Lagos: a new dimension for an African adventure

As the second largest and second most populous continent in the world, Africa is a colossal land mass that stretches from the Mediterranean sea in the north all the way down past the equator to the southern hemisphere, where it is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east. However, if asked to think of one attraction Africa is famous for as a tourist destination, most people would possibly say safari parks. Indeed, whilst wildlife sanctuaries such as the Serengeti National Park are deemed one of the most popular tourist attractions in Africa, there is another perhaps more familiar side to the continent.

Representing the most populous city in Africa, Lagos is a major metropolis and is the economic and financial capital of Nigeria, although it was replaced with Abuja as the official capital in 1991. Whilst most of the population of Lagos live in one of the many mainland districts, most visitors will probably want to start in one of the three major urban islands – Ikoyi Island, Victoria Island and Lagos Island.

Lagos Island is Lagos’ business and administrative hub, but is also home to many colourful and crowded markets, the largest of which is Jankara Market, which sells everything from tie-dyed cloth and jewellery, to pottery and clothing. It is also worth heading over to Awolowo Road on Ikoyi Island, which is home to many upscale shops and boutiques and also has one of Africa’s largest golf courses. It ash been noted that Ikoyi Island has the most expensive real estate on the whole of the continent, where the average new apartment sells for around one million US dollars.

Similarly, Victoria Island is also one of the more exclusive areas in Nigeria, and this is where many of the first-class restaurants, western-style shopping malls and entertainment complexes are to be found, along with a plethora of hotels, bars and nightclubs, making it a very popular area with tourists. However, no trip to Nigeria would be complete without getting to know the history and culture of the people.

Lagos Island is home to the National Museum, which has an impressive collection of bronze sculptures and ivory carvings. It also has the much-lauded, ‘Treasures of Ancient Nigeria: Legacy of Two Thousand Years’ exhibition, which delves into the artistic history of the region.

But what makes this city a truly up-and-coming place is its accessibility, with flights to Lagos taking a little over seven hours from London. It was estimated that Murtala Muhammed International Airport received almost four million passengers in 2006 alone and expansion of the main departure and arrival halls has recently been given the go-ahead to help accommodate the ever increasing traffic at the airport.

Overall, the Nigerian capital is a classic example of what Africa has to offer over and above the popular safari trips for which it’s famed; Lagos is a city rich in history and culture ensuring a trip to remember for everyone.