An Unravelling Nigeria Adventure to Kwara State – II

We began day two of our tour to Kwara State with a visit to Dada Pottery. After visiting Oowu falls, the Oba’s palace and the University of Ilorin Zoological Garden on day one, it was time to check out the last two destinations of our itinerary – Esie Museum and Dada Pottery.

Oowu Waterfalls, Kwara

We had our breakfast at the hotel and got set for our trip to Dada pottery by 8 am. One of the things I enjoyed most about this trip to Kwara was the ease with which we carried out all the activities. I loved getting out of bed relatively late and getting in early enough to have dinner and even watch a movie or two. It really did feel like a vacation.

Anyway, we arrived at Dada Pottery in good time. I had already gotten accustomed to the size of Kwara State and the distance between one attraction to the next. I expected a longer ride to get to the pottery community but I was happy to be wrong.

Kwara Dada Pottery

Dada Pottery, Kwara State

Our tour of the pottery community, which is one of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, was such a pleasant experience. The leader of the community, Alhaja Raliat, took us through the process of making a pot from when sand is sourced, sieved and mixed with clay to the moulding and then baking of the pots.

It was fascinating to watch her work with patience and expertise in this craft that is said to be as old as Ilorin itself. And as for the people of the Dada community, they were a different story altogether. I am used to being met with hostility when it comes to taking pictures of places (not even people) in Nigeria, but here, I felt so welcomed.

Now that I think (and write) about it, I realize that I felt very welcomed in every single place we visited during this trip. From the hotel staff to the Oba and his chiefs at the palace to the staff who worked the Unilorin zoo gate to Dada Community and to Esie Museum, every single person welcomed us with a smile and so much warmth. This is perhaps another reason why I truly enjoyed this trip.

After we had completed our tour, we left to visit the Esie Museum, the first museum established in Nigeria, without forgetting to buy some pots. This was also close to the city centre, so we arrived in good time.

Kwara Crew_Unravelling Nigeria

As far as museums in Nigeria go, this one was very well preserved and like most museums in Nigeria, we were asked not to take pictures within the premises, so I’ve got none. But the main attraction here was the soapstone figures whose origin has remained a big mystery.

These effigies were found in a circle around a tree some two to three hundred years ago. It is said that they were formerly humans who were transformed into stones by the gods because of their rebellious nature – or they were probably carved by someone. I prefer the former theory and I wonder if the museum has CCTV cams to see if they come alive at night…

nationalchurch abuja
Thoughts that keep me up at night… Do the effigies at Esie museum come alive at night or during a full moon? How can you look so much better when you oh-oh-oh, Kirk Franklin?

We wrapped up our tour at the museum and hopped on the bus to head back to Lagos. We made a few stops to get lunch and to buy souvenirs (roadside foodstuff) but we still arrived in Lagos in good time. And thus, our tour of Kwara state came to an end…*sniff*

I hope you enjoyed following our adventure. If you missed the first part of this trip, here’s the link to catch up on it. And if you’ve enjoyed reading this article, please leave a comment and share!

4 comments

  1. You make embarking on a trip so easy and interesting. Thanks for a lovely content. I should be visiting Kwara State this year and I hope I can just do with this itinerary of yours.

  2. I agree. Everyone was so friendly. Perhaps that’s why it’s called the state of harmony. Everyone just living peacefully together.

    Great post and once again, thank you for joining the tour.

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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
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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! ✨️

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📍Tawi Lodge, Amboseli, Kenya 🇰🇪 
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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 👣
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🌤 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
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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? 👇🏾💬
2 days ago
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🧳✈️ 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! 👇🏾💬
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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! 🇭🇰
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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!
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How's this for a hotel send off?🥹
How's this for a hotel send off?🥹
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