Nigeria

Flag of Nigeria

Why visit Nigeria?

For the affluent traveler seeking to enjoy ancient walled cities, artistic heritage, birdwatching, culture, desert, festivals, music, natural landscapes, rain forests, shopping, and waterfalls.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Batiks, bead jewelry, camel hair blankets, decorated gourds, drums, fabrics, leather goods, masks, pottery, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Afang (vegetable soup). Atama (soup). Banga (rice dish). Edikang-Ikong (vegetable soup). Efo Riro/ (stew), Ekuru (bean dish). Gbegiri (bean stew). Jollof (rice dish). Kilishi (dried meat). Moi Moi (bean pudding). Miyan Kuka (soup). Ofada (rice dish). Pate (ground corn), Suya (smoked meat). Tuwo Masara (corn flour dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Fura. Kunu. Soya (bean milk). Zobo (juice).

Fun Facts

• Lagos is the second largest African metropolitan city.
  
• Home to the world's largest Christian and Muslim populations.
• Cocoa is their leading non-oil foreign exchange earner.
  
• Ranks 12th largest producer of petroleum in the world.
• Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated (2003) the largest public Millennium Park (Abuja).
  
• It manufactures French cars, Peugeot.
  
• First country to effectively contain and eliminate Ebola.
  
• Women are known to have few land rights.
  
• Home of the largest comedy industry amongst Africa.
  

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Afan National Festival, FESTAC 77, Kaiama Gani Festival, Ogani Festival, (March) Akata Benue Fishing Festival, Argungu Fishing Festival, Ayet Atyap Annual Cultural Festival, Eko International Film Festival, Ikeji Arondizuogu, Lagos Black Heritage Festival, Ito Ogbo Festival, (April) Gidi Culture Festival, Lagos Games Festival (LGF), Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF), Nwonyo Fishing Festival, Osori Osos, Port Harcourt Book Festival, (May) Eyo Festival, Lagos Carnival, Ocho Festival, Oro Festival, (June) Bauchi State Festival of Arts & Culture, Nupe Day Festival, Sharo Festival, (July) Ariginya Festival, Kaduna Book & Art Festival, Nigeria International Book Fair, Ovia-Osese Festival, (August) Bala Baràà ma Jalàm Cultural Festival, Baràà Ma Jalàm Festival, Durbar Festival, Kaduna International Film Festival, Ojude Oba Festival, Osun-Osogbo, Sango Festival, Yam Festival, (September) Carniriv, Igogo Festival, Kamti Festival, Kayo-Kayo Festival, Lights Camera Africa!, Olojo Festival, Omabe Festival, (October) Badagry Festival, Felabration, Ofala Festival, (November) Abuja International Film Festival, Africa International Film Festival, Aké Arts & Book Festival, Lagos Book & Art Festival, Lagos Photo Festival, Oronna Festival, Songs of Nigeria Festival, (SONIFES), (December) African Smartphone International Film Festival, Agila Social & Economic Carnival, Annang Festival of Art & Culture, Calabar Carnival, Golibe Festival, Igue Festival, Imo Carnival, Livespot X Festival, Ogwashi Ukwu Carnival, Rhythm Unplugged, The Afro Street Festival, and Tiger Street Food Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Workers' Day, Id el Fitr, Democracy Day, Id el Kabir, Al-Hijra, Isese Day, National Day, Sambisa Memorial Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Good to Know

• Avoid tap water consumption.
• Most populous African country. 
  
• Very hot and humid year round.
  
• Northern region is best visited from October - April.
• Southern region is best visited from November - March.
• Riots and strikes occur frequently.
• Most festivals are held in Lagos.
• Restaurant sanitation conditions do not meet our standards.
• Offers little in conventional sightseeing.
• Wear a hat for sun protection.
• Rape is rampant known problem.
  
• Lagos by the Atlantic Ocean offers sandy beaches.
  
• Harmattan winds blow dust and sand off the Sahara Desert.
  
