2016: The Year in Review

The curtain is finally closing on the year 2016 and once again, the time has come for us to reflect and review our plans for the new year. This year has been particularly exciting for me and I’m so grateful to see the end of it. Here are my highlights for 2016;

January: Explored India a little. I visited Pune, Lavasa, Lonavala, spent New Years day with friends in Mahabaleshwar, took a tour of the golden triangle and explored New Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and Jaipur. I also got to experience my first safari in Ranthambore where I went searching for Bengal Tigers.

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February: Wrote an article about my Indian holiday and this was published on Social Prefect’s travel blog.

March: Took a trip with my sister to South Africa. We explored Cape Town, went paragliding, spent 33 hours on a train from Cape Town to Johannesburg and went in search of the big five in Kruger National Park.

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April: Went on my very first group tour with Unravelling Nigeria to Idanre Hills. I also explored parks in Lagos like the Lufasi Park and Lekki Conservation Center; went in search of some of the best beaches in Lagos but ended up visiting only Eleko beach. We’ll see how many I can get to in 2017.

Also in April, my article on the Unravelling Nigeria trip got featured on Eat Tech Travel

May: I got shortlisted for the Saraba Manuscript Award. Out of over 70 entries, my book, along with 3 others, made the shortlist. Even though I didn’t win, I’m quite pleased with the overall outcome of the event.

July: was for exploring South West Nigeria. I visited Erin Ijesha Waterfalls, Arinta Waterfalls, Erio-Ekiti, Ikogosi Warm Springs, Cocoa House in Ibadan and the University of Ibadan Zoological garden. I also took a road trip to Enugu and went on a tour to Olumo Rock, Abeokuta with Social Prefect.

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In August, I attempted visiting Okomu National Park in Edo State. I wasn’t able to get into the park as the time of visit wasn’t suitable due to the rains. I planned to go back during the harmattan season in December/January but I am doubtful that this trip will happen in January. Maybe December 2017, we’ll see!

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September: My sister and I visited Tanzania hoping to meet the annual wildebeest migration. We weren’t able to do so but we had an amazing time regardless. We started off the trip with a short stay in Nairobi before heading over to Arusha. We then went on to visit Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara NP.

We had an amazing time filled with new experiences. From dancing with the Maasai to gliding in a hot air balloon and sleeping in a tent in the wild, this trip was all we wanted in a vacation and more.

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Then we headed over to Zanzibar, where we spent a couple of days exploring Stone Town, the beautiful beaches of Jambiani and the spices of Zanzibar.

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October: Went on another Unravelling Nigeria tour to Agodi Parks and Oke-ado mountains.

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Also got interviewed/featured by 3 amazing bloggers. I was featured on CassieDaves’ 5 new blogs to read, then I had an interview with Ufuoma of theufuoma.com

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And later with Naija Nomads.

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November was for super budget trips and exploring my adventurous side a little bit more. I explored sites in two countries for N20K only, experienced my first ever land border crossing at Seme, slept in a stranger’s home for 2 nights in Fidjrosse, (barely) touched a live python in Ouidah and walked the slave trade routes in Ouidah and Badagry.

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Also in November, this blog turned one. I celebrated this by giving out three tickets to three amazing tours within Nigeria organized by Social Prefect, Naija Nomads and Irinajo.

And in December: I got interviewed by Jumia Travel

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won a Samsung phone from Titlope and Samsung Nigeria for this video below; (PS: contestants were required to share some of their best moments in the year 2016)

and started a YouTube channel with NaijaNomads and Folaswaka

This year was certainly filled with lots of fun and running this blog inspired me to do a lot of  things I never imagined I could do. (I really hope it does the same for you too). I am happy to have been able to share this journey with everyone of you and I am grateful for all your support, emails, comments and feedback.

PS: The articles below explain how I am able to travel with respect to time and money.

PPS: My number 1 goal for this blog is to encourage Nigerians to travel more (and differently) and to help dispel certain travel myths – one of which is the myth that ‘only rich people can travel‘. Like I’ve said a few times, you don’t always need a large budget to travel (if that is your passion). Don’t be afraid to start small and scale up later…

I hope 2017 would be a wonderful year for us all!

I would love to hear about your year. Did you try anything new or exciting? What are your (travel) plans for 2017?

