Arepo Travel Guide

Get ready to explore Arepo! Discover its cultural and natural attractions, food and drink scene, best things to do, and more with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Arepo

Arepo is a town located in Ogun State, Nigeria, and is popular for its proximity to Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital. It is a rapidly growing town with a small-town feel, and offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions.

In this travel guide, we’ll take you through all the things to see and do in Arepo, as well as provide useful tips and recommendations to help you plan your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Arepo

When planning a trip to Arepo, there are various attractions that you can visit. Here are some of the best places to check out when you are in town.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in the history and culture of Arepo, check out these museums and historical places:

  • Presbyterian Church of Nigeria - a historic church that was established in 1911, located along Abeokuta expressway.
  • Ogidan Historic Site - a site that was used by the Ogidan people during the colonial period. It has a historic cemetery, and you can see the ruins of their homes.
  • Nigerian Railway Corporation Station - a historic train station that was built in 1896, located in Agege, Lagos. The station is still in use today, and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.

Natural Attractions of Arepo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For nature lovers, Arepo has some stunning natural attractions:

  • Ogun River - a river that flows through some parts of Arepo, perfect for boat rides and fishing.
  • Obafemi Awolowo Stadium - a stadium located in the town of Ikenne, just a few miles from Arepo. It is surrounded by lush greenery and is perfect for a morning jog or walk.
  • University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Zoological Gardens - a zoological garden located in Abeokuta, with over 40 species of animals, including lions, baboons, monkeys, and more.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Arepo

Arepo has many scenic routes to explore on foot or by bike. Some popular routes include:

  • Ogun River Trail - a trail that follows the Ogun River, with beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape.
  • Olumo Rock Trail - a trail that leads to the top of Olumo Rock, a popular tourist attraction in Abeokuta. The trail is suitable for hikers of all levels, and the view from the top is breathtaking.

Best Things to Do in Arepo: Activities and Tours

Arepo has a variety of activities and tours for tourists to enjoy, such as:

  • Boat rides on Ogun River - take a boat ride down the river to see the beautiful scenery.
  • Visit Olumo Rock - climb to the top of Olumo Rock for breathtaking views of the surroundings.
  • Visit Ijamido Village and Museum - learn about the history and culture of the Egba people at this museum.

Week-Long Itinerary for Arepo

Here is a sample week-long itinerary for your trip to Arepo:

Day Activity
1 Visit Ogidan Historic Site, Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, and take a boat ride on the Ogun River
2 Explore Olumo Rock; take a hike and tour the museum
3 Visit Ijamido Village and Museum; have lunch at a local restaurant
4 Relax and enjoy the scenic views of Obafemi Awolowo Stadium
5 Visit the Nigerian Railway Corporation Station; take pictures
6 Visit University of Agriculture Abeokuta Zoological Gardens
7 Explore the local markets and buy souvenirs to bring back home

Food and Drink Scene of Arepo

Arepo has a variety of local food and beverages that you should try. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ewa aganyin - a popular bean dish made with mashed beans and a spicy sauce.
  • Suya - grilled spicy meat often sold by roadside vendors.
  • Amala - a traditional Yoruba dish made from yam flour.

Local Beverages

  • Palm wine - a fermented drink made from palm tree sap.
  • Zobo - a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink made from hibiscus flowers.
  • Honey and ginger tea - to help combat the cold harmattan weather during the Harmattan season.

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

Arepo has a wide range of accommodation options to fit any budget. Some recommended options include:

  • Whispering Palms Hotel - a luxurious hotel with a pool and other amenities.
  • Ibis Lagos Ikeja - a well-known international hotel chain, located in the nearby town of Ikeja.
  • Cranfield Prestige Hotel & Suites - another popular hotel with excellent customer service and reasonable prices.

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

Arepo has a variety of shops and markets where you can buy local souvenirs and products, such as:

  • Adire - a traditional Yoruba fabric that is often tie-dyed.
  • Beaded jewelry - hand-crafted jewelry made by local artisans.
  • Pottery - decorative clay pots and vases.

Local Culture and Customs of Arepo

The people of Arepo are predominantly Yoruba, and their language is Yoruba. They are known for their hospitality and warmth towards strangers.

The culture of the Yoruba people is rich and diverse, with a strong emphasis on family, traditions, and religion. Some popular Yoruba traditions include gele tying, Eyin Iyawo, and Sisi Eko.

Best Time to Visit Arepo

The best time to visit Arepo is during the cool season (November to February), as this is when the weather is most pleasant. However, if you’re interested in experiencing the local culture and festivals, the rainy season (June to September) is the best time, as this is when many traditional events take place.

Do’s and Don’ts of Arepo

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Arepo:

Do:

  • Dress appropriately when visiting cultural or religious sites.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially regarding traditional greetings.
  • Try to learn a few words of Yoruba beforehand to show respect to the locals.

Don’t:

  • Take pictures of people without their permission.
  • Wear revealing clothing outside of the beach or pool areas.
  • Disrespect traditional religious beliefs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Arepo

Arepo is generally safe for tourists. However, as with any destination, it’s important to take certain precautions, such as:

  • Avoid traveling alone at night.
  • Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
  • Carry a copy of your ID with you at all times.

Health in Arepo

Before traveling to Arepo, it’s recommended that you receive any necessary vaccinations and take other health precautions, such as:

  • Drinking only bottled or treated water.
  • Avoiding street food and only eating in reputable restaurants.
  • Using mosquito repellent to protect against malaria.

Getting to Arepo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Arepo

The closest airport to Arepo is the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, which is about 26 miles away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Arepo.

Bus Stations Near Arepo

There are several bus stations in Lagos that offer services to Arepo, including the Lagos City Mall Bus Terminal and the Idiroko Bus Terminal.

Other Options

You may also hire a private driver to take you to Arepo, or rent a car and drive yourself, but bear in mind that the roads can be quite congested.

How to Get Around in Arepo

Arepo is a relatively small town, and walking or biking is a great way to get around. You can also hire a taxi, or use the popular ride-hailing app services like Uber or Bolt.

Where to Go Next from Arepo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Arepo is a great jumping-off point for exploring other destinations in Nigeria, such as:

  • Lagos - Nigeria’s largest city.
  • Abeokuta - a historic city known for its traditional markets and museums.
  • Badagry - a coastal town known for its historic sites and monuments.

Conclusion

Arepo is a vibrant and exciting destination that offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or local cuisine, there is plenty to see and do here. We hope this travel guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Arepo.