DATE TBA: Whale Watching Excursion Off Shore in the Bight of Benin
Saturday, January 18th: A Boat Trip and Tour of Makoko, the Stilt Village
Saturday, January 25: Visit to Kalakuta Museum, Home and Final Resting Place of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti + Refreshment at the famous ‘University of Suya’
Sunday, January 26th: Historical Tour of Lagos Island by Keke Marwa (3-wheeler scooters) with Ed (Emeka) Keazor! Fascinating, Informative and a Photographer’s Delight!

TRIP SUMMARIES

DATE TBA: Whale Watching Excursion Off Shore in the Bight of Benin
In the frenzy of Lagos life it is easy to forget that there is a huge marine ecosphere on our doorstep! The Bight of Benin is on the migratory path of humpback whales.
The trip date will be announced once the migratory whales are sighted which could happen anytime between late December through January. Thanks to Filip Van Trier we will have access to two offshore, seaworthy boats with experienced boatmen and trackers.
This trip is for people who have good sea legs and feel comfortable in boats in the open waters many kilometers off shore. There is no guarantee that whales will be spotted but, as they say: it’s about the journey not the end destination!!
Please indicate your expression of interest. Because there are only 8 spaces available we are limiting registration to two people per family. The cost is under development.
Saturday, January 18th: A Boat Trip and Tour of Makoko, the Stilt Village
The NFS aims to run monthly excursions to Makoko, the Stilt Village. THE NFS has a longstanding relationship with the community and supports the school in Makoko through these excursions.
The trip is a half day excursion leaving in the morning. We travel in banana boats to the village from VI (see the trip description in December above for more details). The cost is 5,000 Naira per person and this includes a donation to the Makoko Primary School. To register, please contact the Makoko Trip Coordinator, Jane Swiers.
Saturday, January 25: Visit to Kalakuta Museum, Home and Final Resting Place of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti + Refreshment at the famous ‘University of Suya’
‘Have you ever been to Lagos? Have you been to the bars in my city’ goes a popular Lagos song. Here’s a trip that captures two iconic features of Lagos life.
First, we walk down memory lane and visit Kalakuta Republic, the last home and final resting place of music maestro, Afrobeat legend and iconic political activist, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. We will walk through the three-storey edifice and imagine life as it was lived in his days.
Scattered around the living museum are bits and pieces of his legacy and struggle. There is his room which remains largely untouched, still housing his musical instruments and personal effects. His closet houses his collection of unique suits, shoes, and signature underwear. The pictures which span the entire house tell a tale of defiance, victory, and the ideals he lived for. On the rooftop terrace sits an open air bar which serves food, and beverages, with relaxing chairs and Afrobeat music playing. Walking down the stairs brings us to his final resting place, a grave shaped in the form of an Egyptian pyramid.
We will then head to the famous University of Suya on Allen Avenue. The University of Suya is famed for its exquisite cuts of roast cow beef popularly known as ‘suya’. We will have a meal of suya and cold beers at a bar beside the University of Suya before heading home.
Trip cost is Six Thousand Naira only (N6,000). This covers museum inspection fees at the Kalakuta Museum, suya, drinks, dashes and parking fees. We will car pool to the venue. The Trip leader is Osisiye Tafa.
Little Detail – The name ‘Kalakuta Republic’ came to Fela when he was imprisoned for ‘corruption of minors and possession of cannabis.’ He was locked up for eleven months in 1974 in a jail called the Kalakuta cell. Upon his release, the revolutionary music icon decided to rename his residence, Kalakuta Republic. Osisiye Tafa is the Trip Leader.
Sunday, January 26th: Tour of Historic Lagos Island by Keke Marwa (3-wheeler scooters) with Ed (Emeka) Keazor! Fascinating, Informative and a Photographer’s Delight!
Travel through Old Lagos in ‘Keke Marwa time capsules’! Historian Ed Keazor will be taking NFS members on an historical tour—but this time, not on foot but by Keke Marwa (three-wheeler scooters)! Zipping around the island by Keke early in the morning is a perfect way to capture the ambience of the old city and provides a great opportunity for photographers as well.
Starting off at Freedom Park, Lagos- the walk shall traverse a route that explores the earliest settlements in the Island of Lagos, with sites dating back to the 16th century. It shall include a visit to Iga Idunganran, the palace of the Oba of Lagos, followed by a walk through some of the other ‘Iga’s’ or palaces of the Royal Houses of Lagos, dotted along the route. We shall also visit some ancient markets and sacred sites, such as the Ebute-Ero Market, Oko-Awo Square, and Adeniji Adele Waterfront.
There shall be a stop-over at the iconic Shitta-Bey Mosque, built in 1894 and a model of excellent Brazilian design and artisanship; The Idumota Clock- an iconic Lagos landmark in its 83rd year; the legendary Bristol Hotel, scene of one of the greatest turning points in Nigerian political history. As well, we might have the chance to tour one of the original Brazilian Houses owed by the organizer, Muni King’s family. The return route shall cover some of the more modern sites on the Marina, once the most exclusive and highly priced real estate in Lagos starting from the former Old Cotton Warehouse at Apongbon, the Marina site of the first Lebanese settlers in Lagos. The last leg shall cover some of the landmarks of a changing city, after the advent of Colonial power, such as the site of the first British Consulate, the first Bank in Nigeria, the first Post Office, Cathedral and Hospital in Lagos. The iconic Government House, Our Saviours Colonial Church, Kings College, Old Race Course (Tarawa Balewa Square), with a final stop to pay homage to the monument of King Ado, the first King of Lagos.
On return to the Freedom Park, there shall be a 10-minute tour of the Freedom Park Museum, which features artefacts of the Victorian Prison and images and memorabilia from some of the inmates spanning its 139-year history.
Ed Keazor is a legend in his own right. An historian with an unparalled knowledge of Nigerian history, he is also a musician, author and barrister!
Registration also entitles you to use the Park throughout the day. The trip cost is 9, 000 Naira/Per Person. This trip will start very early in the morning and finish at about 11 a.m. To register, please email Trip Leader Muni King-Keazor!

