Lagos Vacation Beaches: About Lagos State Vacation

Lagos Eko Bridge leading to the Islands.

Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria. With an estimated population of 8.8 million inhabitants in the city, or rather 10.7 million in the metropolitan area, Lagos ranks second only to Cairo as the largest city in Africa.

The UN estimates that at its present growth rate, Lagos state will be third largest mega city in the world by 2015 after Tokyo in Japan and Mumbai in India.

Districts

The main districts are the mainland, Greater Lagos and the Islands. Three major bridges join the island to the mainland. They are the Carter Bridge which start from Iddo Island, the Eko Bridge (formerly called the Second Mainland Bridge) and the Third Mainland Bridge which passes through densely populated mainland suburbs through Lagos lagoon.

The Mainland holds a greater percentage of inhabitants and industries. Lagos Mainland districts include Ebute-Meta, Surulere (site of two stadiums and National theater), Yaba (location of the University of Lagos) and Ikeja, site of Murtala Muhammed International Airport and capital of Lagos State.

Greater Lagos includes Mushin, Maryland, Somolu, Oshodi, Oworonsoki, Isolo, Ikotun, Agege, Iju Ishaga, Egbeda, Ketu, Bariga, Ipaja, and Ejigbo.

The Islands The two major urban islands of Lagos in Lagos Lagoon are Lagos Island and Victoria Island. These islands are separated from the mainland by the main channel draining the lagoon into the Atlantic ocean, which forms Lagos Harbour. The islands are separated from each other by creeks of varying sizes and are connected to Lagos Island by bridges.

· Lagos Island Lagos Island contains a Central Business District (CBD). This district is characterized by high-rise buildings and businesses. The island also contains many of the city's largest wholesale marketplaces (such as the popular Idumota and Balogun markets). It also has the National Museum of Nigeria, a Central mosque, Glover Memorial Hall, Christ's Cathedral (CMS), and the Oba Palace. And lastly, there is the Tinubu Square- a site of historical importance, it was here that the Amalgamation ceremony that unified the North and South protectorate to form Nigeria took place in 1914. Ikoyi is situated on the eastern half of Lagos Island and joined to it by a landfill. Ikoyi is also connected to Victoria Island by a bridge carrying a main road over a Five Cowrie creek. Ikoyi has a great number of hotels, night clubs, a recreational park and one of Africa's largest golf courses. Originally a middle class neighbourhood, in recent years it has become more of a fashionable residential enclave for the upper middle class to the upper class.

· Victoria Island Home to many company headquarters and entertainment spots, Victoria Island (also known as V.I) along with Ikoyi, occupies a major area in the suburbs of Lagos which boasts of several sizable shopping districts. On its sea shore along the Atlantic front, there is an environmentally reconstructed Bar Beach.

Eko Atlantic city is a new city under construction and is 97% ready. It is a planned district being constructed on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean.Dredgers, large ships which move sand, are all working around the clock filling the area with sand where the city will be built. Expected to be around 4 square miles, the city will satisfy needs for financial, commercial, residential and tourist accommodations with a state-of-the-art high-tech infrastructure in line with modern and environmental standards. These standards will offer the city’s residents modern water, waste management, security and transportation systems. Eko Atlantic will also offer its residents an independent source of energy generated specifically for the city.

Getting into Lagos

By train

Rail services in Nigeria are still very slow and unreliable but Nigerian Railway Corporation have just restarted an overnight service from Kano Kaduna to Lagos. There are depatures a few times every week.

By plane

You can fly in from most European cities (Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Paris, Madrid, Rome); from Doha, Dubai, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya. There are also direct flights from the United States (Atlanta, Houston).

Lagos is close (about 100km) to the border with Benin. Should you fly out of the International Airport in Lagos, arrive early, especially close to weekends and festive days, as the security has been beefed up significantly (with little increase in manpower or scanners and is much, much more time-consuming than previously) since the December 2009 liquid explosive incident where the terrorist started his journey from Lagos airport.

There are quite a number of pay-access and Priority Pass lounges after passport control (after two hours in the security queue, you will want to use it if you have the time and $50 to spare). Use Oasis or Skye Lounge, both of which are good, especially Oasis which is very nice even by 1st world standards. Gabfol lounge is free, but you pay for food and drinks.

By bus

Several bus companies like Greener Line Transport Limited, InterState Transport, ABC Transport, Ifesinachi and The Young Shall Grow offers daily services from almost all major cities around the country.

Getting around Lagos

If you choose to travel to Lagos, then air transport is best if you can afford it. If traveling around Lagos, be sure to be accompanied by a guide who is familiar with the routes. Moving around Lagos has become much easier in recent times with street signs on every single street corner making it easier to locate places and landmarks. With the city spending huge budgets on security, there has been a huge reduction in crime generally. For the most part, it's safe to move about during the day. If you are going out at night, be sure to go in groups, and stick to known routes.

If you are not on a tight budget, you should hire a cab and driver called Taxi, usually available from most of the major hotels and the airport. The price will be around ₦1,000-2,000 per hour, you will be expected to haggle. Talk to the drivers and find one you think will be able to communicate best with as they will be able to tell you things about the places you pass.

By car

The road network of Lagos for the most part is good, but sometimes traffic congestion and limited parking space especially during working hours is rife. Be sure to be on the lookout for road signs, in order to avoid entering one-way roads or streets. LASTMA (Lagos State Traffic Management Agency) is the body responsible for managing traffic in most of the traffic congestion areas. Make sure to follow traffic rules, and avoid driving in the BRT Bus lanes to avoid getting a fine or having your car impounded.

