List of Adventurous Things to Do in Benin Republic
The Republic of Benin is a beautiful coastal country located off the coast of West Africa. There are so many adventurous things to do in Benin Republic. Benin Republic is a West African country that shares a border with Nigeria, Togo, Burkina Faso and Niger. It’s a small country with so many adventurous things to do. The country is one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in West Africa. This is due to its rich historical heritage, diverse culture, nature experience, and it’s beautiful people. It is also known as the Republic of Benin. In French, it is République du Bénin. The country has a population of over ten million people. The major languages are French, Fon and Yoruba languages. There are so many adventurous things to do in Benin Republic and lots of adventurous places to visit too. Below is a list of adventurous things to do in Benin Republic. Popular Cities in the Benin Republic The capital of Benin Republic is Porto Novo however the seat of Government is in Cotonou. Cotonou is the most popular city in the country. These are the list of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Cotonou Porto Novo Ouidah Parakou Abomey Djougou Bohicon Also Read: How to Travel From Lagos, Nigeria To Benin Republic Things to Do In Benin Republic One of the things that will guarantee you a sweet stay, is to have a planned itinerary of what you are going to do when you visit. To make your visit a memorable one, we have made a list of the things to do when you visit Benin. Visit the Royal Palaces of Abomey The Royal Palaces of Abomey is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has become is one of the popular places to visit in Benin Republic. It was built between the 17th and the 19th century. It is the ancestral home of the King of Dahomey. The Royal palace is has 12 Palaces built on 20 hectares of land. It was founded by the people of Fon in 1625. The palace was home to the 12 Kings who ruled the Kingdom of Dahomey. Go on a Boat Cruise This country is blessed with abundance of water, making it a good spot for water sporting activities. The water looks clean which makes it a perfect spot for boat cruise. Shopping at the Local Market One of the things you should add to your list of things to do in the Republic of Benin is shopping at a local market. It is one of the most adventurous things you should add to your list. This country has beautiful markets where you can buy souvenirs, jewellery, clothing items etc Enjoy the Local and Street Food: Another adventurous thing you can do at Benin Republic is to try the local foods. It has an array of spicy foods which a combination of local and intercontinental dishes. Bring your taste buds to life, try out some of its local delicacies. Enjoy the Night Life The country has interesting night-life with nightclubs, lounges, bars, restaurants etc. At night, the city comes to life, you may never can tell until you try it for yourself. Attend the Annual Festivals Due to its rich cultural benefits, Benin Republic has different annual festivals. This is a must when next you visit. Watch the display of the different cultural heritage, dance, music and so on. Lodge and Enjoy the Breathtaking View of Casa Del Papa Casa Del Papa is one of the most beautiful resorts in the Republic of Benin. It is a beach resort located in the city of Ouidah. It has a lagoon and a sea view giving you access to both worlds.Casa Del Papa is the definition of crystal white sand, a well-manicured garden, greeneries, a friendly lagoon and a lovely beach view. Things to Do at Casa Del Papa, Benin Republic Lodge at Djegba Hotel Djegba Hotel is another beautiful resort in the Republic of Benin, it is also located in Ouidah. The hotel is an affordable luxury hotel in Ouidah. Djegba resort comes with a lovely pool, a beautiful garden and state of the art facilities. Djegba Hotel is also close to the ocean. It is less than a 3 minute walk to the Atlantic Ocean which makes it an awesome destination. Do a City Tour One of the things you can do when you visit the Republic of Benin is to do a city tour. The city has beautiful views, historic buildings, beautiful landscape and lovely scenes. Some of the popular places to visit include Cotonou Airport road, Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport, Porto Novo, Ouidah etc. Visit Fidjrosse Beach The Republic of Benin has so many beautiful beaches. Fidjrosse beach is one of the most popular beaches in Benin republic. It