Next destination... Nigeria!

The only thing I know about Nigeria at this moment is that I need 6 different vaccinations + Malaria drugs to go there... This doesn't make it very inviting... or maybe yes. That means it is a pretty unexplored destination, with some risks and where Nature is still pretty uncontrolled. Mmmmhhh... Nigeria, yes!


It is going to be the most hard core destination I've ever been to and I'm very excited about it. I'm off in about a month for my next Globe Trekker program. The producer already advised me there is some fighting now and then between Muslims and Christians in the country. In the Niger Delta, the interests of foreign large oil corporations such as Mobile, Shell, Chevron etc have resulted in immense poverty and environmental destruction. There for, tourists are a usual target for kidnappers in that region.

We will avoid the Niger Delta, but we can’t do much to prevent getting in the middle of a fight between Muslims and Christians, because it can happen anywhere at anytime. We will be guided by locals who know how to move around, so I’m pretty sure they will keep us safe.

Anyway, I think it is an English thing to be so preventive and protective with these kind of issues during a shoot. In Spain, we are a bit more adventurous and self confident. Maybe I should say unconscious? Probably yes. That is why I feel safe going to Nigeria with an English crew. Every risk has been measured and it will be avoided as much as possible.

I will start doing some research about Nigeria. I tried to find a guide book, but even Lonely Planet doesn’t have one because it is not a usual tourist destination at all. I don’t like going to a country without knowing anything about it. It is an opportunity to expand your knowledge and you understand things better if you have some background about the culture and history of it.

The good thing about not knowing much at this moment is that I don’t have many expectations nor an opinion about the Nigerians and their homeland. I hope my reading doesn’t change that. There is nothing worst than thinking you know everything about the place you’re going to.

Any advises?