4 comments

  1. Are there any tour groups in naija where we can travel within and outside Nigeria in a group?

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

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Here's how I would spend 7 days in Thailand! ✈️🍃

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
Day 2: Spend a day in Bangkok exploring the city and her temples
Day 3: Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai + explore the temples and city 
Day 4: Drive to Chiang Mai and explore the city and night markets 
Day 5: More explorations in Chiang Mai
Day 6: Fly to Phuket
Day 7: Do an Island hopping trip

Head home! 🥰

----------------------

I spent 16 days in Thailand in March and it was amazing! Could have easily stayed longer. So if you can, plan for longer than 7 days 😉

How would you spend 7 days in Thailand? 👇🏾💬
Here's how I would spend 7 days in Thailand! ✈️🍃 Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok Day 2: Spend a day in Bangkok exploring the city and her temples Day 3: Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai + explore the temples and city Day 4: Drive to Chiang Mai and explore the city and night markets Day 5: More explorations in Chiang Mai Day 6: Fly to Phuket Day 7: Do an Island hopping trip Head home! 🥰 ---------------------- I spent 16 days in Thailand in March and it was amazing! Could have easily stayed longer. So if you can, plan for longer than 7 days 😉 How would you spend 7 days in Thailand? 👇🏾💬
16 hours ago
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1/9
So I "listened" to you all and revised this to a very high level guide.

Generally, it seems there are more options for shoulder season travel in February, Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).

July and August are typically busy times or have heavy rains in some places.

Once again, this is a rough guide, okay? 😅. Happy Travels!
So I "listened" to you all and revised this to a very high level guide. Generally, it seems there are more options for shoulder season travel in February, Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). July and August are typically busy times or have heavy rains in some places. Once again, this is a rough guide, okay? 😅. Happy Travels!
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
This staycation gave me everything I love about travel! Stunning views of Kilimanjaro, peaceful moments with wildlife, and an eco-luxury lodge, right in the heart of Amboseli! ✨️

A staycation that felt like a dream safari. No airport queues, no jet lag - just pure magic a few hours from home!

📍Tawi Lodge, Amboseli, Kenya 🇰🇪 
👉🏽 Save this if you're planning a local escape 👣
This staycation gave me everything I love about travel! Stunning views of Kilimanjaro, peaceful moments with wildlife, and an eco-luxury lodge, right in the heart of Amboseli! ✨️ A staycation that felt like a dream safari. No airport queues, no jet lag - just pure magic a few hours from home! 📍Tawi Lodge, Amboseli, Kenya 🇰🇪 👉🏽 Save this if you're planning a local escape 👣
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
🌤 Everyone visits and loves Chiang Mai! No hate here - I actually loved it too! But have you heard about Chiang Rai (and I don't just mean the White Temple alone)

We stayed here for two days and honestly loved it so much! Getting to visit the city's main temples and a few lesser known ones before the day trip crowd arrived was blissful!🍃✨️

We loved the beautiful cafés and restaurants and the slower pace of life. Most places were never crowded - even during peak hours. I would certainly revisit if I had the choice!

What about you? Have you been to Chiang Rai? Let me know in the comments!

‐---------------

Hi! 👋🏽 I'm a Nigerian Travel Blogger based in Kenya 🇰🇪, showing you how to travel well (even with your 9-5!). If you love underrated travel destinations, detailed travel guides and itinerary + cost breakdowns, you've found the right account! Let's explore together! ✈️
🌤 Everyone visits and loves Chiang Mai! No hate here - I actually loved it too! But have you heard about Chiang Rai (and I don't just mean the White Temple alone) We stayed here for two days and honestly loved it so much! Getting to visit the city's main temples and a few lesser known ones before the day trip crowd arrived was blissful!🍃✨️ We loved the beautiful cafés and restaurants and the slower pace of life. Most places were never crowded - even during peak hours. I would certainly revisit if I had the choice! What about you? Have you been to Chiang Rai? Let me know in the comments! ‐--------------- Hi! 👋🏽 I'm a Nigerian Travel Blogger based in Kenya 🇰🇪, showing you how to travel well (even with your 9-5!). If you love underrated travel destinations, detailed travel guides and itinerary + cost breakdowns, you've found the right account! Let's explore together! ✈️
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Here's how I would spend 7 days in Thailand! ✈️🍃

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
Day 2: Spend a day in Bangkok exploring the city and her temples
Day 3: Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai + explore the temples and city 
Day 4: Drive to Chiang Mai and explore the city and night markets 
Day 5: More explorations in Chiang Mai
Day 6: Fly to Phuket
Day 7: Do an Island hopping trip

Head home!

