NIGERIA The Land of Lost Kingdoms & Tribes - January 09 to 17, 2022 - Spiekermann Travel
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NIGERIA The Land of Lost Kingdoms & Tribes January 09 to 17, 2022 Led by Professor Emily O’Dell Can be combined with our Niger tour ( January 18 to 25, 2022)
Discover one of Africa’s most vibrant ancient kingdoms on a trip that will challenge any preconceived ideas about Nigeria. The nation has a
recent reputation that discourages many travelers, but this tour shows the historic and appealing cultural legacy of the Odudwa Kingdom
that dates to the 1200s and encircles the globe. We begin from Lagos, one of the liveliest cities on Earth, to the central town of Ilorin, then
on to the coastal town of Badagry, which has secrets to uncover connected to the 17th century slave trade. See how Yoruba culture traveled
worldwide from the old city of Abeokuta, with its grand Afro-Brazilian buildings, and climb the sacred Olumo Rock, a local holy site. From
there, we head to the virtually unknown Idanre Hills, to discover a hidden civilization and, in Osogbo, we learn the intricacies of Yoruba
religion from revered priestesses. Our last stop is Ilorin, the last site of the Odudwa dynasty, conquered by Fulani Jihadists in the early 18th
century, where Islamic life fused with Yoruba culture.
Ihab Zaki
Managing Director, Spiekermann Travel
Sunday, January 09 this, a powerful kingdom was established here. The rock is 130-me-
Arrive in Lagos ters/300-feet high with both stairs and elevator. Caves in the rock
include remains of a settlements with a small shrine, where you
Upon arrival in Lagos, Nigeria, our staff will be at the airport ready may be asked to make a donation offering. The town is also known
to greet you and transfer you to the Radisson Blue (or similar) for for Afro-Brazilian architecture, impressive buildings made for local
check-in. A tour briefing will be available over dinner, depending merchants by freed slaves who returned from Brazil. There is an in-
on your arrival time. (D) teresting fetish market and sites, both fascinating and disturbing,
for some visitors. Those some facades are in disrepair the pastel
Monday, January 10 colors and ornate designs make it a charming historical scene. Af-
Lagos (Badagry) ter lunch, we call at the palace of the Alake of Egba, paramount
ruler of Ogun state. Then we proceed to the colorful “Adire” cloth
Our day begins after breakfast with a drive to Lagos Island where and textile makers at the Kuto Market, where local voodoo items
we explore the Afro-Brazilian quarter and its unique architec- and herbs or animal remains are used for traditional medicines or
ture. The National Museum contains a remarkable array of arti- offerings. You will check in to the Conference Hotel (or similar) in
facts and antiquities from all over the country. It also contains ob- Abeokuta for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
jects and photographs that illustrate the Nigerian government’s
evolution since its independence in 1960. From the museum, we Wednesday, January 12
drive through Broad Street and the Marina, which are today’s Abeokuta – Ile-Ife - Osogbo
financial hub but once were home to early colonial settlement.
We continue to the Lekki Peninsula to visit an international arts-
This morning you’ll depart for Ile-Ife, home of Oduduwa (the leg-
and-crafts market. Then we transfer to Old Lagos - from Campos
endary father of the Yoruba race). Here you’ll meet the Ooni of Ife,
Square to the Popo Aguda area where you’ll see the Catho-
the traditional head of the kingdom and spiritual leader of the Yoru-
lic and Anglican Churches and Imam Shitta Bey Mosque, the
ba. You’ll also see the Oranmiyan Staff, a 16-foot-tall granite obe-
oldest mosque on Broad Street. Afterwards, travel “either by car
lisk, believed to represent the staff that Oranmiyan, the grandson of
or boat” through the lagoon to the coastal town of Badagry,
Oduduwa, used to take to war. There will be some other historical
once an important slave port and location of several historic
sites to visit in Osun State before you continue to Osogbo. Check
sites. Humid and tropical, this is near to the Benin border and
into the Ideal Nest Hotel (or similar) for your overnight. (B,L,D)
once was the center of the Atlantic slave trade. It is the “Point
of No Return” where slaves were kept awaiting transport, and Thursday, January 13
the sad traces of this history draws emotional responses from
visitors. Relics of the leg locks, chains and clasps are displayed at Osogbo Day Tour
the Heritage Museum, including the ‘Brazilian Barracoon’ hold- Make sure you bring cameras along today for your visit to the city
ing cells where people were kept. A somber but meaningful of Osogbo, home to one of Nigeria’s few UNESCO World Heritage
boat trip takes travelers across the lagoon to walk the path of Sites. You’ll explore the Sacred Grove of Osun, where extraordinary
people loaded aboard slave ships. We can visit the family house sculptures of Yoruba deities are nestled among the trees, and
