Edo State Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Edo State with this comprehensive travel guide, including a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, must-try dishes, where to stay, and more.
- Edo State Travel Guide - A Comprehensive Tour Guide to Edo State, Nigeria
- Introduction to Edo State
- List of Places to Visit in Edo State
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Edo State
- Best Things to Do in Edo State: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Edo State
- Food and Drink Scene of Edo State
- Where to Stay in Edo State: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Edo State: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Edo State
- Best Time to Visit Edo State
- Do’s and Don’ts of Edo State
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Edo State: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Edo State
- Where to Go Next from Edo State: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Edo State Travel Guide - A Comprehensive Tour Guide to Edo State, Nigeria
Introduction to Edo State
Edo State is located in South South Nigeria, in West Africa. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Edo State is home to several cultural landmarks, such as the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin, the Benin City National Museum, and several other tourist attractions.
The capital and largest city of Edo State is Benin City, which is located in the southern part of the state. Benin City is known for its bustling markets, rich history, and cultural landmarks.
List of Places to Visit in Edo State
When planning your visit to Edo State, here are some top tourist attractions to consider:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin
- Benin City National Museum
- Igun Street (famous for bronze works)
- Emotan Statue (a symbol of Benin women)
Natural Attractions of Edo State: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ososo Tourist Centre
- Kukuruku Hills
Hiking/Biking Routes of Edo State
For outdoor adventure seekers, there are several hiking and biking trails in Edo State. Here are some top recommendations:
- Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary
- Okomu National Park
- Ososo Hills
Best Things to Do in Edo State: Activities and Tours
Aside from its museums and natural attractions, Edo State offers several activities for tourists. Here are some ideas:
- Take a tour of the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin
- Visit local markets like Oba Market or New Benin Market
- Attend cultural festivals, such as the Igue Festival or the Ugie Festival
Week-Long Itinerary for Edo State
Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Edo State:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Benin City; visit to the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin |
| 2 | Tour of the Benin City National Museum; explore Igun Street |
| 3 | Hike or bike in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary |
| 4 | Visit Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary or Ososo Tourist Centre |
| 5 | Attend a cultural festival, such as the Igue Festival or the Ugie Festival |
| 6 | Take a day trip to Kukuruku Hills |
| 7 | Departure from Benin City |
Food and Drink Scene of Edo State
Edo State offers a unique culinary experience. Here are some must-try dishes:
Must-Try Dishes
- Pepper soup
- Bitterleaf Soup
- Owo Soup
- Ekpang Nkwukwo
Local Beverages
- Palm wine
- Zobo drink
- Kunu drink
Where to Stay in Edo State: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
When planning your trip to Edo State, here are some top recommendations for accommodation:
- Protea Hotel Benin City Select Emotan
- Best Western Plus Hotel
- Idia Renaissance Hotel & Suites
What to Buy in Edo State: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
When visiting Edo State, be sure to pick up some of these local souvenirs:
- Bronze works
- Beads (made by the Edo people)
- Wooden carvings
- Traditional fabrics (such as the Edo ‘Aso-Oke’ fabric)
Local Culture and Customs of Edo State
When visiting Edo State, it’s important to be aware of local customs and traditions. Some of these include:
- Greetings (such as ‘Ekaaro’ for good morning and ‘Ewedane’ for good evening)
- Respect for elders
- Dress code (modesty is valued)
Best Time to Visit Edo State
The best time to visit Edo State is during the dry season, which runs from November to March. During this time, the weather is mild and less humid, making it more conducive for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Do’s and Don’ts of Edo State
When visiting Edo State, it’s important to be aware of certain customs and rules. Here are some do’s and don’ts:
Do:
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Dress modestly
- Bargain when shopping at markets
Don’t:
- Disrespect the Oba or other cultural landmarks
- Wear revealing clothing in public spaces
- Take pictures of people without their permission
Safety and Health
Safety in Edo State
As with any destination, it’s important to be vigilant when traveling to Edo State. Here are some safety tips:
- Avoid traveling alone at night
- Be cautious of pickpockets and theft
- Avoid traveling to areas with recent reports of violence or unrest
Health in Edo State
When traveling to Edo State, it’s recommended that you consult with your doctor for any necessary vaccinations. Additionally, it’s important to practice safe hygiene practices, such as washing your hands regularly and drinking bottled water.
Getting to Edo State: Transportation Options and Logistics
Here are some transportation options for getting to Edo State:
Airports Near Edo State
- Benin Airport (located in Benin City)
- Warri Airport
Bus Stations Near Edo State
- God Is Good Motors (located in Benin City)
- Delta Line (located in Warri)
Other Options
- Renting a car or hiring a private driver
How to Get Around in Edo State
When getting around in Edo State, here are some options:
- Taxis (be sure to negotiate prices before beginning your journey)
- Hire a private driver
- Rent a car (with a valid driver’s license)
Where to Go Next from Edo State: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you’re interested in exploring other areas of Nigeria, here are some nearby destinations:
- Lagos (7 hours by car)
- Yankari Game Reserve (15 hours by car)
- Obudu Mountain Resort (13 hours by car)
Conclusion
Edo State offers a rich cultural experience, with plenty of natural and historical landmarks to explore. When planning your trip, be sure to consult this comprehensive travel guide to ensure that you make the most of your time in Edo State.