There exists car parks around in hotels, shopping malls, and some of them provide free and safe parking. But if parking in other areas around the city be ready to pay around N250 or more. (N165=$1)

By bus

Parked Buses of LagBus

Lagos now has decent mass transit buses courtesy of the Bus Rapid Transit(BRT)schemes. The BRT lines run on physically segregated lanes and thus make them run faster while private cars are stuck in traffic. The system is run by two operators, NURTW Cooperative (Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers) and Lagbus, a Lagos State Government owned Asset Management Company. The Buses are coloured red (LagBus), and blue (NURTW).

The BRT is one of the three-pronged attacks the state has unleashed against the urban traffic congestion in Lagos. Buses can be an inexpensive and convenient option. Bus fares are relatively affordable and there are numerous routes being plied from the Mainland to the Islands.

The tickets for the BRT and the Lagbus can be purchased at the bus stops before boarding. Tickets range from 70- 120 Naira( as of Oct'11). However, the ticket vendors are seldom available in the evening even though the buses ply till late at night. It makes good sense to purchase a ticket booklet or a couple of tickets in bulk beforehand since these don't contain a timestamp.

There are also smaller yellow buses that ply all routes from the mainland to the island and within mainland. For a newbie, the yellow bus system can be quite confusing and it makes good sense to approach a local for help. The local Nigerians will be more than happy to help an Oyinbo (white person). The fare is fixed and starts from 20 Naira and increases as per distance.

The BRT buses are faster, cleaner and more convenient. They carry hundreds of thousands of passengers on a weekly basis.

By taxi

One of the easiest ways to get around is by taxi. Taxis cost more than buses, typically. With the older taxi cabs it is expected to negotiate the price before you enter and pay on arrival. The cabs are relatively safe. The state has embarked on gradual replacement of rickety buses and taxi cabs with modern ones, fitted with good facilities to enhance comfort.

Through public-private partnerships, new cabs are being introduced regularly by licensed cab operators. With fare as low as N400, depending on the distance, the new air-conditioned taxi cabs are already creating a new image for Lagos. Taxis can be found almost everywhere, and all the new cabs have numbers on them that you can call for a pick up. There are several cab companies servicing Lagos, using both metered and fixed fares,and they generally accept cash:

Red Cab. Taxi Service, ☎ +234 700 073 3222 (citransgloballtd@c-ileasing.com),

Corporate Cabs, Plot 3A, Owukori Street, Alaka Estate, Surulere, (fafolahan63@gmail.com),

Orange Cabs. Taxi Service, 18B, Ladoke Akintola Cresent,G.R.A., Ikeja, Lagos, ☎ +2347917202, 234702 911 9504, 234 819 116 6926 (booking@orangecabs-ng.com).
Or Let Lagos Vacation Beaches help you book just call +234 8038502120, +2348135901530

By ferry

Lagos State Ferry Services Corporation runs a few regular routes, for example between Lagos Island and the mainland, modern ferries and wharves. Private boats run irregular passenger services on the lagoon and on some creeks. Many more routes are expected to get on-board in due time.

By rail

A planned railway line running through the Lagos metropolis is being constructed with plans of completion as early as 2012.

By rented car

Renting a car is another alternative if you are going to be staying for a few days or longer. There are numerous car rental offices in the city, and therefore it is very easy to rent a car from your hotel or resort accommodation to drive around with for the duration of your stay. Avis is your best bet for this,either call or make use of their online services:

Avis Rent-A-Car, Avis House, 6 Degema CLose, Off Park Lane, Apapa GRA, ☎ +234 803 718 7000, + 234 1 764 6442 (reservations@avisng.com),

Hertz Car Rental, 12 Keffi Street, SW Ikoyi, ☎ +234 1 2703700.

Unity Global Ventures Car Rental, ☎ +1.877.810.1221 or +234 8066348333 (info@unityglobalventures.com), Chauffeur drivenair-conditioned SUV car rental car hire service. N11,500 a day.

Novo Car Rentals, 2nd floor, UBA Building, Plot 22B, Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, ☎ +2341270 2047, 23412717069, 234 1 873 0193 (info@novocars.com).

Motorbikes / okada

For travelling short distances, you can use motorbike taxis called Okada. These motorbikes are quick, cheap and save a lot of walking but they are also very dangerous. Okada accidents are very common but safety equipment are now provided because the state government and in fact the Federal Road Safety Commission has mandated it. If you want to take the risk, you can safely halve their first price, and usually there are lots to choose from. Before you try and negotiate, confirm the fare from a local.If you have a Nigerian friend, let them negotiate for you as the quoted fare differs greatly for locals and foreigners(for obvious reasons). Choose an older driver as the younger ones are cowboys.

Safety Helmets are a must at all times for both the rider and passenger. Majority of times these are ill-fitting and sometimes even absent.

By law, Okadas are forbidden to ply after dark (7PM) for safety reasons. Avoid taking an Okada for long distances, while it's raining and in the night since majority of mainland is devoid of street lights.

Sights

A Man taking a strolls on the Lagos Eleko Beach.

A view of the Bar Beach at Victoria Island.

A 113-year-old lighthouse that guards the entrance to Lagos harbour near Tarkwa Bay.

There are over a dozen beaches in Lagos, making for a wide array to choose from. Good for picnics and barbecues

Lagos Bar Beach. This Beach is named after the sand bars that characterize the coastline of Lagos, not because of the myriad of bars that run along the beach itself. Very popular among beach goers,it is the main inner city beach, as the other beaches provide more of a “get away” from the city. Some of which include; Lekki Beach, Alpha Beach, Eleko Beach and Akodo Beach (to the East) and Tarkwa Bay, Ogogoro Island, Atlas Cove, Lighthouse beach, Ilashe Beach, Agaja Beach and Badagry beach (to the West) amongst others.

Tarkwa Bay. Tarkwa is a man made bay and beach created during the formation of the Lagos harbour. It's a sheltered beach within the harbour breakwater. It is easily accessible by boat from Tarzan Jetty at Maroko (Charge per person is low and affordable) or under Falomo bridge on Victoria Island. The beach is a pleasant outing and has safe bathing even for children. It has its own resident community, most of whom make their living from the tourists who visit the beach. There's also the possibility to surf in a corner of Tarkwa Bay and other water sports such as Jet Skiing and Water Skiing are fairly common.

Lighthouse Beach.Right beside Tarkwa Bay is the Lighthouse Beach, named after the 110-year-old lighthouse that guards the entrance to Lagos harbour. The Lighthouse can just be seen from the beach, and is well worth a visit as well. The walk along the beach between Tarkwa Bay and Lighthouse Beach is very pleasant– and at times one can be the only person on the beach. You can watch the many ships queuing up to enter the port on the nearby horizon.
Lagos Eko Tourist Resort (Akodo Beach), KM 22 Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ibeju, Lekki LGA, Akodo, (Bookings)+1 777 0700, +1 470 2865. This place is at least a 40 minute drive from Lagos. The Resort has chalets,restaurants and a large conference hall on 10 acres, with more than a half a mile of clean beach.

What to Do in Lagos

Lagos is for tourists like England is for food. It's a stereotype and not really true, but you have to put the effort in to see it.

There are a lot of great beaches. Especially if you make the effort to get outside the the city and explore like Badagry). Inside the city, Lekki is about as good as it gets.

There are also lots of markets to see, although it can be very exciting.

There is the Lekki Conservation Centre by the Lekki Conservation Foundation, is down on the Lekki/Epe expressway near Chevron.It is really good for relaxation, its a dense park with a few animals and birds, there are walkways and benches to rest on. Fees: ₦500 for everyone

Beaches:

Bar Beach: On Ahmodu Bello Way, Victoria Island.
Eleko Beach: 56 km, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Turn right just past Total service station, proceed to toll gate, turn left follow road to Rainbow Church sign, turn right onto dirt road. Eleko beach is at end of road.
Lekki Beach: Turn right at round-about just past estate (about 9 km), Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki.
Elegushi: Elegushi Private Beach, Ikate, Lekki,
Tarkwa Beach: Accessible by boat only. Boat can be hired opposite American/Indian Embassy. You can also board water taxis for about ₦700(as of Oct'11) per trip. The beach is good for a one-day picnic because of the absence of hotels and restaurants on it. You can buy good paintings and handicrafts from the local vendors on the beach. The last boats leave Tarkwa bay at 5PM.

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Beach Resorts:

Hermitage Garden Resorts: Hermitage road, Tiye village, near Akodo, Lekki local government.
La Campagne Tropicana: Lekki

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Museums:

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National Museum of Nigeria: Awolowo Rd (Opp Muson Centre), Onikan, Lagos Island. 9AM-4PM daily. Fees : ₦1800 fro Nigerians and ₦2800 for foreign nationals. The Museum Kitchen is open on weekdays and is a good place to try local Nigerian cuisine.

Didi Meuseum: 175, Akin Adesola St, Victoria Island. M-F 9AM-5PM.

Nike Art Gallery, 2, Elegushi Road, 2nd Round About, Epe Expressway, Ikate Cross Road, Lekki Phase 1 Peninsula, ☎ +234 80 330 36969,+234 1 270 5964, Run by Artist and Designer Nike Davies Okundaye. A great place for art lovers and buyers. While there, you can browse the art gallery featuring the whole panoply of Nigerian arts, or see some of the documentaries that have been made about Nigerian culture. Students at the Nike Art Centers engage in a variety of arts. At the center, traditional arts are practiced, such as indigo dying and sculpting, and also non-traditional arts such as painting and quilting, as well as other cultural activities such as drumming and dancing. The center also organizes tours and accommodation for tourists.

National Theatre of Arts & Culture, Mainland, Iganmu-Surulere.. Located on the mainland at Iganmu, it is about a half hour drive from Lagos Island. Built in 1977 as the principal forum for the International Festival of Black Arts and Culture, it has now become accepted as the prime center for performing arts in the country. The main auditorium has the capacity to seat around 3,000 persons and the conference hall can accommodate around 700 people. The building also houses two cinema halls, a restaurant and a bar.

Buying Things In Lagos

Unless you are in a supermarket or restaurant/bar with fixed prices, you will be expected to negotiate the price you pay for an item down to the lowest the vendor would sell. When you are stuck in traffic, expect to see hawkers selling anything from potatoes to drinks . Expect any brand names in these informal markets to be fake, and should you wish to purchase them aim for a very low price.

If you hold a Visa, MasterCard or Maestro Credit/Debit card you can withdraw cash in Naira from various ATM's around Lagos. Visa machines can be found at Standard Chartered Bank. MasterCard/Maestro machines are found in Ecobank and some Zenith Bank branches.

Foreign currency, U.S. Dollars, Pounds Sterling, or Euros can be exchanged in various places, usually near large hotels and the airport. These are not formal bureaux de change and you will need to negotiate the exchange rate. It is strongly recommended that you count your money in front of the exchanger, and don't be afraid to walk away if you are not happy with the deal. Be wary of your safety in money changing areas, and take care to make sure you are not followed when leaving them.

There are formal Bureau De Change existing in the various banks, and you can be rest assured about transacting with them, although their rates may be slightly higher or lower than the rates outside.