of Seriki Williams Abbas, a returnee slave who later became a monkeys run amok. You’ll visit a traditional Orisha temple, where
slave trader himself. And, we pay a courtesy visit to the Wawu Ife priestesses explain the intricacies of their religion; a truly fasci-
of Badagry, a high chief of this kingdom and learn the history nating experience and one not to be missed. Enjoy a traditional
of this local palace. Other historic sites include the palace of lunch at a local restaurant and then return to your hotel for dinner
Akran, and Nigeria’s earliest two-story building, created by mis- and overnight. (B,L,D)
sionaries in the mid-1800s. We return to Lagos in the evening
and regroup for dinner at a local restaurant. Then overnight at Friday, January 14
your hotel. (B,L,D) Osogbo – Esie - Ilorin
Tuesday, January 11 Today begins with a drive to the Esie Museum, Nigeria’s first mu-
Lagos – Abeokuta seum created in 1945. It holds the largest collection of soapstone
sculptures believed to have been excavated in 1775 AD. The col-
Today our destination after breakfast is Abeokuta, capital of Ogun lection is located in a grove at the spot where the sculptures were
state and significant to the Yoruba people. Olumo Rock is the discovered, about 30 miles from Ilorin. They were brought to the
town’s main attraction, supposedly where the Egba clan hid during attention of a local school inspector in 1933 and later housed in a
what became known as the Yoruba Wars in the 19th century. After museum created by the colonial government. Esie tradition holds
that the statues are petrified remains of visitors from distant lands Center and the Millennium Park & Gardens before returning to
and have occupied a central place in local cosmology. More than your hotel to prepare for your transfer to the airport. Depending
1000 carvings of men and women are presided over by a king on your flight time, you may have to skip dinner and transfer to
(Oba Ere) and, even in their stony state, they still have the pow- the airport in the late afternoon for your evening flight to the
er to do evil, according to local beliefs. According to legend, the USA, connecting through Europe. (B,L) or (B,L,D)
sculptures run around at night causing mischief but also bringing
good luck, such as supplying rain. The Esie people used to offer NOTE: Because of time zone differences, most airlines show you
sacrifices to the king, whose figurine was found at the center of returning to the US on Jan. 18th.
a rough semi-circle of other figures upon their discovery. Lunch
will be at a local restaurant serving continental dishes, after which Please note: Travelers combining this trip with the Niger
you’ll spend some time exploring the traditional quarters where trip will spend one more night in Abuja, transferring to the
Ilorin’s renowned weavers ply their trade. Ilorin is a predominantly airport for the flight to Niamey, Niger, the following morn-
Muslim city, with a mixed culture of the Yoruba and Fulani dynas- ing (January 18th). (B)
ties. In the late afternoon, you’ll visit the Palace of the Emir of
Ilorin, before transferring to the Noktel Hotel (or similar) for dinner “We reserve the right to change the order of activities or places
and overnight. (B,L,D) visited due to unforeseen schedule conflicts or in order to make the
itinerary run smoothly”
Saturday, January 15
Ilorin to Lokoja
Special Notes on Travel to Nigeria:
This morning, after breakfast, you’ll embark on a long drive to
Lokoja (approx. 7 hours), arriving in the late afternoon for lunch. Please understand that by joining this trip, participants are com-
After which, you will visit the museum of colonial history before mitting to being flexible when managing any changes or alter-
transferring to the Reverton Hotel (or similar) for rest, dinner and ations that may be imposed to tour sequence, itinerary, accom-
overnight. (B,L,D) modations or facilities. Many factors play a role, including political
situations, security, sudden shortages or unexpected events in-
Sunday, January 16
volving hotels. Travelers should bear in mind that things are not
Lokoja to Abuja
the same as they might enjoy at home. Food, for instance, may be
Today you’ll drive on to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, built in the rather bland and offer limited options. Roads, and other infrastruc-
1980’s as a new city to avoid the congestion of Lagos. After break- ture, may not be as smoothly maintained but they are kept to lo-
fast, we may take an early morning hike to Lugard’s Rest House cal standards. Typical Nigerian food usually consists of a starch,
on Mount Patti before returning to visit the confluence point of such as pounded yam, with a sauce and vegetables, meat is usu-
the two rivers straddling Nigeria (the rivers Niger & Benue). Nige- ally beef or goat. Please advise us when booking of any special
ria’s name came from the river “Niger” and was coined by the wife requirements and we will do our best to accommodate wherever
of the governor general, Lord Fredrick Lugard, while relaxing on
possible – but it may not be guaranteed.
