7-Day Southwest Nigeria: Osun Sacred Grove, Olumo Rock & Idanre Hills

Day 1: Arrive Lagos — Art & Culture

Arrive Lagos. Afternoon: Nike Art Gallery (10,000+ works), Lekki Conservation Centre canopy walkway. Evening: Terra Kulture for Nigerian arts and dinner. Overnight Lagos.

Day 2: Badagry — The Route of No Return

Full day Badagry: Heritage Museum, Slave Route walk, Attenuation Well, Point of No Return at Gberefu Beach. Return to Lagos. Overnight Lagos.

Day 3: Abeokuta — Olumo Rock & Adire Art

Drive to Abeokuta. Climb Olumo Rock (137m granite fortress). Afternoon: Itoku Market for Adire indigo fabric workshops. Drive to Ibadan. Overnight Ibadan.

Day 4: Idanre Hills — Ancient Hilltop Kingdom

Drive to Idanre Hills, one of Nigeria’s most spectacular natural sites — a UNESCO tentative site. Climb 682 steps to Old Idanre, a hilltop settlement inhabited for over 800 years. Explore the Owa’s Palace (king’s court), ancient shrines, the mysterious Agboogun footprint (said to be a giant’s), and panoramic views across the forested landscape. The old school, court, and church — built by colonial missionaries in the 1900s — sit eerily preserved on the hilltop. Overnight Akure/Idanre.

Day 5: Idanre to Oshogbo — Sacred Forest

Morning drive through Ondo State to Oshogbo. Afternoon: first exploration of the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove — the UNESCO-listed Yoruba sacred forest. Walk among shrines and sculptures, with Susanne Wenger’s haunting artworks integrated into the forest. Overnight Oshogbo.

Day 6: Osun Sacred Grove & Ile-Ife

Dawn visit to the grove (best light, fewest visitors). Morning: deeper exploration of the forest paths and river shrines. Afternoon: drive to Ile-Ife, the spiritual capital of the Yoruba world. Visit the Ooni’s Palace and the Ife Museum (famous bronze and terracotta heads). Overnight Oshogbo.

Day 7: Return to Lagos — Departure

Morning at leisure. Drive back to Lagos (4-5 hours) for afternoon departure flight.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses