It’s December, and somewhere in Nigeria and Ghana, a vendor is counting down to one of the busiest times of the year, known as Detty December. New and returning travelers are excited to explore various interests, from fashion, food, and culture. Two months have passed I returned from a long stay in Nigeria, and this post serves as an opportunity to reflect on my experience and provide helpful tips for new travelers.
From my perspective, the end of summer might be the best time to travel to Nigeria and Ghana for various personal reasons: the weather boasts a pleasant level of humidity, it’s groundnut season, the crowds are smaller, and the hotels are reasonably priced.
Nigeria surprises you in same ways as an iPhone upgrade, there is a level of sameness but a little tweak here and there. And if you happen to miss the upgrades 3 consecutive years, you will be surprised by how much has changed. The Nigeria I met last year during my birthday trip, wasn’t what I encountered in the summer.
That said, it was definitely a wonderful time. So, here are a few tips, in addition to my experience visiting Ghana, which are twin countries for the Detty December vibes—especially since both countries share similar cultural traits.
Get Your Yellow Fever Vaccination
Having your yellow fever vaccination card makes entry and exit into Nigeria a breeze. If you plan to visit any neighboring countries in the region, this vaccination is a requirement.
Don’t Rely on Airport Internet
I made the mistake of not having a mobile router and found myself stuck for hours at Abuja airport because the internet wouldn’t work. If you’re arriving in Ghana, this should not be a problem as long as you stay within the airport vicinity.
Expect Price Adjustments
Due to the influx of “I just got back” (Ijgb) travelers during this time, prices can be significantly adjusted to meet demand. Be ready to make some financial adjustments.
Financial Services Work
Nigeria boasts one of the best financial service infrastructures in the world. This is one of the few things we seem to have gotten right consistently. While your credit card may work for some services, when it doesn’t, international payment platforms like Sendwave are effective.
Bolt vs. Uber
The most reliable transportation option in Nigeria is Bolt. Some drivers may avoid Uber requests to sidestep additional fees. However, if you’re in Ghana, Uber is generally a more effective choice.
Using Opay and Ecobank
In Nigeria, Opay is the reliable way to access cash, especially if you haven’t visited in a while. You might be surprised by the extent to which society has adopted a cashless system; services like Opay can be found at random road stops for cash transfers. In Ghana, Ecobank is a dependable option for cash withdrawals, although be prepared for a fee.
Hotel Restaurants May Be Your Best Bargain for Good Food
I think there’s much to say about the disappointing dining options at many restaurants in Nigeria. My unfortunate experiences with food have contributed to my hesitance to return during the holiday season. If you’re in Lagos, do your best to avoid Nest—while the aesthetics might be appealing, the menu certainly is not. On a positive note, a worthy shoutout goes to Orile; the food might not be budget-friendly for everyone, but it’s worth it. In Ghana I stayed at The Pelican hotel and only had hotel food, which was a good 10/10.
Hotel Stay Recommendation
My stay at Nordic in Lagos was gratifying—great food, cleanliness, attentive staff, and a pleasant ambience. The only downside was the lack of storage space. To truly enjoy your time, it might be best to lodge or stay with someone who knows where the fun is happening.
During my stay, I mostly remained indoors due to work commitments with GAFA, but I did manage to have a friend take me to a Nigerian wedding, which was an incredible experience and the reason I am adorning the look on today’s post.
Be Prepared for Humidity
Just a note: pack accordingly.
Shop Local Vendors
The one way the economy benefits from Detty December is if the money is ubiquitously shared and not just concentrated in the hands of your favorite vendors. If you’re in Ghana visit Oxford Street, and thank me later.
What’s your favorite part of the holiday season in your country? I would love to hear from you.
What an exciting read! Enjoyed reading every word written down with such exceptional precision! ♥️🥰
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