From wildlife-rich nature reserves to cultural museums, Ogun State is a fascinating pocket of Nigeria. Have incredible encounters with wild African elephants in a UNESCO biosphere reserve and climb an enormous rock dotted with Yoruba shrines.
Things to do in Ogun
Watch wild elephants march through lush lowland rainforest in Omo Forest Reserve. The 675-hectare park is a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve and home to dozens of bird and butterfly species, as well as chimpanzees, white-throated monkeys and yellow-casqued hornbills. Most guided tours include a three-hour trek to the Elephant Camp, where you can see matriarchs, babies and enormous bulls.
Hire a guide and climb Olumo Rock, a sacred site and fortress for the Egba people during the Yoruba wars in the 19th century. As you hike, you’ll pass centuries-old shrines, caves and sacred trees. Enjoy sweeping views over the city from the 137-metre-high summit.
The bustling city of Abeokuta is a gateway to Ogun State. Local artisans have been creating beautiful, indigo-dyed “adire” cloth here for generations. Hire a local guide to visit an indigo dying well and see how the fabric is made. Purchase cloth directly from the artisans or head to the nearby Adire Mall to buy indigo clothes, bed linen and homewares.
Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) combines history and culture with family-friendly fun. The enormous complex features an excellent museum and a wildlife park where you can see lions, hyenas, pythons and other African animals. Enjoy lunch in the shady café surrounded by enormous bamboo stalks. Try local favourites like “suya” BBQ meat and palm wine.
Getting around Ogun
Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Ogun State at your own pace. Shared taxis are a fast and affordable way to get around, while local buses also operate in Ogun State. Abeokuta is a 1.5-hour drive from Lagos and Murtala Muhammed International Airport.