Cuisines, Visit the restaurants in the Larger hotels, or very infrequently, a Chinese restaurant if so inclined. Foods are generally spicy, and will take some getting used to. Fast food and pastry shops are generally easily accesible and safe; they include Mr. Biggs, Tantalizers, Tasty Fried Chicken chains.
Bacterial gastroenteritis which can cause severe life threatening diarrhoea and vomitting is endemic. Drink only bottled water, except you have stayed in Nigeria long enough to have acuired some immunity to locally endemic pathogens.
Finally, most Nigerians will go out of their way to assist a foreigner, a courtesy they do not nessesarily extend to fellow Nigerians, Walk around Abuja and enjoy the cheerful glances, the frequent offers of assistance and ready smile from the locals. Haggle for the best prices at most Craft shops. Conversation is usually conducted a higher decibels than you may be used to, just shout back always with a smile, it's all good fun.
Try out your 'Pidgin' English speak by retorting to an enquiry about your welfare, thus;- 'Well done O, my broda (or sister), how ya body, now?'( 'Hello, my brother/sister, hope you're well?'). Thereafter, assure yourself a place in the afterlife and acquire good Karma by generously giving to the beggars you'll most definately meet. Enjoy Nigeria...in the company of a Nigerian!
Helpful?
61
Thank Son-of-light
Report
No comments:
Post a Comment