is characterised by crystal white sand, beautiful palm trees and beautiful beach huts. These stretches the length and breadth of the beach. The beach is one of the places you should visit when you travel to Benin Republic. During the weekend, it is also known for its entertainment and recreational activities. The Fidjrosse beach also comes alive at night making it a perfect destination for tourists and beach lovers. Fidjrosse beach is located in Cotonou. Learn History at Ouidah Museum The Ouidah Museum is one of the historical buildings in the Republic of Benin. The structure was built by the Portuguese during the Slave trade era. The museum is constructed on one hectare of land. It contains collections of archaeological and slave relics. It also has a rich collection of Benin history and cultural traditions. The museum was reconstructed and reopened in 1967. Beautiful artworks at Zinsou Foundation The Zinsou Foundation is an exhibition centre. It is an art gallery with different collections of contemporary African artworks. Zinsou Foundation is also known as Foundation Zinsou is an exhibition centre for contemporary African artworks and creativity. It has become one of the popular places to visit in the Republic
How to Apply for Dubai Visa from Nigeria
Applying for a Dubai visa from Nigeria is the first step to take when planning a trip to Dubai. Dubai offers an e-visa to Nigerian citizens. You can process your Dubai visa online. Unlike other countries, Dubai does not require so much documentation. To get a Dubai visa, you can process the application online. Dubai has become one of the top tourist destinations across the world. It is home to the tallest buildings in the world. Dubai is one of the most visited tourist attractions. Nigerians travelling to Dubai require a visa to visit the Emirate. Getting a Dubai visa takes between 24 hours to 1 week. Applying for a Dubai visa from Nigeria does not require so much documentation, statement of account, sponsor or invitation. Dubai offers different kinds of visas available to Nigerians visiting Dubai. Reasons to Travel to Dubai 1. Honeymoon: Dubai is one of the top honeymoon spots around the world. It is one of the many reasons why Nigerians love to visit Dubai. 2. Medical tourism: Over the years, Dubai has been known for its advanced medical practices. It is one of the top medical tourism destinations for Nigerians. 3. Vacation: Dubai is one of the best vacation countries around the world, it has some of the most beautiful vacation spots scattered all over the city. 4. Tourism: Dubai has a combination of natural, historical and modern tourism potentials. It houses the tallest buildings in the world, the largest aquarium, underwater experiences and so much more. 5. Conferences: It has also become one of the top places for retreats and conferences. 6. Business: Dubai is business-friendly, that is why the majority of the people have made Dubai their preferred business hub. 7. Work: Because of its enormous potentials, Dubai offers opportunities for Nigerians and other people around the world to pursue a career in Dubai. 8. Schooling: Dubai also has some of the best learning institutions offering quality education. 9. Relocation: Dubai has also become a good spot for people considering relocation out of Nigeria. Click here For Cheap Dubai flight in Nigeria Classes of Dubai Visa From Nigeria There are different classes of visas when you are visiting Dubai from Nigeria, you need to know the best kind of visas that applies to you. Transit Visa: This type of visa is required by passengers who are travelling to another country through Dubai. The transit visa will only be applicable if you are travelling to another country and would be passing through Dubai. It is valid for 30 days from the day of release. Tourist Visa: This is the most common type of Dubai visa. This is the type of visa required for people visiting Dubai for vacation, honeymoon, sightseeing etc. It allows you to stay for up to 30 days, it has a validity of 58 days from the date it was issued. Validity means you must use the visa on or before the 58 days as specified. Visitors Visa: This is the type of visa used by applicants who are visiting Dubai on invitation from either spouse, friends or family. This type of visa is issued when you have friends or family who are Dubai residents Work Visa: This is the type of visa required by employees who plan to work in Dubai or got a job in Dubai. Student Visa: This is the visa required for students who are planning to study or studying in Dubai. Other Kinds of Visa 96 Hour Visa: This is the type of visa available to people that are only staying in Dubai for a maximum of 4 days. It is the kind of visa only available for short stays. 