I recently had the opportunity to take a 3-day tour to Ibadan with Travooler, and it was an amazing experience. I had never been to IITA before, and I was excited to explore this vibrant institution.
The trip began with a train ride from Lagos, offering a seamless and scenic journey that showcased the evolving landscape from start to finish, passing through Abeokuta before arriving in Ibadan.
When we arrived in Ibadan, we were taken to our accommodation at IITA, a beautiful 1-bedroom flatlet. Checking in was seamless as the tour operators handled all the bookings and everyone just had to sign in, and we were able to relax for a bit before heading out to explore.
Our first stop was IITA Lake, which is a beautiful spot for tourists. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, and it's a great place to go fishing, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
We had a beautiful picnic with enough fruits, drinks, and food; we all "sipped and painted", and even Picasso was found shaking.
After the lake, we went to have dinner at the IITA open restaurant. The food was delicious, and we all enjoyed ourselves. I especially enjoyed the efo riro, a traditional Yoruba dish made with spinach, palm oil, and assorted meats.
The next day, we started with a buffet breakfast at IITA. After breakfast, we played some games, including tennis and table tennis. We then checked out of IITA and headed to Travooler La Maison, a luxurious 4-bedroom duplex in a secured estate in the heart of Akobo.
Travooler La Maison was amazing. The mansion oozed opulence. With lavish furnishings, a reliable power supply, and commendable internet connectivity, it was a retreat fit for royalty with everything we could possibly need. We spent the afternoon playing indoor games and gisting.
In the afternoon, we went out for amala, a delicious Nigerian dish that some of us had never tried before. Amala is a thick, doughy porridge made from cassava, and it's usually served with ewedu soup, a spinach-based soup. The amala was amazing, and I definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Ibadan.
After lunch, we went to Agodi Gardens, which is a large public park in Ibadan. The gardens are home to a variety of plants and animals, although the zoo was said to have closed down, perhaps due to a lack of proper maintenance. There are also a number of playgrounds and other attractions. Paintball battles, arena games, and virtual reality experiences created a symphony of laughter and camaraderie. And yes, the bouncing castle, though tempting, had to wait; the amala from the previous night still had its grip.
The next morning, it was time to go home. I was sad to leave, but I knew that I had had a great time. I met some amazing people, and I had the opportunity to experience some of the best that Ibadan has to offer. The bags were packed, but the hearts were reluctant to leave. Yet I found solace in the friendships forged and the memories woven.
The highlight of my trip was definitely the people I met. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and I felt like I was part of a big family—a reminder that journeys are made unforgettable by the souls we encounter. A special mention must be reserved for Travooler's impeccable car rides, which seamlessly connected every dot of our adventure.
From the urban train ride to the rural landscapes, from artistic sunsets to culinary escapades, and from fun-filled games to tranquil moments, this journey will forever hold a cherished place in my heart. An escapade with Travooler that wasn't just a trip but a symphony of experiences that played on even after I returned home
If you're looking for a great way to experience Ibadan, I highly recommend Travooler. And the good news! Travooler is already organizing another unforgettable journey to Ibadan from September 22nd to 24th. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore Ibadan's beauty, with even more fun activities in store. Contact Travooler now to secure your spot for this upcoming adventure. Trust me, you won't want to miss it. They offer a variety of tours and activities, and they make sure that you have a memorable experience.
Here are some tips for planning your own trip to Ibadan
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Be sure to try the local food, especially Amala.
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Visit Travooler La Maison
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Take a trip to IITA Lake; it's a beautiful spot.
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Visit Agodi Gardens; there are a lot of fun activities to do there.
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Meet some of the locals; they're very friendly and welcoming.
