Weekend Escape to Abuja – A Travelstart Nigeria Adventure

Weekend jaunts are always a good idea. Even more so when you get to make them with amazing people. As I mentioned in this post, I got a chance to explore Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja with Travelstart Nigeria and my friends, Fola of Folaswaka, Lola of Unravelling Nigeria and Mofe of Naija Nomads.

We had 24 hours to see as much as we could in the city, so we channelled our inner James Williams – you know, the host of CNN’s ‘In 24 hours’ – and hit the ground running as soon as we dropped our bags. Our first stop was Magicland Abuja – an amusement park located within the city. We arrived early and were practically the first ones in. We had the park to ourselves giving us a perfect opportunity to let our goofy sides out!

After our stop at the park, we headed to the Nigerian National Mosque and the National Church of Nigeria. The simple, yet the elegant architecture of these buildings were a pleasant surprise. I was equally impressed with the reception and tours we were given. For the mosque, a security guard took us around the building. Even though he didn’t quite say anything about it, we were glad to have a tour none the less.

Abuja National Mosquetravelstart abujaThe reverse was the case at the National Church as our guide was so enthusiastic to tell us every single detail about it! It was generally a good tour and by the time we were done, we were all famished. So we hit a local fast food restaurant for a quick lunch before we continued our tour through the city.

national church abujaAfter lunch, we attempted to get to the National Assembly. I say ‘attempted’ because we were prevented from getting anywhere close to it. Apparently, you need to write to the senate and wait a period of 2 weeks to get an authorization to visit.

As we didn’t have any letter, we packed our load and headed to the National Children Park and Zoo, Abuja. The zoo was a bit empty, save for a few animals. So don’t go expecting to see any of the big 5. Actually, scratch that, they had a huge buffalo.

national assemblyabuja millenium parkMillnium ParkAfter the National Children Park and Zoo, we visited the Millennium Park, spent some time there before heading to the Arts and Crafts Market, our last destination for the day.

arts craft villageBy the end of the day, we were spent and all everyone could think of was dinner and a nice bed. But we had such a fun day, it was all worth it!

Have you visited Abuja before, or do you currently live there? What would be your itinerary if you had only 24 hours to see the city?

8 comments

  1. Hi. Wanted to know what mode of transport you guys used to get round. I’m due to have 4 days on my own in Abuja and wanted to know how to safely get by alone.

    1. Hi Abi, we had a bus to take us around during our visit. I think you should be fine with Uber or Taxify in Abuja.

  2. Awwwww, the only time I went to Abuja was for a school trip, where we were kept (in another school) for three days, so no adventure there.
    I do plan on going to Abuja really soon, I can’t believe you were able to do all these in one day, looks so fun! In 24 hours, i would Really want to see the church and mosque, looks stunning. Also, go to the Arts and Crafts Market too!
    The National Assembly though… Na wa oh

    1. It was a lot for a day but it was fun. When you get to visit, maybe plan to split these into 2 or 3 days. You could easily spend an entire afternoon picnicking at the Millennium Park. The Church and Mosque are close by and easy to visit within an hour or so…

    1. We had a great time indeed! And I agree, Abuja is really beautiful. After only just popping in and out in the past, I had a little more time to appreciate the city more this time around.

      Thanks for stopping by Tokoni.

  3. That looks like such a great adventure with the girls.
    And omg that mosque looks beautiful, I love the details.
    Particularly impressed that you all were able to get in. I’ve heard stories about it being prohibited.
    Looks like 24 hours was very well spent. 🙂

    1. Thanks Ufuoma. It was really a fun time with the girls. As for the mosque, I didn’t even know about it being prohibited or not but our contact in Abuja (Amadi of sagetravels.com) worked his magic while we waited, so big thanks to him.

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Guess where! 👀
Guess where! 👀
20 hours ago
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1/9
Let me be honest, that tripod was never going to see the light of day! 🤭
Let me be honest, that tripod was never going to see the light of day! 🤭
2 days ago
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2/9
What a beautiful city! 😍

#kamoriver #kyoto #japan
What a beautiful city! 😍 #kamoriver #kyoto #japan
3 days ago
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3/9
Clear views of Mount Fuji, a beautiful lake and swans... what more could I possibly ask for? 🥰
_____________________

If you visit the area, here are some places you'll find the swans + a perfect view of Mount Fuji 🏔🦢

📌 Hirano Beach 白鳥浜: There's an elderly gentleman who comes to feed the swans from around 8:30am to 4pm, so you're likely to see flocks of swans here
📌 In front of Koyu Club Hotel (コーユー倶楽部山中湖畔サロン)
📌 A little further down the road from the last location is a dock where you can also rent swan boats.

For clear views of Mount Fuji, winter, spring and autumn have the most days with clear visibility. You can always look up the weather forecast to see what the day's going to be like before you visit. 

Early mornings and evenings give you the best chance of seeing the gorgeous mountain without any cloud coverings 🤍 On this particular day, Mount Fuji was clearly visible throughout the day!