2 Weeks / 14 Days Visa: The 14 days visa is only available for a maximum of 14 days stay in Dubai. 1 month / 30 Days Visa: This is a 30 days visa that allows a maximum stay of 30 days. It is divided into 30 days single entry and 30 days multiple entry visas. a. 30 Days Single Entry Visa: This visa allows a maximum of 30 days stay on a single entry. It means you can only stay for a maximum of 30 days on a single entry. b. 30 Days Multiple Entry Visa: This visa allows you entry into Dubai multiple times within 30 days 3 Months/90 Days Dubai Visa: It is valid for 90 days. It is divided into two. a. The 90-day single entry visa: This is valid for a maximum of 90 days stay in Dubai on a single entry. b. 90 days multiple entry visa: This is a multiple entry visa that is valid for 90 days. It allows you entry into Dubai multiple times for a maximum period of 90 days. Cost of Dubai Visa in Nigeria The cost of a Dubai visa varies, depending on the type of visa you are applying for. General Requirement for Applying for a Dubai Visa From Nigeria 1. International Passport: You must have the Nigerian International passport 2. Your passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months 3. Proof of Health Insurance 4. Scanned Data page of your passport 5. Your passport photograph: You must also provide a passport photograph which will be scanned and uploaded 6. Filled Form: You must fill the Visa Application form with correct and accurate information 7. proof of Funds: You must also provide proof of funds to show that you have enough money to spend throughout your stay in Dubai 8. Health Insurance: You are required to provide proof of health insurance 9. Copy of Hotel Reservation Requirement for Student Visa In addition to the general requirement, these are some of the other requirements for a student visa in Dubai for Nigerians. Admission letter from the university in Dubai Evidence of payment Birth Certificate Academic Credentials and documents Sponsors six months Statement Sponsorship letter from either parent or guardian How to Apply for Dubai Visa From Nigeria Submit
What Nigerians Travelling to Dubai Through Cotonou Go Through
It is no more news that for some months, Nigerians can not travel to Dubai directly from Nigeria. This because of the issues between Emirate Airline, the Nigerian and the UAE government. In the last few months, travelling to Dubai from Nigeria which used to be very easy has all of a sudden become a nightmare. To go on this trip, you will have to go through other countries and one of the easiest being Ghana and the Republic of Benin. This is because the two countries are our closest neighbours. I have read several stories about different issues people have had in the Republic of Benin and Ghana. One of the popular stories was shared by Derende here https://www.nairaland.com/6544747/30-days-sojourn-through-cotonou Sometimes this month, A client contacted me to help him process a three months Dubai visa and also to plan his itinerary to Dubai via Benin republic. I processed the Dubai visa, booked the flight, then we headed straight to the Republic of Benin. The Journey To cut a long story short, on his travel date, we got to Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. The Benin Airport is less rowdy, less congested and looking well maintained. That was when I got the shocks of my life. Firstly, the majority of the people going to Dubai from the Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport were Nigerians. As we were driving into the car park, I realize most of the people doing bureau de change are Nigerians. We changed some money and headed straight to the departure. I met lots of Nigerians at the waiting area. You will almost think it is another branch of Murtala Muhammed International airport located in Lagos. Then the worst happened, as we were heading in, we saw 4 Nigerians coming out, at first I thought they were coming back. Only to get to the queue and we were told they were denied boarding. I got more curious, on further investigation, I later got to know that they backdated the date they got in, not knowing that The republic of Benin had changed their stamp. Unfortunate for them, they backdated with the new stamp. While at the Airport, I also saw another Nigerian who was