Lagos never stops, which is exactly why a break from it feels so good. You do not need a long holiday to escape: several of the best places in the south-west are within a few hours’ drive. Here are the getaways we recommend most often.
Badagry: history by the water
Badagry, west of Lagos near the Benin border, is one of Nigeria’s most important heritage sites. You can visit the old slave port, the museum and the historic buildings, including one of the first storey buildings in the country. A guided visit tells the story of the transatlantic slave trade honestly and is a moving day out.
Abeokuta and Olumo Rock
About one and a half to two hours from Lagos, Abeokuta has a granite rock steeped in history, indigo-dyed adire cloth and good local food. Read our Olumo Rock guide.
Lekki Conservation Centre
For nature without leaving the city region, the Lekki Conservation Centre has a canopy walkway above a swamp forest, where you can look for birds and monkeys. It is a short trip for a morning or a quiet afternoon.
Ibadan
Nigeria’s great old city has landmarks, markets and a university campus with green spaces. It also acts as the gateway to places further north, such as Osun State.
Longer weekend: Osun and Ekiti
With a full weekend you can reach the waterfalls and springs of Osun and Ekiti. Our Erin Ijesha waterfall guide and Ikogosi and Ekiti guide show how.
| Place | Roughly from Lagos | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Badagry | Under two hours | History, families |
| Lekki Conservation Centre | Within Lagos | Birds, a short outing |
| Abeokuta | 1.5 to 2 hours | Rock, culture, adire |
| Ibadan | 2 to 3 hours | City life, gateway north |
| Osun and Ekiti | A long day or an overnight | Waterfalls, springs |
Travel times depend heavily on traffic, so leave early and expect delays on weekends and holidays.
Make it easy
A guided tour with transport lets you enjoy the day without driving. Look at the pick-up points on each tour page, and book early for popular weekends. For groups, see our group trip planning guide.
A sample weekend plan
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Saturday morning | Leave Lagos early for Badagry; visit the heritage sites and the beach |
| Saturday afternoon | Lunch, a boat ride or a walk, then drive back |
| Sunday morning | Lekki Conservation Centre for a canopy walk |
| Sunday afternoon | Relax, with a long lunch before the week begins |
Tips for getting out of Lagos
- Leave before 6 am on weekends to beat the traffic
- Keep a charged phone and a power bank for the road
- Bring snacks and water, because stops can be far apart
- Plan your return time with traffic in mind, especially on Sundays
Who this trip suits
Anyone who lives in or visits Lagos and wants a day or two away. If you are visiting from overseas, these trips are also an easy introduction to life outside the city.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best day trips from Lagos?
Badagry for history, Abeokuta for Olumo Rock, and the Lekki Conservation Centre for nature.
How far is Abeokuta from Lagos?
Roughly one and a half to two hours by road, depending on traffic.