Saturday, February 1st- Sunday, February 2nd: Explore the Sacred Ado-Awaye Mountain and the Iyake Suspended Lake in Oyo State
Saturday, February 15th: A Boat Trip and Tour of Makoko, the Stilt Village
Sunday, February 16th: Horses and More: A Fabulous Day at the Ikeja Saddle Club!
Saturday, February 22nd: Tarqua Bay: Beach and Local Village Life Experience
Saturday, February 29th- March 1st: Explore the Ancient Hills of Idanre, its History and the Tranquil Countryside

TRIP SUMMARIES

Saturday, February 1st- Sunday, February 2nd: Explore the Sacred Ado-Awaye Mountain and the Iyake Suspended Lake in Oyo State
Oyo State is in the heart of Yoruba Land, a place where traditional culture still thrives. The feature of this trip is to explore the Oke-Ado Mountain and the traditional sacred places for which this mountain in known. On the plateau at the mountain’s peak lies Iyake Lake, a small but clear lake which is an important sacred place for the Yoruba of Oyo. Also known as the “suspended” or hanging lake it is one of only two such water/geological formations in the world, the other being in Colorado.
The group will leave early on Saturday morning and drive approximately 4 hours to the base of the Oke-Ado to start the climb to the lake. The hike is not long but it is steep and quite demanding. There will be the opportunity to visit other sacred places along the route to the hilltop. Near the Lake is the village of Ado Awaiye where we hope to have an audience with the Oba. Paula Dias, a Portuguese historian based in Oyo will be leading the group and through her we will learn about the history, both past and present, of this important site.
We will be staying at the comfortable Begonia Hotel in Oyo. Sunday morning will be spent exploring the Oyo markets, the Palace and other sites of interest in the town. Exact costs are still under development but will likely be approximately 35- 40,000 Naira depending on the numbers. The group will leave by bus early on Saturday morning and return by 5:30 on Sunday. Please register with Stefanie Bas!
This trip is suitable for active people only!
Saturday, February 15th: A Boat Trip and Tour of Makoko, the Stilt Village
The NFS aims to run monthly excursions to Makoko, the Stilt Village. THE NFS has a longstanding relationship with the community and supports the school in Makoko through these excursions.
The trip is a half day excursion. Some take place in the morning, others in the afternoon. We travel in banana boats to the village from VI (see the trip description in December above for more details). The cost is 5,000 Naira per person and this includes a donation to the Makoko Primary School. To register, please contact the Makoko Trip Coordinator, Jane Swiers.
Sunday, February 16th: Horses and More: A Fabulous Day at the Ikeja Saddle Club!
Whether you are a novice or experienced rider, if you are curious about horses and want to enjoy a day in a beautiful setting, this is the trip for you (and your family)! The Ikeja Saddle Club, a valued Lagos institution of more than 50 years, is yours to discover!
Trip Leader, Frederique Pucheros, is an accomplished and passionate horseperson who likes to share her enthusiasm for these majestic animals.
The trip will start with an introduction and tour of The Saddle Club facilities including the stables, grooms, arena riding facilities and polo field. Frederique will provide insights into how to approach and relate to horses as well as introduce riding basics for beginners: e.g. how to sit on a horse, use of legs and hands and balance. People who wish to ride will need to book in advance and will pay an hourly rate (approximately 3500 Naira per hour).