Some of the good places for shopping are:

The Palms Shopping Centre: No 1, British International School Way, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki. 10AM-9PM daily.
The City Mall: Opp Muson Centre, Awolowo Rd, Onikan, Lagos Island. 10AM-9PM daily.
Mega Plaza: 21st Century Mall, 14, Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island. 10AM-10PM daily.
Silverbird Galleria, 133, Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island, ☎ +23412706361, Silverbird Galleria With five hi-tech cinema halls showing the best box-office movies in the industry. There's also the Media Store which sells Music and Movies, Magazines and books, as well as computer and gaming consoles. The Galleria also houses restaurants, bars and gift shops. Lastly, there is Wi-Fi connectivity and a bowling alley within the premises.
King's Plaza, No 80, Adeniran Ogunsanya.Off Bode Thomas, Surulere. A large shopping mall consisting of Gift and clothing stores, restaurants, a cinema hall, and others. There is also a popular place called Computer Village in Ikeja the capital of Lagos.
Lekki Art Market: Located close to the Lekki Conservation Centre, it is a great place to buy Nigerian and West African art. From paintings, to jewelery, to souvenirs to accesories and clothes, You'll find a great deal for your goods. Brush up your barganing skills. The place is a bit tricky to find, take a right from the roundabout before Chevron and ask for directions. The place tends to flood during heavy rains, so try to avoid going all together or take an SUV with a high ground clearance.

Eating In Lagos

Budget

Mid-range

Nigerian

Thistle Bar & Restaurant
Yellow Chili(specialties include Fried Snail with Fries)
Terra Kulture. Located within an art gallery.
Whitehouse. Located in Yaba near E-centre.

Chinese

Prime Chinese - Open 24 hours; By far the best Chinese food in the city!
Marco Polo
Mr Chang's

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Indian

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Spice Bar
The best place to enjoy Indian food.Nice ambiance with great service also has pizza out let called debonair
Indigo
Dhanlaks (formerly Stanley) - Ilupeju. Best Indian food in town. Dinner for two (with drinks) approx. N7000
Karma - Apapa. Dinner for two approx. N7000. Sunday buffet lunch at N 2200 per person

Thai

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Reeds
Pattaya
Bangkok

American/ Continental

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Bottles (Tex-Mex) - very good and reasonably authentic. Fajitas are very popular. Frozen Margaritas are a must-have.
Cactus (Pizza & Sandwiches)
Double Four (Pizza)
Le Saison (Pastries and Sandwiches)
Debonair's Pizza (Victoria Island, Opp to Park n Shop) (Pizza)
Goodies Restaurant (Next to Goodies supermarket, near Falomo Bridge, Victoria Island)

Splurge

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The Cowrie Restaurant(in B-Jays's Hotel)including the traditional "goat meat pepper soup". Nigerian.
Il Sorriso - Italian
Pearl Garden - Chinese.
Fusion - as the name suggests, it is a fusion restaurant! Japanese/ Mediterreanian Cuisine. Better for Sushi only.
Churrasco's - Brazilian Steakhouse
Chocolate Royal - American/ Bakery

Drink

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Ikeja

Africa Shrine in Ikeja. With Femi Kuti, son of the legend Fela Kuti.
Lagbaja's Motherland, Opebi Rd (in Ikeja).
The Night Shift Colosseum, Salvation Road, Off Opebi Road. Best Music. Well arranged. Big space for dancing and sitting. 9PM-5AM.
Options, Allen Avenue - Toyin St T point. Good Music, Spacious, 10PM-5AM.
MetroPark, Isaac-John St, GRA, Ikeja.

Ikoyi

Swe: Located at the top of City Mall, Onikan, Lagos.
Ember Creek: Awolowo Road, Ikoyi. Pool Side drinks overlooking the Lagoon.
Havana Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road. Popular pub bar with a good mix of expatiates & Nigerians. Fun & friendly bar staff. Excellent and extensive food menu serving both continental and some Nigerian dishes. Has live bands on Wednesday & Fridays. Also has upstairs bar & dining.
Waterside :Located on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, beside the lagoon that separates Ikoyi and Victoria Island. Go there to chill by the lagoon in the evening. The decor is minimalistic with plastic chairs and tables but again very few places in Lagos are open adjacent a Lagoon. Try some suya and peppe soup.

Victoria Island

Michael's: Coldest beers in town! Expatriate hangout.
No 10: Owned by Nigerian soccer legend Austin "Jay-Jay" Okocha, it's got a nice restaurant and a trendy bar.
Pat's Bar: Ajose Adeogun Street. A sports bar with a rugby theme, Very popular with expatriates of all nationalities.
De Marquee New, Hip joint atop Mega Plaza, Lagos's premier shopping mall. Smoking on the outside terrace only.

Apapa

Monalido: at Corner of Creek road, Entry ₦500 per person. Good music, sufficient space for sitting. Good, big dance floor. Every one welcome. 10PM-5:30AM. Drinks are at very competitive prices, Nice Food Restaurant as well open till 6AM.
Club 21: Wharf Rd, ₦500 per person. Music, sufficient space for sitting. Big dance floor. Every one welcome. 10PM-3AM. Drinks are at competitive prices.

Yaba

Koko Lounge: Cool as it gets. Co-owned by Africa's biggest hip-hop star, D'Banj who makes frequent appearances. Wednesday night is comedy nights. Classy VIP. Reasonable prices.
The Psychiatric Hospital : Located actually inside a real Psychiatric hospital in Yaba is a small restaurant. Tables and chairs thrown around in the lawn, you can hangout here with friends for hours

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Sleeping In Lagos

Hotel

To:

Departure:

Return:

Lagos has some great hotels and many more are being built. There are many 4 star hotels for the price of a 3 star hotel. Try to get a hotel on Victoria Island.

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Budget

The Stone House Admiralty Lekki Phase I.
Peerage Retreat & Resort Ltd, Victoria Island.
Embassy court hotel & suites,15a Admiralty way Lekki phase 1

Mid range

Hotel 1960, 23 Olufunmilayo Okikiolu Street, Off Toyin Street, Ikeja, ☎ +2348038502120, Executive and Royal rooms, all equipped with Air-conditioning, LCD TV and Telephone. Facilities and services are Restaurant, bar, garden and Conference hall. From USD 145.00.