• Evenings are cool, often requiring a sweater.
• Avoid the outdoors during dusk and dawn.
  
• Medical facilities are poorly equipped. 
  
• Roads are in poor condition.
  
• Public swimming is prohibited under Sharia Law (north). 
  
• Avoid credit card access or use due to high fraud.
• Lacks adequate transportation infrastructure.
  
• Forced marriages are known to occur.
• During rainy season (May - October) roads flood.
• Polygamy is practiced.
• Ask your physician for Chemoprophylaxis to take with you for bacterial infections.
  
• Avoid public transportation.
• Tourism is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections do not commonly occur.
  
• Same-sex relations are illegal. Punishable by fines and up to 14 years in prison.
• Same-sex affection in publis is illegal. Punishable by fines and up to 10 years in prison.
• Prevalent diseases: Chickenpox, Cholera, Dengue, Diarrheal Illness, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, Lassa Fever, Loiasis, Malaria, Measles, Meningococcal Meningitis, Mumps, Pertussis, Polio, Rabies, Rubella, Schistosomiasis, Tetanus, Trypanosomiasis, Tuberculosis, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Polio and Yellow Fever vaccination is required. 

Prone to droughts, humidity, and winds.

• Best Time to Visit: November - March
• Coolest Months: June - September
• Hottest Months: December - April
• Peak Season: May, December - January

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ancient Kano City Walls, Gashaka Gumti National Park, Idanre Hill, Ikom Monoliths, Kingdom of Benin, Oban Hills, Ogbunike Caves, Old Oyo National Park, Osun-Osogbo, Sukur, and Walls of Benin.

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? 

Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                                 All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.  

Niger

Niger Flag

Why visit Niger?

For the experienced traveler visiting under developed countries to experience architecture, culture, desert scenery, game parks, and museums.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Ceremonial knives, colorful fabrics, copper ware, jewelry, leather goods, swords, and woven blankets.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Dambou (cereal). Djerma (stew). Jollof (rice).
• Local Drink to Try: Biere Niger (beer).

Fun Facts

• Niger is pronounced nee-JAIR (French).
  
• Second largest landlocked country in West Africa.
  
• Their rice is considered amongst the best in the world.
  
• The Aïr and Ténéré National Nature Reserve is amongst the largest in the world.
  
• The international attraction of the Guérewol Festival was featured in National Geographic magazine.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (September) Cure Salee. 
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Concord Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, Republic Day, and Christmas Day.
  

Good to Know

• Lacks infrastructure.
• French is the official language. 
  
• Requires tolerance of high temperatures.
• Lodging stays with armed Security presence is suggested.
• Open sewers exist along the streets of Niamey.
  
• Crime occurs day or night. 
  
• Walking alone is not recommended.
• Tap water is not drinkable.
  
• Literacy rate is among the lowest in the world.
  
• Northern Regions are known to have land mines.
• Limited facilities exist outside of Niamey.
• Sanitation conditions are below our standards.
  
• Do not swim in still waters.
• Northern area is covered by large and semi deserts.
  
• Avoid walking in front of someone who is praying.
  
• Photographs of the airport, broadcasting stations, government buildings, military or police personnel, political or student demonstrations, are prohibited.
  
• Road safety is a concern.
  
• Men and women should dress conservatively.
• Air quality is poor (Niamey).
  
• International Driver’s license is required.
• Horns should not be used after dark. 
  
• Tourism is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur. 
  
• Prevalent Disease: Dengue Fever, Malaria, Meningococcal Meningitis, Rabies, Tuberculosis, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Zika Virus.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and two blank pages for entry stamps.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required. 

Prone to drought, high humidity, and wildfires.

• Best Time to Visit: October - March
• Coolest Months: November - February
• Hottest Months: April - May, October
• Peak Season: June - August

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.  

Nicaragua

Nicaragua Flag

"The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes"

Why visit Nicaragua?

Ideal for the ecotourism traveler seeking to enjoy architecture, birdwatching, culture, deep sea fishing, hiking, horseback riding, lakes, parks, plantations, preserves, reserves, rivers, sand skiing, swampy lagoons, rugged beaches, surfing, volcanoes, and wildlife.

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. Photo Credit: Quaint Planet/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, cigars, coffee, embroidery, hammocks, jewelry, leather goods, pottery, rum, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Baho (stew). Gallo Pinto (national dish). Guirila (tortilla). Mondongo (tripe soup). Nacatamales (meat dish). Tajada (plantain chips). Vigoron (pork dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Chicha (alcohol). Flor de Cana (rum). Tiste (cacao). Tona (beer). Victoria (beer).

Photo Credit: Juana Mairena/Pixabay

Fun Facts

• La Isla de Ometepe (volcanic island) was nominated for the "new seven wonders of the world".
• Volcan Masaya National Park is an accessible active volcano.
  
• U.S. Marines who occupied the country are credited with introducing baseball.
  
• Has the lowest minimum wage in the world.
  
• Rio Coco is the largest river in Central America.
  
• Only 7 of the 50 volcanoes are considered active.
• Home to the world's rare freshwater sharks (Nicaraguan shark).
  
• For decades, home to the world's largest demining efforts.
  
• Bosawás Biosphere Reserve the second-largest rainforest amongst the Americas.
  
• Granada is the oldest colonial city in the Americas.
  
• Lake Nicaragua is the largest freshwater lake in Central America.
•  Fresh juices are commonly served in a plastic bag with a straw.
  
• Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve was created by an eruption thousands of years ago, eventually filling with water.
  

Photo Credit: Sheryl Maiorano/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Caballo Español Pura Sangre Fair, Fiestas Patronales, International Dariana Poetry Symposium, Rio San Juan Carnival, Viva León Festival, (February) International Poetry Festival, Music & Youth Festival, (March) Joy for Life Carnival, (May) Fiestas Patronales, Palo de Mayo Festival, (June) Ometepe Expo, (July) Carnaval, Fiestas Patronales, (August) Crab Soup Festival, Equestrians of Managua, Fiestas Patronales, International Fishing Tournament, (September) Fishing Fair, (October) Fiesta del Toro Venado, (November) Equestrian Rally, Folkloric Festival, Latin American Surfing Competition, and (December) La Griteria.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Day of Love and Friendship, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday. Labor Day, The Sandinista Revolution Day, Santo Domingo Celebrations Start, Last Day of Santo Domingo Celebrations, Battle of San Jacinto, Independence Day, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and Christmas Day.

Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral (aka: Granada Cathedral), Granada, Nicaragua. Photo Credit: Lukáš Jančička/Pixabay

Good to Know

• Avoid public demonstrations.
• Official language Spanish, English is widely spoken.
  
• Eastern area has a low population and is undeveloped.
  
• Not considered an accessible friendly destination.
• Those who speak English don't usually understand restrooms, so ask for a toilet instead.
  
• Crime is a known issue.
• At the airport, you'll purchase a Tourist Card for $10USD.
• Carry your passport with you at all times.
• Land mines exist along the countryside near the Honduran border.
  
• Popular tourist beach area is in the southwest Pacific corner (San Juan del Sur).
  
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Giardia, Leptospirosis, Typhoid Fever, and Zika.
• Hiking in volcanic or remote areas is dangerous. 
  
• Tourism is unevenly regulated, inspections are uncommon.
• The the most visited volcanoes include: Concepción, Cosigüina, Masaya, Mombacho, Momotombo, and Ometepe Maderas.
  
  
• Dry Season is between November - April.
  
• Among the poorest countries in the Americas.
  
• Indigenous tribes along the Mosquito Coast speak their own language, Miskito.
  
• Has a Departure Tax ($42 USD), normally included in the flight price.
  
• Most roads along the Caribbean Coastline are unpaved.
  