For those who do not wish to ride, the Club sits on 8 acres of land and offers lovely walking terrain with large trees and even bushbucks! Young children can make use of the Club playground. Everyone can enjoy the relaxing and friendly Club House which offers simple but fresh meals at a modest price.
The group will convoy from Ikoyi (car pooling will be possible for those without cars) at 9 a.m. and the group will leave the Club between 2 p.m to 3 p.m following lunch. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes by car. The only cost is lunch and the fee for riding for those who wish to book in advance. To register, please contact Trip Leader Frederique Puchercos.
Saturday, February 22nd: Tarkwa Bay: Beach and Local Village Life Experience with Guide Marie
This trip is for members who want to have an immersive beach experience. We will tour Tarkwa and nearby villages and soak in the beauty, vibrancy and history of Tarkwa Bay.
The trip participants will set off for Tarkwa Bay early on Saturday by boat. On arrival we commence our trek with Lighthouse Beach and Lord Lugard House. We will then walk through village trails to several Tarkwa Bay villages and small farms, as well as visit local artisans (sculptors, raffia matt weavers, cap makers) and local eateries. We will return to the beach front to freshen up, enjoy a beachside barbeque and relax. We will leave Tarkwa by boat by 4:30-5 p.m. The program is still under development! There may be an overnight option as well!
The cost is under development but will be in the range of 15,000 per person for the day including entrance fees, guides, transport by boat to and from Tarkwa, lunch, beach tent and chairs and barbeque. Megan Bagdonas is the Trip Leader.
Saturday, February 29th- March 1st: Explore the Ancient Hills of Idanre, its History and the Tranquil Countryside
The hills of Idanre in Ondo State are one of the most beautiful landscapes in Nigeria. They are ‘inselbergs’ or rocky outcrops which at 3000 feet form the highest elevation in south-west Nigeria. In Yoruba tradition, the hills are known to be sacred and are associated with Ogun, the deity of iron. This marriage of tradition and beauty moved Poet Laureate, Wole Soyinka, to write his epic poem ‘Idanre’.
The people of Idanre lived in these rocky outcrops until 1923 when they migrated to the base where the village now stands. After a gradual climb of 600+ stairs, you will reach the top of the rock with its breathtaking views of the valley below. You will also have the opportunity to discover the remains of the old village, which, though deserted, is largely intact.
This trip will include a night in Idanre Town staying in a modest but clean hotel. The primary focus of this trip is trekking the majestical Idanre Hills including an afternoon and an early morning walk for those who wish to experience these majestic hills in the early morning. Other features including visiting the Owa’s Palace and exploring Idanre and the surrounding countryside including a cocoa farm and possibly a local market and local artisans.
It takes approximately five hours to travel to Idanre by road so we will have an early start on Saturday and return to Lagos by about 6 p.m. on Sunday. The cost of the trip assuming a bus rental will be approximately N30,000 per participant (does not include meals). The Trip Leader is Osisiye Tafa.