WoodRidge Hotel, 2Plot 1/3 Lambert Imasuen Drive Ajao Estate, ☎ +234 8032749921, All rooms equipped and included with Air-conditioning, TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi Internet access and Buffet breakfast. Some of its facilities and services are Restaurant, Bar, Swimming pool, Fitness room/ gym Airport pick-up and Shuttle service. From USD 146.50.

Eagles Park 1960, 7 Obokun Close Off Johnson Street, Off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, ☎ +2348038502120, Executive and Royal Rooms, all equipped with Air-conditioning, LCD TV and Telephone. Facilities and services are Functions rooms, Restaurant, bar and garden. From USD 180.00.

Lekki Inn, 911 Ken Uba Close, Lekki Peninsula (second street to the right off Ajiron Rd, off Lekki Expressway (beside Chevron)), ☎ +23438502120, (info@lekki-inn.com), Caters mostly to executives from oil companies, banks, etc. Two fully-furnished chalets onsite can be rented for longer-term stays. Food is excellent, typically African or Continental cuisines. The rooms all have marble flooring, so you don't get the "wet" and "moldy" feel some of the other hotels have. The only downside is that there are just 12 rooms, albeit all large and luxurious, so you don't get to socialize too much onsite. Victoria Island with its bars and clubs is a 20-min drive away, and the beaches are close by.

Hotel Palais Royal 48, Balarabe Musa Crescent, Victoria Island,

Hotel Le Chateau 292E Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island,

Protea, a South African group, has three hotels in Lagos, all of acceptable standard but not cheap. The prices are reduced if you hold a group loyalty card, the ProKard.

Welcome Centre Hotels is a similar standard to Protea but not as expensive. 70 International Airport Road, Ikeja.

In addition on Ikoyi in Glover St is a small, new serviced aparthotel called La Cour.

La Cour Boutique Hotel - 2 suite hotels in Ikoyi one at 33 Glover Rd and 3 Cooper Rd

Splurge

Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, 1A Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue Victoria Island, ☎ +2348038502120 (info.lagos@radissonblu.com, fax: +234 (0) 1461 0126), Styled by Swedish hospitality designer, Christian Lundwall, the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel is located along the waterfront area of Victoria Island, the business hub of the city.

Stay safe

In general, Lagos has become a much safer place to visit than before, with the state spending huge budgets on security with police patrol cars, CCTV cameras. etc. But beware of deals or businesses that sound too good to be true (especially e-mails soliciting your help), and do not openly flaunt your possessions, especially in public places.

While it is rare for a tourist to be a victim of a violent crime, it is still wise to stay safe and be alert, especially during late night outings. Stick to crowded streets and make sure to go out in groups as against going out alone.

Lagosians are generally nice and friendly people, most of whom will readily offer directions to you if you are lost.

Lagos still has its fair share of odd people: street beggars(both the old and young), people with psychological disorders, etc. If someone approaches you for money, do what most Lagosians do: completely ignore them or continuing to walk at a brisk pace.

There are a few police officers who are corrupt and inefficient so it is best that you stick to the law and avoid going anywhere off the beaten path without a trusted guide, especially if it is a first visit.

But not to worry we will be with you all the way, if you allow us DON’T STRESS YOUR SELF, YOU ARE HERE TO HAVE FUN, CONTACT US TO ALL DO THE STRESS FOR YOU.

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Contact

Nigeria has both GSM & CDMA Networks. Most of the International GSM Networks are served here on Roaming Partner Basis. Local pre-activated GSM (SIM) connection can be purchased from any where in entire Country at very cheap rate. Naira 100/ less than a dollar- for a SIM.

GSM/3G

Etisalat: Services: Calls, SMS, GPRS and some most advance feature can be found only on this network.
Zain: Zain is the former Celtel. Services: Calls, SMS & GPRS Services.
MTN: Services: Calls, SMS, DATA (Internet) & GPRS Services.
Glo: Services: Calls, SMS, DATA (Internet) & GPRS Services.

CDMA

Multilinks Telkom: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet).
Visafone: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet).
Starcomms: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet).

In Nigeria SMS (Short Messaging Service) is known as "Text".

The networks in certain parts of Lagos can be very erratic at times. On certain days you cannot make a phone call at all or you will not be able to recharge your phone for the most of the day making business very difficult at times. But its occassional and that is the reason if you want to stay for a long term,make sure that you have atleast two phones or a dual sim phone.

About Lagos State Vacation

Lagos Eko Bridge leading to the Islands.

The UN estimates that at its present growth rate, Lagos state will be third largest mega city in the world by 2015 after Tokyo in Japan and Mumbai in India.

Districts

The Mainland holds a greater percentage of inhabitants and industries. Lagos Mainland districts include Ebute-Meta, Surulere (site of two stadiums and National theater), Yaba (location of the University of Lagos) and Ikeja, site of Murtala Muhammed International Airport and capital of Lagos State.

Greater Lagos includes Mushin, Maryland, Somolu, Oshodi, Oworonsoki, Isolo, Ikotun, Agege, Iju Ishaga, Egbeda, Ketu, Bariga, Ipaja, and Ejigbo.

The Islands The two major urban islands of Lagos in Lagos Lagoon are Lagos Island and Victoria Island. These islands are separated from the mainland by the main channel draining the lagoon into the Atlantic ocean, which forms Lagos Harbour. The islands are separated from each other by creeks of varying sizes and are connected to Lagos Island by bridges.

Eko Atlantic city is a new city under construction and is 97% ready. It is a planned district being constructed on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean.Dredgers, large ships which move sand, are all working around the clock filling the area with sand where the city will be built. Expected to be around 4 square miles, the city will satisfy needs for financial, commercial, residential and tourist accommodations with a state-of-the-art high-tech infrastructure in line with modern and environmental standards. These standards will offer the city’s residents modern water, waste management, security and transportation systems. Eko Atlantic will also offer its residents an independent source of energy generated specifically for the city.