#lakeyamanaka #fujifivelakes #swanlake #japan
Clear views of Mount Fuji, a beautiful lake and swans... what more could I possibly ask for? 🥰 _____________________ If you visit the area, here are some places you'll find the swans + a perfect view of Mount Fuji 🏔🦢 📌 Hirano Beach 白鳥浜: There's an elderly gentleman who comes to feed the swans from around 8:30am to 4pm, so you're likely to see flocks of swans here 📌 In front of Koyu Club Hotel (コーユー倶楽部山中湖畔サロン) 📌 A little further down the road from the last location is a dock where you can also rent swan boats. For clear views of Mount Fuji, winter, spring and autumn have the most days with clear visibility. You can always look up the weather forecast to see what the day's going to be like before you visit. Early mornings and evenings give you the best chance of seeing the gorgeous mountain without any cloud coverings 🤍 On this particular day, Mount Fuji was clearly visible throughout the day! #lakeyamanaka #fujifivelakes #swanlake #japan
4 days ago
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4/9
This town was a beautiful surprise in Japan 😍

To get here, we travelled from Kyoto to Nagoya and from there to Nakatsugawa. From Nakatsugawa Station, we had to take another bus to Magome-Juku but the commute was so worth it!

-------‐‐‐--‐

Magome forms part of the Nakasendo Trail, a historic route that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period in Japan. It traverses the mountainous heart of Japan, offering breathtaking views of forests, rivers, and traditional villages.

The trail is known for its 69 post towns where people would rest along the way. Today, parts of the Nakasendo are well-preserved, allowing hikers to experience a mix of nature and history as they walk through charming old towns like Magome and Tsumago, where time seems to stand still amidst the preserved traditional architecture.

#travelinspiration #japantrip #magome #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
This town was a beautiful surprise in Japan 😍 To get here, we travelled from Kyoto to Nagoya and from there to Nakatsugawa. From Nakatsugawa Station, we had to take another bus to Magome-Juku but the commute was so worth it! -------‐‐‐--‐ Magome forms part of the Nakasendo Trail, a historic route that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period in Japan. It traverses the mountainous heart of Japan, offering breathtaking views of forests, rivers, and traditional villages. The trail is known for its 69 post towns where people would rest along the way. Today, parts of the Nakasendo are well-preserved, allowing hikers to experience a mix of nature and history as they walk through charming old towns like Magome and Tsumago, where time seems to stand still amidst the preserved traditional architecture. #travelinspiration #japantrip #magome #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
6 days ago
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5/9
Black Crow Castle, standing strong since the 1500s — a true Japanese gem!
Black Crow Castle, standing strong since the 1500s — a true Japanese gem!
6 days ago
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Travel Amarachi is VERY different from Home Amarachi! Am I living a fake life?😭😂

Because,my ideal day will start at 10 or 11am and end at 2am. I'm a night owl 🦉, not an early bird 🐦 - a complete opposite of who I become when I travel!

Tea or Coffee? No, thanks! I'll take a glass of orange juice please! 🍹 But "Travel-Amarachi" will take that matcha 🍵, with the beautiful cafe to matcha! See what I did there? 😉 #thefunniestgirlinNigeria #MFGN👑

I only hike for love ❤️ and my Love can faint if he goes on a trip that doesn't include any bit of hiking. So here we are!

+1: I am also a big home buddy. If you catch me outside, I must really love you! But Travel-Amarachi can't stay put in the hotel!
_____________________________

Over to you! What are some ways travel-you differs from home-you? Let me know in the comment section below!

#travelinspiration #japantrip #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
Travel Amarachi is VERY different from Home Amarachi! Am I living a fake life?😭😂 Because,my ideal day will start at 10 or 11am and end at 2am. I'm a night owl 🦉, not an early bird 🐦 - a complete opposite of who I become when I travel! Tea or Coffee? No, thanks! I'll take a glass of orange juice please! 🍹 But "Travel-Amarachi" will take that matcha 🍵, with the beautiful cafe to matcha! See what I did there? 😉 #thefunniestgirlinNigeria #MFGN👑 I only hike for love ❤️ and my Love can faint if he goes on a trip that doesn't include any bit of hiking. So here we are! +1: I am also a big home buddy. If you catch me outside, I must really love you! But Travel-Amarachi can't stay put in the hotel! _____________________________ Over to you! What are some ways travel-you differs from home-you? Let me know in the comment section below! #travelinspiration #japantrip #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
1 week ago
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7/9
An absolutely wonderful time in the most stunning country! 😍😍

#japantrip2025🇯🇵🌸⛩️
An absolutely wonderful time in the most stunning country! 😍😍 #japantrip2025🇯🇵🌸⛩️
1 week ago
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8/9
Public holidays should be your best friend if you work full time and love to travel. Eid and Easter fall between the months of March and June.

If you plan out your vacation time properly, you can:

🌸: get 24 vacation days ✈️ by taking only 12 days off! 🤯. Perfect for your Asian odyssey or West African road trip from Nigeria to Cote D'Ivoire 🚌

You can also split this time, taking shorter breaks in addition to the public holidays.

Take 12 days off from March 31 to April 21 to get 24 vacation days (including weekend and public holidays)! 😀 

Mar 31 - Apr 01: Likely Eid Al Fitr
Apr 18 - Apr 21: Easter

Send this post to your manager immediately! 🚀
Public holidays should be your best friend if you work full time and love to travel. Eid and Easter fall between the months of March and June. If you plan out your vacation time properly, you can: 🌸: get 24 vacation days ✈️ by taking only 12 days off! 🤯. Perfect for your Asian odyssey or West African road trip from Nigeria to Cote D'Ivoire 🚌 You can also split this time, taking shorter breaks in addition to the public holidays. Take 12 days off from March 31 to April 21 to get 24 vacation days (including weekend and public holidays)! 😀 Mar 31 - Apr 01: Likely Eid Al Fitr Apr 18 - Apr 21: Easter Send this post to your manager immediately! 🚀
1 month ago
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