Saturday, March 7th: A Boat Trip and Tour of Makoko

Saturday, March 7- Sunday, May 8 Forest Elephant Tracking and Camping in Omo Forest Reserve with Expert Filip van Trier

Saturday, March 14th: Boat Ride and Tour of Historic Badagry

Saturday, March 21st – Sunday, March 22th: Traditional Culture in Oyo and the tranquility of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Saturday, March 28th: Explore the richness of Nigerian Art at the NEW Shyllon Museum of Art Guided by Director Jess Castelotte

TRIP SUMMARIES

Saturday, March 7th: A Boat Trip and Tour of Makoko, the Stilt Village
The NFS aims to run monthly excursions to Makoko, the Stilt Village. THE NFS has a longstanding relationship with the community and supports the school in Makoko through these excursions.
The trip is a half day excursion. Some take place in the morning, others in the afternoon. We travel in banana boats to the village from VI (see the trip description in December above for more details). The cost is 5,000 Naira per person and this includes a donation to the Makoko Primary School. To register, please contact the Makoko Trip Coordinator, Jane Swiers.
Saturday-Sunday, March 7-8 Elephant Tracking and Camping in Omo Forest Reserve
with Expert Filip van Trier
This is a chance to be amongst the first to trek in search of forest elephants in the Omo Forest Reserve! Leading the search is Filip van Trier, Head of the Omo Forest Elephant Initiative
This trip is for a small group of adventurers who will be the first “tourists” to Omo Forest since it reopened. It is a camping trip so participants must be prepared to “rough it”. There are some basic cabins for a few who do not have tents
Activities will of course include trekking in search of elephants… there is no guarantee we will come across them but our gracious guides know their movements pretty well so there is a chance. Otherwise you can fish, trek, relax, read, enjoy fresh air and just be away from the city.
This is not a luxury East African safari but it will be an adventure and certainly one to brag about especially if we get to see the elephants. It is also an interesting opportunity to see the work Filip and his team are doing to protect these elephants and hopefully will be an amazing place for tourists to visit in the future
We will leave very early on Saturday morning and return on Sunday before dark. It takes about 4 hours to get to base camp and we will have to take okada part of the way! Smart packing is essential!!
This trip is for a small group of 8 people and we will need 2-3 SUV cars. The cost is currently estimated to be approximately 20,000 per person for food, okada, fuel for cars, guides etc. The Trip Leaders are Filip Van Trier and Lynsey Elston.
Saturday, March14th: Boat Ride and Tour of Historic Badagry
The ancient city of Badagry was founded in 1425. It is located along the ancient Slave Coast of West Africa, now known as the Bight of Benin. By the 1600s, this ancient city had become a thriving community initially reputed for trade in salt but Gberefu beach was to become known as the slave port of Badagry. For four hundred years, the slave trade dominated Badagry as it grew into an important commercial centre flourishing on the export of slaves across the Atlantic to Europe and the Americas.
The Badagry-by-Boat Heritage Tour will depart from Lagos in a comfortable larger boat. After about a one-hour journey, the trip continues with a 3-4 hour walk through the some of the sombre venues associated with this history of Badagry. We will visit the Oba and four major sites Seriki Abass Slave Museum, the Mobee Slave Relics Museum and, the Badagry Heritage Museum and finally, after crossing the lagoon by boat, we will walk the route of the slaves to the Point of No Return.
Self catered lunch will be eaten at a restaurant overlooking the lagoon. We will return to Lagos by boat after a day full of history and heritage. This is an active walking trip although you can be sustained by eating Ajogun, the local biscuit!
This is a full day trip. The maximum number of participants is 15. The detailed budget is still being finalized but it will be about 20,000 per person assuming a full boatload. (Note: the boat is a twin-engine speed boat.) The Trip Leader is Stefanie Bas.
Saturday, March 21st – Sunday, March 22th: Traditional Culture in Oyo and the tranquillity of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
This trip combines an overnight at the 1000-hectare oasis: the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan with a trip to Oyo, one of the important traditional towns in Yorubaland.
The dual purpose of the weekend is to understand the deep and complex philosophy and belief systems of the Yoruba as well as enjoy the facilities of IITA! More program details to come! The Trip Leader is Adun Okupe.
Saturday, March 28th: Explore the richness of Nigerian Art at the NEW Shyllon Museum of Art Guided by Director Jess Castelotte
Located at the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos now boasts a world class Museum featuring Nigerian traditional, modern and contemporary art! It is truly outstanding! The building itself is a work of art!
Art collector and philanthropist, Prince Yemisi Shyllon, contributed both substantial financial support as well as art from his vast collection to make this dream come true. The Museum aims to be an intellectual hub that teaches diverse audiences about the richness of Nigerian art. Nigeria owes Prince a deep debt of gratitude.
NFS participants will have the honour of a personal tour of The Shyllon Museum by its architect, Director and art historian, Jess Castellote. You will feel Jess’s passion for both the art and the Museum’s ambitious learning program.
The group will meet at Lekki Conservation Centre and car convoy to the University. The cost of the trip will be 1000 Naira per person for the entry and the guided tour plus any small cost related to car sharing. Joan Egwuterai is the Trip Leader.