• Birdwatching is best at Gran Reserva Biologico Rio Indio-Maiz, La Isla de Ometepe, mountains of Matagalpa, Rio San Juan, Volcan Mombacho, and Volcan Masaya.
• Road signs are limited or non-existent.
• Cerro Negro Volcano (León) is popular for sand skiing.
  
• Rainy Season is May - October.
• Avoid exploring after dark.
• Majority of eco-lodging is on Ometepe Island.
• Avoid tap water consumption.
• Reefs off the Corn Islands are the only accessible dive sites.
  
• Offers one dive shop in San Juan del Sur (Corn Islands).
• Diving is best March - April.
• Drivers must carry: driver’s license, emergency triangle; fire extinguisher; inspection sticker, proof of insurance, and registration sticker.
• Police presence is limited outside of major urban areas.
  
• Popoyo Beach (central Pacific coast) offers the best beach surfing.
  
• Corn Islands are windy from November - February.
  
• Corn Islands best weather is March - April.
• Ferry Service is between San Jorge and Ometepe Island.
  
• Natives are known to eat armadillos, boas, guinea pigs, iguanas, and turtle eggs.
• Drones and similar devices are not permitted.
  
• Taxi service is not metered so ask for a rate before entering.
• Only basic, limited emergency medical services are available outside Managua.
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Yellow Fever vaccination required from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry: $10,000USD.

Subject to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions.

• Best Time to Visit: December - February
• Coolest Month: January 
• Hottest Months: March - May
• Peak Season: December - April

Photo Credit: pdro-enrique/Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: León, León Cathedral, and León Viejo.

 

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.  

New Zealand

New Zealand Flag

Why visit New Zealand?

For the adventurous outdoorsy traveler seeking to enjoy beaches, bungee jumping, caverns, cycling, fishing, fjords, glaciers, golf, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, kayaking, meadows, mountain climbing, mountains, picturesque coastline, rain forests, sailing, scenery, scuba diving, skiing, surfing, thermal baths, vineyards, and wildlife.

Wellington, New Zealand (North Island). Photo Credit: Bernd Hildebrandt/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Artwork, bone carvings, cheeses, fleece jackets, honey, glass vases, jade jewelry, olive oils, possum-skin accessories, shell jewelry, sheepskin rugs, tea towels, wood carvings, and wool sweaters.
• Local Cuisine to Try:  Anzac Biscuit. Bouton d'Or Brie (cheese). Camembert (cheese). Cheerios (cocktail sausage). Cheese Roll (snack). Fish & Chips (staple meal). Hokey Pokey Ice Cream (honeycomb ice-cream). Jaffas (candy). Kāpiti Cheese. Kumara (sweet potato chips). Kiwi Meat Pie. Maori Hangi (traditional dish). Pavlova (dessert). Possum Stew. Rewena Paraoa (sourdough bread). Whitebait Fritter (fried fish). Whittaker's Chocolate (candy).
• Local Drink to Try: Lemon & Paeroa (soft drink). Lewis Road Creamery Flavored Milk. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (wine). Phoenix (beer). Speight’s (Beer). Stolen Rum.

Photo Credit: Pawel Grzegorz/Pixabay

Fun Facts

• Abel Tasman (1603-1659), Dutch Explorer upon arrival thought the islands were Staten Land.
  
• Auckland was ranked (2016) the world's third most livable city. 
• Was formerly named Nova Zeelandia.
• Five largest inhabited islands are Chatham Island, D'Urville Island, Great Barrier Island, Stewart Island, and Waiheke Island.
  
• Consists of two main landmasses, the North Island and the South Island with over 700 smaller islands. 
• South Island is the largest landmass.
  
• Fiordland National Park (Te Anau) stretches almost 3 million acres.
  
• Horse races their most popular spectator sport. 
  
• Home to 13 of 18 penguin species in the world.
• Tuatara lizard has a third eye sensitive to light.
  
• Does not have any poisonous animals.
  