arrested at the airport because he was trying to board with a fake visa. I can not believe someone would try to do that. I think the person he paid gave him a fake visa. He got locked up for some days. This is really painful. Then the last set of Nigerians that were rejected either have damaged passports or International passport with a picture that is not clear. The last sets of Nigerians that got denied were people who got late to the checking point. Here are the major reasons why you could get denied boarding at the Cotonou Airport. Also Read Understanding the Nigerian and the Benin Republic Currency Reasons Why People Were Rejected Damaged passport: Any passport with stains, a picture that is not clear, damaged on any part of the data page is automatic rejection. Please avoid any form of damage to your passport. Most of the people were travelling with the same passport in Nigeria without any issue. Someone said they are doing it to frustrate Nigerians. LOL this I cant verify yet. Fake visa: Please always try to confirm the validity of your passport. Fake stamp: Please ensure you always stamp at the border, do not pay touts to stamp for you. Backdated stamp: YOu are supposed to spend 2 weeks minimum at the Cotonou Airport before you are allowed to travel. Expired covid 19 test: Please ensure you do your Covid 19 test on time so you can get the result on time. Things to note when visiting Dubai through the Republic of Benin 1. you must spend a minimum of 2 weeks in the Republic of Benin 2. To be on the safe side, Make sure you stamp in Seme border rather than Idiroko border, I heard so many people are having issues at Idiroko when they arrive in Dubai. 3. Confirm your Visa validity online. 4. Get to the airport at least three hours before your flight 5. Do a VIP covid 19 test. You will get your result the same day. 6. If you can get an agent that is familiar with the route to help you out. It will save you lots of money in the long run. 7. Stay in a hotel that is not far from the airport 8. Get familiar with the terrain and an English speaking cab driver. It will save you lots of headache. Please ensure you follow all Covid 19 protocols, please try to do the right thing because once you are caught they will ensure you face the law. Have you had a similar experience? Please share below.
Lufasi Nature Park – A Nature Reserve in Lagos
Lufasi park is an animal shelter and a conservation centre located along the Lekki Epe expressway. LUFASI is the Acronym for Lekki Urban Forestry and Animal Shelter Initiative. The park started in 2013 as a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) with the sole responsibility of preserving nature and protecting wildlife and endangered species. Desmond Majekodunmi is the founder of Lufasi Nature Park. Desmond is a nature conservationist, animal lover, engineer, farmer and environmental activist.Lufasi park serves as an animal sanctuary and forest conservation. The park is also responsible for advocacy, research and education. The Park sits on 20 hectares of forest land in the Lekki area of Lagos. It officially launched in Nov 2016. The Park serves as a shelter for rescue endangered animals. It is a combination of a conservation centre, recreational centre and animal shelter. LUFASI park has become one of the popular tourist attractions in Lekki. It is a family-friendly park which makes it a perfect spot for adults and children. Animals at Lufasi park It is home to different species of animals, birds and plants. Some of the animals present are the Hooded Vulture, the African Pied Hornbill, tortoise, monkeys, horses, West African Dwarf sheep, Nigerian dwarf goats, rabbits, rams, pangolins, donkey, ducks etc. It also has an abundance of ironwood trees, cashew trees, Ekki wood trees etc.Lufasi is for the conservation and promotion of nature and wildlife. Lufasi Park Gate fee The entrance fee to Lufasi park is 1,000 Naira per adults and 500 Naira for children. They don’t charge corkage fees. You are free to bring in foods and drinks. Facilities Available at The Park It is a facility packed nature park. These are some of the facilities available at Lufasi park.Children Play Area: It has a dedicated children play area with facilities for children such as swings, slides etc. Lake Moses: It has two artificial lakes at different points of the park. One of the lakes is Lake Moses. Lake Nora: This is the second lake at the Park. The Picnic Area: It also has an outdoor area for picnics and family gathering. Volleyball Pitch: There is never a dull moment at the park. It has several sporting facilities. Football Pitch: It has a five aside football pitch. Eco-Friendly Hall: It has an eco-friendly hall used for team bonding activities, meetings, events etc. Craft/Art shop: the art shop has fashion products, artworks, crafts, drawings, paintings, necklaces and bracelets, woodworks etc. Jungle Game Area: Shirin Yoku Platform Animal Sanctuary Location of Lufasi Park Lufasi park is located at KM 41 Lekki Epe Expressway, Majek 1st Gate, beside Fara Park Estate. Direction to The park If you are coming from the mainland, navigate to Lekki phase 1 along the Lekki Epe Expressway. From Lekki phase 1, drive through the road past the second tollgate all the way past Abraham Adesanya, Ajah. The park is after Lagos Business School (LBS) and a few blocks from Novare Mall. The other landmarks close to Lufasi is Emperor Crown Estate and Farapark estate. It is on your right. It shares a fence with Farapark Estate. Things to Do At Lufasi Park Hiking: It is one of the top spots for hiking. Its nature trail has become tourists favourite spot. Hiking at Lufasi is one of the many adventurous activities to do at the park.Bird Watching: The park is one of birdwatchers favourite destination in Nigeria. It is home to some unique birds like the eagle, vulture, owl etc. Sight Seeing: Because of its natural feel, it attracts visitors from all works of life who come there for sightseeing activities.Picnic: It has become one of the fun places for picnics, family hangouts, reunion and team bonding activities. Play Table tennis: It has standard table tennis on the ground. Photoshoot: it is also perfect for photoshoots. Feel free to take those Go horse riding: You can also go on a horse ride. It has different horses available for this adventure. Experience Wildlife: Since Lufasi Nature park has a wildlife section, you get to see these live animals. It has over 10 species of animals. Photoshoot: The environment is perfect for a photoshoot, over the years it has become a popular attraction for birthdays and pre-wedding shoots etc. Other Tourist Attractions Close to Lufasi Park Lekki Conservation CentreLekki Art MarketNike Art GalleryOmu ResortLakowe Golf Course
Comparing The Nigerian Naira and the Ghanaian Cedis
The Ghanaian Cedis is the official currency of the Republic of Ghana. Ghana is a West Africa country that shares a border with Togo, Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.Cedi was first introduced in Ghana in July 1965 by Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of the Republic of Ghana. The introduction of Ghana Cedi was to replace the British pounds, shillings and pence. Since the introduction of Cedis, it has undergone several transformations from 1965 to 2007. Understanding the Ghanaian Currency The Ghana Cedi comes in coins and notes. The Bank of Ghana is the central bank that is responsible for producing the Ghana currency.The Word Cedi comes from the cowry shell. It is a seashell and the old traditional currency which were in use in Africa before colonization and before the introduction of banknotes.After many years of inflation, in 2007, the Bank of Ghana devalued her currency from 10,000 old Cedis to 1 Cedi. This was done by removing four digits (zeros) from their currency. That is, effective from 1st July 2007, ten thousand Cedis automatically becomes 1 cedi.The Notes are Cedis while the coins is in Pesewas. A hundred pesewas make 1 Cedi. Compare the Nigerian Naira to The Ghanaian Cedis The three Generations on Cedis The cedi came into existence in 1965 as a replacement for the British Pound.The second generation of Ghana Cedis came after the coup in 1967. The new currency was introduced by the military. New notes were introduced to wipe off the face of the first president of Ghana from the Ghanaian currency.The new Ghana cedis came as a result of the devaluation of Ghana currency in 2007. It became the third generation of Ghana cedis. The reason for the introduction of the New Ghana cedi was to devalue the currency. After the devaluation, ten thousand cedis became one Ghana Cedi. Also Read: Comparing the Nigerian Naira and the Benin Republic CFA The Symbol of Ghana Currency The Ghanaian Cedi is also known as the GHC. The Symbol of the Ghanain currency is GH₵. It comes in both coins and notes. Ghana Coins The coins are in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 pesewas Notes The Ghana Cedis also comes in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 