Saturday, April 4th and possibly Sunday 5th: Saga: Riverain Village Trip

Thursday, April 9th to Monday, April 12th: Easter in The Gambia!

Saturday, April 18th: A Boat Trip and Tour of Makoko, the Stilt Village

Saturday, April 25th to Sunday, April 26th: Rural Development in Action: A Trip to Iseyin /Oyo: with Nike Tinubu

TRIP SUMMARIES

Saturday, April 4th and possibly Sunday 5th: Saga: Riverine Village Trip
Saga is a small village on the Lagos Lagoon with a big reputation! Saga has produced world class canoeists as well as expert swimmers and kayakers!
The village is located about 20 minutes by boat from Epe which is a beautiful ride through the inland waterways. The trip is still under development and may offer an overnight option for those who wish to experience village life on the lagoon. More information to follow. The Trip Leaders are Filip Van Trier and Lynsey Elston.
Thursday, April 9th to Monday, April 12th: Easter in The Gambia!
Trip Leader, Jaco has led NFS trips to our West African neighbours Benin, Sierra Leone, and Sao Tome and now he is taking us to The Gambia! Jaco—you are amazing!!!
The Gambia is a small country bounded by Senegal, known for its diverse ecosystems around the central Gambia River. Details of this trip are forthcoming! Jaco Louw is the Trip Leader.
Saturday, April 18th: A Boat Trip and Tour of Makoko, the Stilt Village
The NFS aims to run monthly excursions to Makoko, the Stilt Village. THE NFS has a longstanding relationship with the community and supports the school in Makoko through these excursions.
The trip is a half day excursion. Some take place in the morning, others in the afternoon. We travel in banana boats to the village from VI (see the trip description in December above for more details). The cost is 5,000 Naira per person and this includes a donation to the Makoko Primary School. To register, please contact the Makoko Trip Coordinator, Jane Swiers.
Saturday, April 25th to Sunday, April 26th: Rural Development in Action: A Trip to Iseyin /Oyo: with Nike Tinubu
This trip offers a rare opportunity to visit a vast farm in Oyo State and see true rural development in action!! The remarkable cassava entreprenuer and processer, Nike Tinubu will take us through her voyage of transformation. The group will see Fulani villages, traditional garri makers, honey producers, cassava farming and processing. More details to come! The Trip Leader is Genco Sanli.

Friday, May 1st-May 3rd: A 3 Day Weekend in Historic Benin City

Saturday, May 9th: A Boat Trip and Tour of Makoko, the Stilt Village

Friday, May 15th- Sunday, May 17: Experience the Abuja, the Nation’s Capital and Gurara Falls!

