Lagos

Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria. With an estimated population of 8.8 million inhabitants in the city, or rather 10.7 million in the metropolitan area, Lagos ranks next to Cairo of the largest cities of Africa.

Victoria Island and Lekki Island are situated to the south of Lagos Island. They have some of the most expensive realestate properties in Africa, and for that reason, many new luxury condos and appartments are blooming up everywhere. Along with Ikoyi, Victoria Island occupyies a major area in the suburbs of Lagos which boasts of several sizable shopping districts (including Nigeria's largest mall and movie theater) and several trendy beaches. Across the main channel of the lagoon from Lagos Island, a smaller island called Iddo Island is situated close to the mainland, and now is connected to the mainland like a peninsula. Three major bridges join Lagos Island to the mainland: Eko Bridge and Carter Bridge which start from Iddo Island, and the Third Mainland Bridge which passes through densely populated mainland suburbs through Lagos lagoon.

You will hardly be able to find your way in Nigeria especially the busy environ of Lagos unless you have been provided earlier direction. If you are not on a tight budget, you should hire a car and driver, usually available from most of the major hotels and the airport. The price will be around ?1,000 - ?2,000 per hour, you will be expected to haggle. Talk to the drivers and find one you think will be able to communicate best with as they will be able to tell you things about the places you pass.

Use buses to move around the city if you know the routes. Larger buses are called molue and the smaller mini-Bus type are called Danfo. Buses are often overcrowded to the point where the conductor must stand on the side, with the side door open. Taxis cost more than buses, typically 10 times the price, you will be expected to negotiate the price before you enter and pay on arrival. They are however much safer than buses, especially at night where Buses are often subjected to highway robbery. You should be certain to inspect the Taxi before you enter, Taxis are often in a poor state of repair, balding tires and worn shocks leading to a very bumpy, nauseating ride.

For travelling short distances, you can use motorbike taxis called Okada. These motorbikes are quick, cheap and save a lot of walking but they are also very dangerous. Okada accidents are very common and no safety equipment is provided. If you want to take the risk, you can safely halve their first price, and usually there are lots to choose from. Choose an older driver as the younger ones are cowboys.