cedis. The Nigerian Currency Naira is the official Nigerian currency. The Central bank of Nigeria is responsible for issuing this legal tender. The Nigerian Naira was officially introduced on January 1st 1973. The Naira was named after Nigeria by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The Nigerian currency comes in Notes and coins known as Naira and kobo. However, due to the low economic value of the coin, the coin is currently not in circulation. The Symbol of the Nigerian currency is ₦. Comparing The Nigerian Naira and Ghana Cedis. Conversion rates Ghanaian Cedis to Nigerian Naira1 Cedi is 91 Naira5 Cedi is 455 Naira10 Cedis 910 Naira20 Cedis is 1,820 Naira100 Cedis is 9,100 Naira200 Cedis is 18,200 Naira500 Cedis 45,500 Naira1000 cedis is 91,000 Naira (1000 cedis to Naira)10,000 Cedis is 910,000 Naira Conversion rates Nigerian Naira / Ghanaian Cedi 1 NGN is 0.011 Cedis10 NGN is 0.110 Cedis20 NGN is 0.220 Cedis50 NGN is 0.550 Cedis100 NGN is 1.1 Cedis200 NGN is 2.2 Cedis500 NGN is 5.5 Cedis1000 NGN is 11 Cedis10,000 Naira is 110 Cedis100,000 Naira is 1100 Cedis
Casa Del Papa Resort – Beautiful Beach Resort in Benin Republic
Casa Del papa is one of the best resorts in Benin republic. The beautiful resort has been in existence for over 15 years. It has both the lagoon and the sea view making it a perfect destination for holiday, vacation and honeymoon. It has become lovers favourite destination, tourist choice and adventurer second home. This is because of its beautiful landscape and facilities. Casa Del Papa is located in the colonial city of Ouidah. A few minutes drive from the Benin slave route. The resort boasts of a restaurant, outdoor pool, bar, spa, lagoon, beach, and other exciting attractions. Casa Del Papa is the definition of a beautiful beach with crystal white sand, beautiful gardens and well-arranged coconuts and palm trees. The flowers at the resorts are well adorned which is proof that they pay attention to the tiniest detail. This resort comes in bungalows, the bungalows have both lagoon and beachside view. Where is Casa Del Papa located? Casa Del papa is in Azizacoue, Ouidah in Benin Republic. It is about 30 minutes drive from the major highway. Ouidah is known for its impact during the slave trade era. It is the location of Casa Del Papa. It has both a lagoon and a sea view. The resort has a lagoon on the right side and a beach on the other side. It is situated between the lagoon and the Atlantic ocean giving you a beautiful view of both worlds. Also Read: Cost of travelling to Republic of Benin From Lagos Video of Casa Del Papa Making a Reservations Casa Del Papa is the hottest beach resort in the Benin Republic. If you are visiting, ensure you make reservations in time. This is to avoid disappointment. You can either make reservations on their website or better still you can contact us to make the reservations on your behalf. You will be required to make deposits when you make reservations. Making deposits sometimes can be an issue due to the difference in currency. They do not accept transfers only cash payments or POS. Due to the CBN’s policy, you can not do more than 100 dollars on your card monthly. The Resort The Resort has a total of about 70 rooms which is a combination of both single double rooms. All the rooms at the resort are bungalows. The Rooms The rooms at the hotel are super clean with Airconditioner, table lamps, Flat screen Television, table, chair, wardrobe. However, the settings of the rooms are too simple for a resort of that side. Also Read: Understanding the Republic of Benin Currency The Cost of Staying at Casa Del Papa Casa Del Papa is a premium resort. The cost of staying at Casa Del Papa varies. There are factors to consider when deciding the cost of staying at Casa Del Papa. The factors include 1. Are you staying alone?: It depends on whether you are having a room to yourself2. If you are planning to stay at the sea view or the lagoon view. Cost of Rooms at Casa Del Papa The rooms are in categories, the sea view and the lagoon view. These are the cost of rooms at Casa Del papa. Sea View Privilege Room for 2 with breakfast 77,500 Privilege room for 1 with breakfast 76,000 Room for 2 with breakfast 66,000 Room for 1 with breakfast 53,500 Lagoon View Room for 2 with breakfast 56,000 Room for 1 with breakfast 43,500 The resort is a family-friendly resort with rooms to accommodate different needs. The single rooms are suitable for couples while the double is best for families. The rooms are well