Saturday, May 23rd to Tuesday, May 26th: Eid and the Durbars of Kano and Katsina

TRIP SUMMARIES

Friday, May 1st-May 3rd: A 3-Day Weekend in Historic Benin City
Benin City is a place of great historic importance. It was the capital of the vast Benin Kingdom founded in the 13 Century which, at its peak, was surrounded by over 5,000 kilometers of protective walls. Now Benin is the capital city of Edo State , home of the famous Benin bronzes and an important agricultural hub.
The Trip will include witnessing Benin bronzes being made in the traditional lost wax method; Museum visits; and learning about the rich history and culture of the people of Edo. More details to come! The Trip Leaders are Stefanie Bas and Temi Etomi.
Saturday, May 9th: A Boat Trip and Tour of Makoko, the Stilt Village
The NFS aims to run monthly excursions to Makoko, the Stilt Village. THE NFS has a longstanding relationship with the community and supports the school in Makoko through these excursions.
The trip is a half day excursion. Some take place in the morning, others in the afternoon. We travel in banana boats to the village from VI (see the trip description in December above for more details). The cost is 5,000 Naira per person and this includes a donation to the Makoko Primary School. To register, please contact the Makoko Trip Coordinator, Jane Swiers.
Friday, May 15th- Sunday, May 17: Experience the Abuja, the Nation’s Capital and the Gurara Falls!
This trip is made possible by Tarik, an Abuja based NFS member, who will take us on an insider’s visit to the nation’s capital! A new city, built in the 1980s with wide boulevards free from the crush of traffic and a dry climate, Abuja strikes a strong contrast to Lagos. The group will catch a late afternoon flight to Abuja and enjoy two nights in the Abuja returning on Sunday. More details to come. The Trip Leader is Tarek Chazli assisted by Stefanie Bas.
Saturday, May 23rd to Tuesday, May 26th: Eid and the Durbars of Kano and Katsina
To witness a Durbar, the traditional celebration of the end of Ramadan, is a rare privilege.
Eid el Fatir, one of the two major Muslim festivals, is celebrated with great importance in Nigeria and nowhere more so than in Kano and Katsina. The Durbar is famed for its pageantry as the traditional rulers greet their Emir. The Trip Leader is Paulette van Trier, a close person friend of the Emir of Kano, assisted by Joan Egwuterai and IB Oyibo.

Saturday, June 6th -Sunday, June 7th: Experience the Sacred Groves of Osogbo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Saturday, June 20th: A Boat Trip and Tour of Makoko, the Stilt Village

TRIP SUMMARIES

Saturday, June 6th – Sunday, June 7th: Experience the Sacred Groves of Osogbo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
If there is one place that every person is Nigeria should visit, it is the Osun Osogbo Sacred Groves. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, it is one of only two Sites in Nigeria.
The Sacred Grove is a majestic 75-hectare old growth forest with the meandering Osun River running through it. Susanne Wenger, a renowned Austrian artist who died at the age of 93 in 2009, moved to Osogbo in the 1950s and was initiated as a High Priestess in the Yoruba tradition. Together with Nigerian artists of The New Sacred Art Movement, they created monumental sculptures and Shrines dedicated to traditional orisa (deities) in the Sacred Groves. These majestic sculptures, some over three stories in height, must be seen to be believed! More information to follow. The Trip Leader is Adun Okupe.
Saturday, June 20th: A Boat Trip and Tour of Makoko, the Stilt Village
The NFS aims to run monthly excursions to Makoko, the Stilt Village. THE NFS has a longstanding relationship with the community and supports the school in Makoko through these excursions.
The trip is a half day excursion. Some take place in the morning, others in the afternoon. We travel in banana boats to the village from VI (see the trip description in December above for more details). The cost is 5,000 Naira per person and this includes a donation to the Makoko Primary School. To register, please contact the Makoko Trip Coordinator, Jane Swiers.