I spent 16 days in Thailand in March and it was amazing! Could have easily stayed longer. So if you can, plan for longer than 7 days 😉

How would you spend 7 days in Thailand? 👇🏾💬
Here's how I would spend 7 days in Thailand! ✈️🍃 Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok Day 2: Spend a day in Bangkok exploring the city and her temples Day 3: Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai + explore the temples and city Day 4: Drive to Chiang Mai and explore the city and night markets Day 5: More explorations in Chiang Mai Day 6: Fly to Phuket Day 7: Do an Island hopping trip Head home! I spent 16 days in Thailand in March and it was amazing! Could have easily stayed longer. So if you can, plan for longer than 7 days 😉 How would you spend 7 days in Thailand? 👇🏾💬
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
🧳✈️ Where to Travel Month by Month (Shoulder to Late Shoulder Season Edition) 🌍

Plan smarter with this month-by-month shoulder season travel guide! I've rounded up the best countries to visit when the weather is still great - without the tourist rush!

The only anomalies here are the December locations cos of the cold and holidays. But Christmas season in the US can be magical and early December (outside holidays) can be a great time to visit these places. So definitely worth going then if you have a more flexible budget.

Also, July and August are peak months virtually everywhere because of school holidays. So plan for early days or visit lesser known cities and attractions to get the most out of those months 🥰

This is how to travel with fewer crowds, better deals, and epic experiences all year round! 🌤🍃

Did I miss out on any fantastic destination to visit in shoulder season? Let me know below! 👇🏾💬
🧳✈️ Where to Travel Month by Month (Shoulder to Late Shoulder Season Edition) 🌍 Plan smarter with this month-by-month shoulder season travel guide! I've rounded up the best countries to visit when the weather is still great - without the tourist rush! The only anomalies here are the December locations cos of the cold and holidays. But Christmas season in the US can be magical and early December (outside holidays) can be a great time to visit these places. So definitely worth going then if you have a more flexible budget. Also, July and August are peak months virtually everywhere because of school holidays. So plan for early days or visit lesser known cities and attractions to get the most out of those months 🥰 This is how to travel with fewer crowds, better deals, and epic experiences all year round! 🌤🍃 Did I miss out on any fantastic destination to visit in shoulder season? Let me know below! 👇🏾💬
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Is this you?

- You're a Nigerian passport holder 🇳🇬
- Tired of expensive and tasking visa applications 
- Looking to explore somewhere new or build your travel history 
- Exploring Asia soon?

Consider adding Hong Kong 🇭🇰 to your itinerary! HK currently issues evisas to Nigerian citizens and the best part? You pay nothing until it is approved! But be sure to apply early. Because even though the visa is cheap and easy to apply for, it can take a while to be processed!

Happy Travels! 🇭🇰
Is this you? - You're a Nigerian passport holder 🇳🇬 - Tired of expensive and tasking visa applications - Looking to explore somewhere new or build your travel history - Exploring Asia soon? Consider adding Hong Kong 🇭🇰 to your itinerary! HK currently issues evisas to Nigerian citizens and the best part? You pay nothing until it is approved! But be sure to apply early. Because even though the visa is cheap and easy to apply for, it can take a while to be processed! Happy Travels! 🇭🇰
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Staying overnight in Hakone was the best decision I made during my trip to Japan! ⛩️

Lines? What lines??! I rode on the pirate ship without any - plus it was empty. No lines for the cable cars either! The Hakone pass came in handy for that! I visited the open air museum and it was delightful. 

And this shrine and torii? I watched a most gorgeous sunrise over the lake. Just me and a crow! It was magical! ✨️

A day trip from Tokyo is possible but an overnight trip? That's the way to do it!
Staying overnight in Hakone was the best decision I made during my trip to Japan! ⛩️ Lines? What lines??! I rode on the pirate ship without any - plus it was empty. No lines for the cable cars either! The Hakone pass came in handy for that! I visited the open air museum and it was delightful. And this shrine and torii? I watched a most gorgeous sunrise over the lake. Just me and a crow! It was magical! ✨️ A day trip from Tokyo is possible but an overnight trip? That's the way to do it!
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
How's this for a hotel send off?🥹
How's this for a hotel send off?🥹
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
Latest Posts
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  • A Quiet Spring Day in Matsumoto

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