• Home to almost half the world's population of dolphins, porpoises, and whales.
• Queen Charlotte Sound (South Island), is considered one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world. 
  
• Dependent on international trade.
  
• Largely exports dairy cows.
• Hosts the world's largest Polynesian Festival (Pasifika) attracting over 200,000 attendee's annually.

Waiau River, New Zealand. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) ASB Bank Tennis Classic, Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta,  Heineken Open, KapCon, Wellington Cup Race Meeting, World Buskers Festival Festival, (February) Auckland Arts Festival, Brebner Art Deco Weekend, Couch Soup, Devonport Food & Wine Festival, Garden City Festival of Flowers, Hawke's Bay Wine & Food Festival, Marlborough Food and Wine Festival, Speight's Coast to Coast, (March) Arrowtown Autumn Festival, Celebrate Pasifika Festival, Ellerslie International Flower Show, Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, New Zealand International Festival of Arts, North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival, (April) Auckland Easter Show, Fletcher Challenge Forest Marathon, Warbirds Over Wanaka, (May) Bay of Islands Country Music Festival, Bluff Oyster & Food Festival, Matariki Festival, Māoriland Film Festival, Winetopia, (June) Food & Wine Classic (F.A.W.C), National Agricultural Fieldays, (July) Christchurch Arts Festival, G-TARanaki Guitar Festival, Queenstown Winter Festival, (August) Bay of Islands Jazz & Blues Festival, Boobs on Bikes, Wellington on a Plate (WOAP), (September) Alexandra Blossom Festival, Gay Ski Week, Montana World of Wearable Art Awards, Whitianga Oceans Festival, (October) Dunedin Rhododendron Festival, Kaikoura Seafest, Nelson Arts Festival, NetHui, Queenstown Jazz Festival, (November) Canterbury A&P Show, Southern Traverse, Toast Martinborough, and (December) Nelson Jazz Festival.
• Holidays: New Year’s Day, Day after New Year’s Day, Waitangi Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Queen’s Birthday, Labour Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Auckland, New Zealnad. Photo Credit: Bernd Hildebrandt/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Local Customs may inspect digital cameras, hard drives, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. Failure to comply could result in $5,000NZD fine.
• Failure to declare goods: honey, fresh fruit, plants, or seeds is subject to a $400NZD fine.
• West Coast area is best for surfing.
  
• North West Circuit (Stewart Island) is a challenging hiking trail.
  
• Insect repellent is required to protect against mosquitoes and sand fly.

• Queenstown is a popular resort town (Otago). 

• Swim on lifeguard patrolled beaches due to riptides.
• Avoid spitting in public. 
  
• Sobriety checks are common.
  
• Christchurch (South Island) is the driest city.
  
• Has a strong anti-smoking environment in public places.
• Ferries service is available from Cook Strait between Wellington (North Island) and Picton (South Island).
  
• Traffic moves from left.
• Auckland is densely populated.
  
• Failure to declare goods that should be quarantined, holds up to $100,000NZD and/or up to five years in prison.
  
• North Island is less mountainous.
• South Island has a cooler climate.
  
• Road roundabouts are popular.
• Hokitika Gorge (west coast) is a popular attraction for a bridge suspended over Hokitika River.
• Roads tend to be curvy, narrow, and steep.
• Cell coverage (South Island) can be spotty.

Photo Credit: VK1960/Pixabay

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with three months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Required Vaccination from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000NZD.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Tongariro National Park, North Island), New Zealand. Photo Credit: tongariro/Pixabay

Subject to cyclones, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and volcano eruptions.

• Best Time to Visit: February - March
• Coldest Months: July - September 
• Hottest Months: December - March
• Peak Season: November - March

Mount Taranaki (aka: Taranaki Maunga), (North Island), New Zealand. Photo Credit: Fred T/Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Te Wahipounamu, Tongariro National Park, and the Subantarctic Islands.

Bob's Peak, Queenstown, New Zealand. Photo Credit: Bernd Hildebrandt/Pixabay

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.