Ogba Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and natural attractions of Ogba, Lagos with this comprehensive tour guide. Discover the best things to do, where to stay, and what to buy in Ogba, along with local culture and customs, safety, health, and transportation options.


Introduction to Ogba

Ogba is a bustling neighborhood located in the heart of Lagos State, in South West Nigeria. Known for its vibrant culture, modern infrastructure, and rich history, Ogba is one of the most desirable destinations in Nigeria. Travelers are drawn to this area because of its many attractions, including museums, natural parks, art galleries, historical sites, and a bustling food scene.

List of Places to Visit in Ogba

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The National Museum Lagos: This museum houses thousands of artifacts that trace Nigeria’s history and culture.
  • Kalakuta Republic Museum: This museum celebrates the life and influence of the legendary, late musician and activist Fela Kuti. It has antiques, instruments, costumes, and many personal belongings of Fela, as well as a digital art gallery that showcases his life.
  • Idimu Road Art Club: This outdoor gallery showcases many sculptures, paintings, and other artworks created by local artists.

Natural Attractions of Ogba: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ikeja City Mall: The largest shopping mall in Ikeja is home to many world-class restaurants, cinemas, and stores.
  • Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park: This park is a great place to unwind or have a picnic with friends and family, watching the waterfall or having a stroll.
  • Ndubuisi Kanu Park: This is a popular park with excellent facilities for sports, leisure, and fresh-air activities. With playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, and a pristine environment for jogging or a walk, there is never a dull moment here.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ogba

  • Ogba Zoo and Nature Park: This park features more than 300 animals, where visitors can enjoy a hike or cycle for a better view of the natural surroundings.
  • National Stadium Lagos: The National Stadium is an impressive location for runners, joggers, and runners.
  • Teslim Balogun Stadium: This facility is a great place to enjoy sports, games and events in a serene environment. Visitors can enjoy a hike or a relatively easy cycle along the stadium circumference.

Best Things to Do in Ogba: Activities and Tours

  • Book a food tour to experience the diverse cuisines of Ogba.
  • Take a guided tour of the National Museum Lagos to learn more about Nigeria’s history and culture.
  • For an adrenaline-filled experience, try Ziplining at the Jhalobia Recreation Park and Gardens.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ogba

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the National Museum Lagos, Kalakuta Republic Museum, and Idimu Road Art Club
Day 2 Explore Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park, Teslim Balogun Stadium, and Ndubuisi Kanu Park
Day 3 Take the Zipline at Jhalobia Recreation Park and Gardens or explore Ikeja City Mall
Day 4 Visit Ogba Zoo and Nature Park, then hike or cycle its trails
Day 5 Get a taste of Ogba’s finest delicacies on a food tour
Day 6 Take a guided tour of the Ikeja City Mall or relax and enjoy the cinemas
Day 7 Check out local crafts at Ogba’s open-air markets or visit any other attraction missed.

Food and Drink Scene of Ogba

Must-Try Dishes

Ogba is known for its amazing restaurants, which serve up mouth-watering dishes for customers:

  • Amala: A traditional Nigerian food made from yam or cassava flour with a soup like Ewedu, Gbegiri or Efo Riro. It’s typically served with goat meat, fish, beef or other protein sources.
  • Suya: This is a Nigerian favourite which is a spicy beef kebab served with onion and tomatoes. It is mainly sold in the evening at street stalls.
  • Ewa Agoyin: A delicious bean-based meal garnished with spiced pepper-like sauce and paired with bread, plantain or yam.

Local Beverages

  • Palm Wine: This is a fermented wine made from the sap of coconut, palm, or raffia palm trees.
  • Zobo: A delicious, non-alcoholic drink made with hibiscus flowers, sugar, and a blend of spices
  • Kunu: A popular drink made from millet, corn or rice, and spices.

Where to Stay in Ogba: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Grand Park Hotel: A sleek and elegant hotel famous for its comfortable rooms and world-class amenities.
  • Presken Hotel & Resort: A vibrant, five-star hotel located in the heart of the city.
  • VIP Garden Hotels: Known for its affordable pricing, dining options, and warm, welcoming ambiance.

What to Buy in Ogba: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Traditional fabrics like Adire, Aso Oke, and Ankara
  • African artwork, jewelry, or sculpture
  • Handmade baskets, pottery, and other handicrafts.

Local Culture and Customs of Ogba

The Yoruba culture dominates Ogba culture, where citizens cherish their traditions and values. Respect for the elderly, communal living, and hospitality are central pillars of Ogba society. Nigerian pidgin English is the predominant spoken language, but English is widely understood by most Ogba residents.

Best Time to Visit Ogba

The best time to visit Ogba is from November to February when the weather is cooler, and rainfall is less frequent.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ogba

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Dress modestly
  • Explore and interact with the locals - this is key to having a great time in Ogba.

Don’t:

  • Engage in any illegal activity
  • Make disparaging or condescending remarks about the Nigerian people or their culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ogba

Ogba is a relatively safe neighborhood; however, there have been occasional reports of petty crimes like theft, pickpocketing, and muggings. Be vigilant and take care of your belongings when moving around the area.

Health in Ogba

Yellow fever is an endemic disease in Nigeria, and all visitors must provide evidence of vaccination. It is essential to take the necessary precautions when traveling.

Getting to Ogba: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ogba

  • Murtala Muhammed International Airport: Lagos’ primary airport serves international and local airlines with daily flights to all major cities around the world.

Bus Stations Near Ogba

  • Ojota Motor Park: This motor park offers transportation to different cities across Nigeria, including Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Sokoto.
  • Iyana Ipaja Motor Park: This bus terminal offers transportation services to cities in Western and Eastern Nigeria, including Benin, Onitsha, Umuahia, among others.

Other Options

Travelers can use taxi or ride-hailing services like Uber, Bolt, or Gokada to get around the areas.

How to Get Around in Ogba

  • Keke Napep: A three-wheeled rickshaw is popular among locals and tourists alike.
  • Okada: A motorcycle taxi service is available in Ogba, but it’s essential to exercise caution and always wear a helmet.
  • Ride-hailing apps: Uber and Bolt offer reliable services in Ogba

Where to Go Next from Ogba: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Lagos: Lagos is a bustling city known for its eclectic mix of culture and outdoor activities.
  • Ikorodu: A peaceful city close to Lagos, famous for its beaches and entertainment spots.
  • Badagry: A historical coastal town in Lagos known for its cultural heritage and beach resorts.

Conclusion

Ogba is a fantastic destination to explore the unique culture of Nigeria. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adrenaline junkie, you’ll find something to do here. We hope this tour guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Ogba, Lagos.