Getting into Lagos

By train

By plane

By bus

Getting around Lagos

By car

There exists car parks around in hotels, shopping malls, and some of them provide free and safe parking. But if parking in other areas around the city be ready to pay around N250 or more. (N165=$1)

By bus

Parked Buses of LagBus

The BRT buses are faster, cleaner and more convenient. They carry hundreds of thousands of passengers on a weekly basis.

By taxi

Red Cab. Taxi Service, ☎ +234 700 073 3222 (citransgloballtd@c-ileasing.com),

Corporate Cabs, Plot 3A, Owukori Street, Alaka Estate, Surulere, (fafolahan63@gmail.com),

Orange Cabs. Taxi Service, 18B, Ladoke Akintola Cresent,G.R.A., Ikeja, Lagos, ☎ +2347917202, 234702 911 9504, 234 819 116 6926 (booking@orangecabs-ng.com).
Or Let Lagos Vacation Beaches help you book just call +234 8038502120, +2348135901530

By ferry

By rail

A planned railway line running through the Lagos metropolis is being constructed with plans of completion as early as 2012.

By rented car

Avis Rent-A-Car, Avis House, 6 Degema CLose, Off Park Lane, Apapa GRA, ☎ +234 803 718 7000, + 234 1 764 6442 (reservations@avisng.com),

Hertz Car Rental, 12 Keffi Street, SW Ikoyi, ☎ +234 1 2703700.

Unity Global Ventures Car Rental, ☎ +1.877.810.1221 or +234 8066348333 (info@unityglobalventures.com), Chauffeur drivenair-conditioned SUV car rental car hire service. N11,500 a day.

Novo Car Rentals, 2nd floor, UBA Building, Plot 22B, Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, ☎ +2341270 2047, 23412717069, 234 1 873 0193 (info@novocars.com).

Motorbikes / okada

Safety Helmets are a must at all times for both the rider and passenger. Majority of times these are ill-fitting and sometimes even absent.

Sights

A Man taking a strolls on the Lagos Eleko Beach.

A view of the Bar Beach at Victoria Island.

A 113-year-old lighthouse that guards the entrance to Lagos harbour near Tarkwa Bay.

There are over a dozen beaches in Lagos, making for a wide array to choose from. Good for picnics and barbecues

Lagos Bar Beach. This Beach is named after the sand bars that characterize the coastline of Lagos, not because of the myriad of bars that run along the beach itself. Very popular among beach goers,it is the main inner city beach, as the other beaches provide more of a “get away” from the city. Some of which include; Lekki Beach, Alpha Beach, Eleko Beach and Akodo Beach (to the East) and Tarkwa Bay, Ogogoro Island, Atlas Cove, Lighthouse beach, Ilashe Beach, Agaja Beach and Badagry beach (to the West) amongst others.

Tarkwa Bay. Tarkwa is a man made bay and beach created during the formation of the Lagos harbour. It's a sheltered beach within the harbour breakwater. It is easily accessible by boat from Tarzan Jetty at Maroko (Charge per person is low and affordable) or under Falomo bridge on Victoria Island. The beach is a pleasant outing and has safe bathing even for children. It has its own resident community, most of whom make their living from the tourists who visit the beach. There's also the possibility to surf in a corner of Tarkwa Bay and other water sports such as Jet Skiing and Water Skiing are fairly common.

Lighthouse Beach.Right beside Tarkwa Bay is the Lighthouse Beach, named after the 110-year-old lighthouse that guards the entrance to Lagos harbour. The Lighthouse can just be seen from the beach, and is well worth a visit as well. The walk along the beach between Tarkwa Bay and Lighthouse Beach is very pleasant– and at times one can be the only person on the beach. You can watch the many ships queuing up to enter the port on the nearby horizon.
Lagos Eko Tourist Resort (Akodo Beach), KM 22 Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ibeju, Lekki LGA, Akodo, (Bookings)+1 777 0700, +1 470 2865. This place is at least a 40 minute drive from Lagos. The Resort has chalets,restaurants and a large conference hall on 10 acres, with more than a half a mile of clean beach.

What to Do in Lagos

Lagos is for tourists like England is for food. It's a stereotype and not really true, but you have to put the effort in to see it.

There are a lot of great beaches. Especially if you make the effort to get outside the the city and explore like Badagry). Inside the city, Lekki is about as good as it gets.

There are also lots of markets to see, although it can be very exciting.

Beaches:

Bar Beach: On Ahmodu Bello Way, Victoria Island.
Eleko Beach: 56 km, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Turn right just past Total service station, proceed to toll gate, turn left follow road to Rainbow Church sign, turn right onto dirt road. Eleko beach is at end of road.
Lekki Beach: Turn right at round-about just past estate (about 9 km), Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki.
Elegushi: Elegushi Private Beach, Ikate, Lekki,
Tarkwa Beach: Accessible by boat only. Boat can be hired opposite American/Indian Embassy. You can also board water taxis for about ₦700(as of Oct'11) per trip. The beach is good for a one-day picnic because of the absence of hotels and restaurants on it. You can buy good paintings and handicrafts from the local vendors on the beach. The last boats leave Tarkwa bay at 5PM.

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Beach Resorts:

Hermitage Garden Resorts: Hermitage road, Tiye village, near Akodo, Lekki local government.
La Campagne Tropicana: Lekki

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Museums:

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National Museum of Nigeria: Awolowo Rd (Opp Muson Centre), Onikan, Lagos Island. 9AM-4PM daily. Fees : ₦1800 fro Nigerians and ₦2800 for foreign nationals. The Museum Kitchen is open on weekdays and is a good place to try local Nigerian cuisine.

