Do you often find yourself fantasizing about living your softest life? Thinking about sipping margaritas at a seaside restaurant or scuba diving in crisp blue waters with hundreds of sea critters? If you do, then the last thing you should have to worry about is whether or not you’ll actually be granted entry into the country. Well, don’t fret! We’ve found 2 countries that can cater to both the frugal and lavish Nigerian traveller without the stress of acquiring a visa for entry.
SENEGAL
Only a 3-4 hour flight away from Nigeria, Senegal is rich with opportunities for exploration, rest, exciting cuisine, and more. There’s no need to worry about applying for a visa before or upon arrival as Senegal offers visa-free entry to Nigerians who’re looking to visit for a maximum of 90 days. All you need to do is book your flight, secure lodging, and plan how you’ll spend your time there.
One of the many beauties of Senegal is the array of activities available for anyone who isn’t ready to break the bank in order to have a good time. The country hosts historical sites, beautiful beaches, yummy food, and bustling nightlife. There are beautiful sites to see and robust history to learn about. When planning your trip, you won’t run out of options for how to spend your days.
Things to Do
Visit Lake Retba
Lake Retba, also known as the Pink Lake, is a popular attraction among tourists. Due to its high salinity, micro-algae, and sun exposure, the water in Lake Retba is a beautiful pink shade. Because increased sun exposure causes the algae to produce a vivid red pigment, it’s recommended that you visit the lake during the dry season which usually lasts from November to June. Despite its colour, Lake Retba is completely safe to swim in!
Learn about the sombre history of Goree Island
Goree Island was the largest slave-trading centre along the African coast for 4 centuries. You can visit House of Slaves, a museum and memorial site for the Atlantic slave trade on the island or you can book a full tour with a guide who can take you around the island and walk you through the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of the island’s history.
Book your stay at a luxurious resort or villa
If you’re looking for a premium get-away and have some extra bucks to splurge, Saly is definitely the place to be. Situated on the coast, it is home to beautiful resorts and villas offering access to private pools, wildlife excursions, relaxing spa treatments, and meals made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Explore the city
If there’s one thing Senegal is known for, it’s its beauty. From the architecture and landscapes to the fashions and arts, the country is bustling with rich colours and textures that are most pleasing to the eye. You can venture into the markets for fresh groceries or simply go for a walk and see what you discover.
SEYCHELLES
Located on the eastern side of the continent, Seychelles is about 7-8 hours from Nigeria by air. Due to a visa abolition agreement between Seychelles and Nigeria, the country does not require visas from Nigerian passport holders who’re visiting for 30 days or less, and also offers the option to extend one’s stay for up to 90 days. All you need is a passport that’s valid for 6 months, proof of accommodation, and a ticket showing that you plan on exiting the country before the 90 days expires.
While most peeks into Seychelles often feature beaches with white sand and clear blue waters, the country also has so much more to offer, and at various price points.
Things to Do
Explore the Ocean
If you go to Seychelles, then it’s pretty inevitable that you end up in the ocean at some point. You can simply wade in the water or go for a swim, but if you’re feeling more adventurous, then you can try snorkeling or scuba diving. There are centers that offer lessons for beginners and equipment for more advanced visitors. These activities can range anywhere from $25 to $150 depending on the location and if you have your own equipment.
Explore the Capital
If you’re trying to stay busy on a budget, you can explore Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. Victoria is home to Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, a marketplace where visitors can purchase fresh produce, spices, fish and meats, as well as handmade souvenirs. There are also quite a few restaurants offering cajun and Creole cuisines to try out after you work up an appetite in the market!
Visit La Digue
La Digue is one of the several islands in Seychelles and it’s absolutely stunning and packed with an array of activities. From cycling around the island to hiking up Eagle’s Nest Mountain, there are many things to keep you active. If you’re going for a more relaxing vibe, you can lounge around a stunning beach known as Anse Source d’Argent or stroll through La Digue Coconut Farm for delicious scents and tortoise sightings.
Many of us “joke” about the limits that come with only having a Nigerian passport, but it’s helpful to know that this little green booklet can still be useful in taking us beyond our own borders. Senegal and Seychelles are just 2 countries on a decent list of travel destinations that accept Nigerians with any short-stay visa requirements!