the mountain. Afterwards, you’ll visit a local market on your way
to Abuja. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to the Sheraton Abuja (or
Personal fitness to climb stairs, walk hills or manage about two
similar) for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
hours of walking each day (with rests and breaks) is the tour’s
Monday, January 17 only physical requirement. Traveling can be tiring in a hot and
Abuja – Depart for the USA dusty climate and road traffic can be frustrating. Nigeria can be a
i challenging destination but so worth it for the amazing sites and
Today you’ll start at the ancient village of Ushafa with a visit to
unique cultural experiences. More popular, metropolitan African
“Bill Clinton Village” a pottery making collaborative that the
sites are not comparable, that is part of the adventure. There are
US President toured in 2000, as part of his Nigerian journey. We
will see, firsthand, the processes involved in local production as limited choices and we always strive to deliver the best of avail-
well as the modern mechanical methods, with an opportunity able options.
to purchase some flower vases made from heated clay. You will
then continue on to the Nike Centre for Arts and Culture at Your guides will be on-hand to manage whatever situations arise
Piwoyi. Here, we will witness some textile making techniques and we advise travelers to be patient and not get involved. Short-
and designs while exploring the gallery. From the Nike Art Cen- ages and conflicts in a country with limited tourism, or the atti-
ter, you will return to the city center for lunch. The Nigerian tudes of local people cannot be fully anticipated. There may be
capital, Abuja, is a constructed city – much like Brasilia in Brazil roadblocks or delays – real or imaginary – that are intended to
or Kazahstan’s Astana – created to provide a workable govern- distract you or solicit a bribe. Water and electricity may be in limit-
ment center without the traffic and overcrowding of the former ed supply and guides will be your best resource for any requests.
capital, Lagos. Abuja is one of the fastest-growing cities in the
world, with a metropolitan population of about 6 million peo-
ple and no dominant ethnic group, although it has only been
the capital since 1991. From the Arts Center, continue with a
drive around the National Mosque, The National Ecumenical
Tour Cost (Land Only): $5,995.00
Per person in single or double occupancy
-
- **Please note: No twin rooms (two beds) available**
Price based on group size minimum of 6 participants
and maximum of 12 participants.
Trip Grade: III Lodging Level: **_***
About your Lecturer… Emily O’Dell… Dr. Emily Jane O’Dell is a true adventurer in every sense of the word. A globetrot-
ting professor, polymath, and polyglot, she has been the Whittlesey Chair of History and Archaeology at the American
University of Beirut, an Associate Professor at Sichuan University-Pittsburgh Institute in China, an Assistant Professor at
Sultan Qaboos University in the Sultanate of Oman, an Islamic Law and Civilization Research Fellow at Yale Law School,
and an editor for Harvard Law School's SHARIASource. Stateside she has taught at Columbia, Brown, and Harvard,
where she received a teaching excellence award. In addition to serving as the Chief Epigrapher of the Cairo Universi-
ty-Brown University archaeological expedition at the Giza Pyramids, she has excavated a Meroitic temple in Sudan near
the Royal Pyramids of Meroe and Islamic archaeology in Turkmenistan on the Silk Road. She has also studied West
African dance, drumming, and spirituality in Bamako, Mali. Dr. O'Dell is the author of The Gift of Rumi (available for
pre-order: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250261376?tag=macmillan-20), and her other research can be found in the Journal of Global
Slavery, Journal of Africana Religions, Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora, Archaeologies, Journal of Iranian Studies, Journal
of Literary and Cultural Disability Studies, Disability & Society, and SHARIASource. A global mentor for The Coalition for Women in Journal-
ism, her journalistic writing has appeared in The New York Times, Al Jazeera, NPR, CounterPunch, The Louisville Review, Salon, TRT World,
The Christian Science Monitor, and Huffington Post.
Tour includes: Tour does not include:
-
• Accommodation at hotels mentioned or similar • International return air USA to Nigeria, arriving into Lagos
(mixture of 3 and 4 star properties). and departing out of Abuja.
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary • Air from Abuja to Niamey (if combining Niger with this tour).
(B: breakfast, L: lunch and D: dinner). • Nigerian visa cost.
• Transportation in a minibus with A/C . • Vaccinations - yellow fever immunization is required.
• All visits to sites, villages, monuments and museums. • Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
• English-speaking guide and local guides at various villages. • Items of a personal nature: beverages, laundry, phone
• calls, email, souvenirs, etc.
• Mineral bottled water on vehicles during touring days. • Hotel accommodations necessitated by changes in air
schedules or misconnections.
• Gratuity to your tour manager.
• Travel protection insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED).
Trip Grade:
II Active – Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to
sites, few elevations, comfortable, but busy schedule and some
long car rides in a hot, dusty environment.
Lodging Level:
**-*** Moderate to Superior:
comfort level acceptable to western standards (3 or 4 stars). All
with A/C and private bathrooms.
Spiekermann Travel Service, Inc. 18421 East Nine Mile Road, Eastpointe, MI 48021
Phone: 1-800-645-3233 Fax: 586-775-9556 www.mideasttrvl.com info@mideasttrvl.comYou can also read