Didi Meuseum: 175, Akin Adesola St, Victoria Island. M-F 9AM-5PM.

Nike Art Gallery, 2, Elegushi Road, 2nd Round About, Epe Expressway, Ikate Cross Road, Lekki Phase 1 Peninsula, ☎ +234 80 330 36969,+234 1 270 5964, Run by Artist and Designer Nike Davies Okundaye. A great place for art lovers and buyers. While there, you can browse the art gallery featuring the whole panoply of Nigerian arts, or see some of the documentaries that have been made about Nigerian culture. Students at the Nike Art Centers engage in a variety of arts. At the center, traditional arts are practiced, such as indigo dying and sculpting, and also non-traditional arts such as painting and quilting, as well as other cultural activities such as drumming and dancing. The center also organizes tours and accommodation for tourists.

National Theatre of Arts & Culture, Mainland, Iganmu-Surulere.. Located on the mainland at Iganmu, it is about a half hour drive from Lagos Island. Built in 1977 as the principal forum for the International Festival of Black Arts and Culture, it has now become accepted as the prime center for performing arts in the country. The main auditorium has the capacity to seat around 3,000 persons and the conference hall can accommodate around 700 people. The building also houses two cinema halls, a restaurant and a bar.

Buying Things In Lagos

There are formal Bureau De Change existing in the various banks, and you can be rest assured about transacting with them, although their rates may be slightly higher or lower than the rates outside.

Some of the good places for shopping are:

The Palms Shopping Centre: No 1, British International School Way, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki. 10AM-9PM daily.
The City Mall: Opp Muson Centre, Awolowo Rd, Onikan, Lagos Island. 10AM-9PM daily.
Mega Plaza: 21st Century Mall, 14, Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island. 10AM-10PM daily.
Silverbird Galleria, 133, Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island, ☎ +23412706361, Silverbird Galleria With five hi-tech cinema halls showing the best box-office movies in the industry. There's also the Media Store which sells Music and Movies, Magazines and books, as well as computer and gaming consoles. The Galleria also houses restaurants, bars and gift shops. Lastly, there is Wi-Fi connectivity and a bowling alley within the premises.
King's Plaza, No 80, Adeniran Ogunsanya.Off Bode Thomas, Surulere. A large shopping mall consisting of Gift and clothing stores, restaurants, a cinema hall, and others. There is also a popular place called Computer Village in Ikeja the capital of Lagos.
Lekki Art Market: Located close to the Lekki Conservation Centre, it is a great place to buy Nigerian and West African art. From paintings, to jewelery, to souvenirs to accesories and clothes, You'll find a great deal for your goods. Brush up your barganing skills. The place is a bit tricky to find, take a right from the roundabout before Chevron and ask for directions. The place tends to flood during heavy rains, so try to avoid going all together or take an SUV with a high ground clearance.

Eating In Lagos

Budget

Mid-range

Nigerian

Thistle Bar & Restaurant
Yellow Chili(specialties include Fried Snail with Fries)
Terra Kulture. Located within an art gallery.
Whitehouse. Located in Yaba near E-centre.

Chinese

Prime Chinese - Open 24 hours; By far the best Chinese food in the city!
Marco Polo
Mr Chang's

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Indian

DON’T STRESS YOUR SELF, YOU ARE HERE TO HAVE FUN, CONTACT US TO ALL DO THE STRESS FOR YOU.

Spice Bar
The best place to enjoy Indian food.Nice ambiance with great service also has pizza out let called debonair
Indigo
Dhanlaks (formerly Stanley) - Ilupeju. Best Indian food in town. Dinner for two (with drinks) approx. N7000
Karma - Apapa. Dinner for two approx. N7000. Sunday buffet lunch at N 2200 per person

Thai

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Reeds
Pattaya
Bangkok

American/ Continental

DON’T STRESS YOUR SELF, YOU ARE HERE TO HAVE FUN, CONTACT US TO ALL DO THE STRESS FOR YOU.

Bottles (Tex-Mex) - very good and reasonably authentic. Fajitas are very popular. Frozen Margaritas are a must-have.
Cactus (Pizza & Sandwiches)
Double Four (Pizza)
Le Saison (Pastries and Sandwiches)
Debonair's Pizza (Victoria Island, Opp to Park n Shop) (Pizza)
Goodies Restaurant (Next to Goodies supermarket, near Falomo Bridge, Victoria Island)

Splurge

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The Cowrie Restaurant(in B-Jays's Hotel)including the traditional "goat meat pepper soup". Nigerian.
Il Sorriso - Italian
Pearl Garden - Chinese.
Fusion - as the name suggests, it is a fusion restaurant! Japanese/ Mediterreanian Cuisine. Better for Sushi only.
Churrasco's - Brazilian Steakhouse
Chocolate Royal - American/ Bakery

Drink

DON’T STRESS YOUR SELF, YOU ARE HERE TO HAVE FUN, CONTACT US TO ALL DO THE STRESS FOR YOU.

Ikeja

Africa Shrine in Ikeja. With Femi Kuti, son of the legend Fela Kuti.
Lagbaja's Motherland, Opebi Rd (in Ikeja).
The Night Shift Colosseum, Salvation Road, Off Opebi Road. Best Music. Well arranged. Big space for dancing and sitting. 9PM-5AM.
Options, Allen Avenue - Toyin St T point. Good Music, Spacious, 10PM-5AM.
MetroPark, Isaac-John St, GRA, Ikeja.

