Thread by @funmioyatogun

This is the story of how to explore SIX of Nigeria's best tourism sites in 3 days for only ₦65,000! That's: Idanre Hills, Erin Ijesha Waterfalls, Ikogosi Warmsprings, Ooni's Palace - Ife, Oranmiyan's Staff & Moremi Statue. It's the roadtrip of a lifetime!

[A Thread]

1. When I set out to make Nigerian adventures fun and affordable, it was ambitious. I started with single destinations but then I thought...if we travel all the way to Western Nigeria, why can't we just kill 6 birds with 1 stone? And thus the BEST OF THE WEST tour was born!

2. I shared the idea with a bunch of people and before we knew it, 12 people were in! That was all we needed to get the roadtrip set on a budget and still have a comfortable and adventurous experience. We had a slim budget, 3 days, 6 sites and 3 Western Nigerian sites to cover.

3. We left from Lagos on the morning of Day 1 in our AC bus and with our super cool driver. The views were epic. Western Nigeria has lush forests and hills so the drive across states will have you oohing, aahing and whipping out your cameras.

4. By midday on Day 1, we got to Idanre Hills in Ondo State. These hills have 660 steps and then bare rock that will give you mountain envy. See how stunning the hills are. There's also so much history that the guide explained as we climbed. We kept stopping for snaps.

5. Look! These are ruins of a palace that was built on top the hill. Folks, we have so much history in this country, it is mind-blowing. And can anyone guess what this stone was used for? Hint: anyone who could carry it to chest level received a huge prize!

6. At the end of Day 1, we took our tired and satisfied bodies to our nice hotel in Akure. The drive was short and smooth. With two people sharing a room, we were able to cut accommodation costs. That evening, we played games and ate and drank at the hotel's poolside!

7. On Day 2, we drove out to Erin Ijesha Waterfalls in Osun State. Have you ever hiked a hill, plucked fruits on the way, stumbled on hunters killing a bird, savored incredible views and soaked in waterfalls as you go? Well, I have! It was nature and culture, all in one!

8. It was marvellous. Erin Ijesha Waterfalls has 7 steps and most people stop at step two. If you want a true adventure, give yourself a few hrs to explore all 7 steps! I learned about how kolanut grows, saw 90yr- old farmers & kids bathing at the source of the falls. What joy!

9. Later on Day 2, we didn't think the trip could get any better but we still had more! We drove down to Ikogosi Warmsprings where we were lodging for the night. This is a really beautiful resort (some maintenance issues) but we felt at peace here.

10. Ikogosi Warmsprings has a fascinating legend. The hot water flows out of a rock and all of a sudden, turns cold. No gradient, no warm pool, just a sharp change. Gossy Water (RIP) used to be bottled from here. The water is clean and arguably medicinal.

11. On Day 3, we couldn't believe how much we had covered in two days. As we drove back to Lagos, we visited the Ooni's Palace in Ife and learned so much about Yoruba customs. One of us even stepped on a shrine and almost got "wifed" by a chief as punishment 😂😂😂

12. We moved to Oranmiyan's staff, where we sat down under a tree and listened to a very old man tell us stories about history, like Tales by Moonlight. And to cap it, Moremi Statue! Our very own indigenous Queen Esther! This is the 3rd tallest statue in Africa!

13. By the evening of Day 3, we were back in Lagos! Travelling Nigeria can be fun, affordable and memorable. So much hiking, learning, dancing, fooooooooood 😍 and amazing memories. So, of course, we are going again in June for only ₦62,000! But there's bad news & good news...

14. The bad news is that we are sold out! The trip got fully booked immediately we announced it. The good news is that if you have a group of 12 or more, we can do this discounted package for your group.

15. Remember, the cost is inclusive of EVERYTHING: AC bus, hotels, meals, soft drinks & water, all tours, goody bags, travel insurance, etc.

That's Nigeria's Best of the West, folks. I hope this has shown you a Nigeria you had never seen before.

#MyBudgetAfrica.

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