Ikoyi

Swe: Located at the top of City Mall, Onikan, Lagos.
Ember Creek: Awolowo Road, Ikoyi. Pool Side drinks overlooking the Lagoon.
Havana Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road. Popular pub bar with a good mix of expatiates & Nigerians. Fun & friendly bar staff. Excellent and extensive food menu serving both continental and some Nigerian dishes. Has live bands on Wednesday & Fridays. Also has upstairs bar & dining.
Waterside :Located on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, beside the lagoon that separates Ikoyi and Victoria Island. Go there to chill by the lagoon in the evening. The decor is minimalistic with plastic chairs and tables but again very few places in Lagos are open adjacent a Lagoon. Try some suya and peppe soup.

Victoria Island

Michael's: Coldest beers in town! Expatriate hangout.
No 10: Owned by Nigerian soccer legend Austin "Jay-Jay" Okocha, it's got a nice restaurant and a trendy bar.
Pat's Bar: Ajose Adeogun Street. A sports bar with a rugby theme, Very popular with expatriates of all nationalities.
De Marquee New, Hip joint atop Mega Plaza, Lagos's premier shopping mall. Smoking on the outside terrace only.

Apapa

Monalido: at Corner of Creek road, Entry ₦500 per person. Good music, sufficient space for sitting. Good, big dance floor. Every one welcome. 10PM-5:30AM. Drinks are at very competitive prices, Nice Food Restaurant as well open till 6AM.
Club 21: Wharf Rd, ₦500 per person. Music, sufficient space for sitting. Big dance floor. Every one welcome. 10PM-3AM. Drinks are at competitive prices.

Yaba

Koko Lounge: Cool as it gets. Co-owned by Africa's biggest hip-hop star, D'Banj who makes frequent appearances. Wednesday night is comedy nights. Classy VIP. Reasonable prices.
The Psychiatric Hospital : Located actually inside a real Psychiatric hospital in Yaba is a small restaurant. Tables and chairs thrown around in the lawn, you can hangout here with friends for hours

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Sleeping In Lagos

Hotel

To:

Departure:

Return:

Lagos has some great hotels and many more are being built. There are many 4 star hotels for the price of a 3 star hotel. Try to get a hotel on Victoria Island.

DON’T STRESS YOUR SELF, YOU ARE HERE TO HAVE FUN, CONTACT US TO ALL DO THE STRESS FOR YOU.

Budget

The Stone House Admiralty Lekki Phase I.
Peerage Retreat & Resort Ltd, Victoria Island.
Embassy court hotel & suites,15a Admiralty way Lekki phase 1

Mid range

Hotel 1960, 23 Olufunmilayo Okikiolu Street, Off Toyin Street, Ikeja, ☎ +2348038502120, Executive and Royal rooms, all equipped with Air-conditioning, LCD TV and Telephone. Facilities and services are Restaurant, bar, garden and Conference hall. From USD 145.00.

WoodRidge Hotel, 2Plot 1/3 Lambert Imasuen Drive Ajao Estate, ☎ +234 8032749921, All rooms equipped and included with Air-conditioning, TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi Internet access and Buffet breakfast. Some of its facilities and services are Restaurant, Bar, Swimming pool, Fitness room/ gym Airport pick-up and Shuttle service. From USD 146.50.

Eagles Park 1960, 7 Obokun Close Off Johnson Street, Off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, ☎ +2348038502120, Executive and Royal Rooms, all equipped with Air-conditioning, LCD TV and Telephone. Facilities and services are Functions rooms, Restaurant, bar and garden. From USD 180.00.

Lekki Inn, 911 Ken Uba Close, Lekki Peninsula (second street to the right off Ajiron Rd, off Lekki Expressway (beside Chevron)), ☎ +23438502120, (info@lekki-inn.com), Caters mostly to executives from oil companies, banks, etc. Two fully-furnished chalets onsite can be rented for longer-term stays. Food is excellent, typically African or Continental cuisines. The rooms all have marble flooring, so you don't get the "wet" and "moldy" feel some of the other hotels have. The only downside is that there are just 12 rooms, albeit all large and luxurious, so you don't get to socialize too much onsite. Victoria Island with its bars and clubs is a 20-min drive away, and the beaches are close by.

Hotel Palais Royal 48, Balarabe Musa Crescent, Victoria Island,

Hotel Le Chateau 292E Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island,

Protea, a South African group, has three hotels in Lagos, all of acceptable standard but not cheap. The prices are reduced if you hold a group loyalty card, the ProKard.

Welcome Centre Hotels is a similar standard to Protea but not as expensive. 70 International Airport Road, Ikeja.

In addition on Ikoyi in Glover St is a small, new serviced aparthotel called La Cour.

La Cour Boutique Hotel - 2 suite hotels in Ikoyi one at 33 Glover Rd and 3 Cooper Rd

Splurge

Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, 1A Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue Victoria Island, ☎ +2348038502120 (info.lagos@radissonblu.com, fax: +234 (0) 1461 0126), Styled by Swedish hospitality designer, Christian Lundwall, the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel is located along the waterfront area of Victoria Island, the business hub of the city.

Stay safe

Lagosians are generally nice and friendly people, most of whom will readily offer directions to you if you are lost.

But not to worry we will be with you all the way, if you allow us DON’T STRESS YOUR SELF, YOU ARE HERE TO HAVE FUN, CONTACT US TO ALL DO THE STRESS FOR YOU.

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Contact

GSM/3G

Etisalat: Services: Calls, SMS, GPRS and some most advance feature can be found only on this network.
Zain: Zain is the former Celtel. Services: Calls, SMS & GPRS Services.
MTN: Services: Calls, SMS, DATA (Internet) & GPRS Services.
Glo: Services: Calls, SMS, DATA (Internet) & GPRS Services.

CDMA

Multilinks Telkom: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet).
Visafone: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet).
Starcomms: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet).

In Nigeria SMS (Short Messaging Service) is known as "Text".

Lagos Vacation Beaches

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Sunday, January 27, 2013

About Lagos State Vacation

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