insulated and protected from outside noise. Things You Should Know Before Visiting Casa Del Papa Convert Naira to Cefa: Please ensure you convert your money to Cefa at the border before coming to the resort, they do not accept other currency. Get a Universal Adapter: They use a different kind socket, to be able to make use of the sockets, you need a Universal Adapter. Please ensure you get this at the border. It may be difficult getting this once you get to the resort. Get a new SIM: Get a Benin MTN SIM for internet connection. There is no internet access or WIFI in the resort rooms. Get a Translator: The official language is French, going with someone that speaks French is an added advantage. You may also make use of google translator or other translating devices. This will make communication easy. Note the food schedule: The resort has a strict timing for food. Come out for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the right time, these guys are so strict with their timing. If you miss any of the schedules, you may have to wait for the next one. Facilities at Casa Del Papa The resort is facilities packed with so much to see and do. Apart from the beach and lagoon which are some of the major attractions. Other facilities at the resort include: – Lawn tennis court: it has a dedicated lawn tennis court. – Volley Ball Court: It has a beachside and a lagoon-side, volleyball court. – 5 Aside football Pitch: For the love of football, you can also play or compete with your friends. It has a mini football field. – Billiards/Snooker: It also has indoor games like snooker etc – Table tennis: Table tennis is also available. – Kayaking/Canoeing: The resort also has its fair share of water sporting activities like kayaking, canoeing, boat ride, jet skiing etc – Swimming pool: Casa Del papa has different pools both for adults and children. It has two large swimming pool and children’s swimming pool. – Garden: Another attraction at Casa Del Papa is its beautiful garden. The gardens are well manicured giving it a beautiful view. – Mini golf course: It also has a mini-golf course where you can compete with others. Restaurant The resort also boasts of a lovely sea view restaurant. It has in-house chefs that serve both local and
The Three Generations of the Nigerian Passport (1960 to 2021)
The Nigerian passport is a document issued by the Nigeria immigration services. It is a travel document that allows you to travel to other countries around the world. International Passport was introduced to Nigerian in 1948. It was called the British West African passport. The colour of the passport was brown with 63 pages. However, after Nigerian gained her independence in 1960. A new International passport was issued. Nigeria as a country started issuing its passport officially in 1960 The colour of the passport was then changed from brown to green. The number of pages was reduced from 63 to 32.In 1988 the Nigeria Immigration Service was chosen as the only institution to issue the Nigerian passport.The passport has gone through several changes over the years. It started from the manual handwritten passport to the Machine Readable Passport (MRP) and now the electronics passport. As at 2021, the Nigerian international passport gives visa free or visa on arrival to over forty countries of the world. These are the three Generations of Passports in Nigeria For privacy, I will be blurring out personal information on these passports. This is to protect the privacy of the users. What differences can you see between the different kinds of passports? Originally, the information on the International passport issued in 1960 was handwritten. Aslo Read: How to Get Yellow Fever card The First Generation This particular passport was popular between 1960 towards the 90’s. It has an attached passport photograph, the personal information is handwritten The E-Passport The E-Passport was introduced in July 27th, 2007 to replace the old passport. This is to reduce multiple registrations, fake passports, non appearance etc. The New Nigerian Electronic International Passport (e-passport) Since the introduction of the e-passport, it has What are your thoughts, which is your favourite?
The Cost of Travelling From Lagos to Benin Republic
If you are visiting the Republic of Benin, here is everything you need to know. As a traveller, I have the opportunity to travel to different destinations. I will guide you through everything you need to know if you are planning a trip to the Republic of Benin.I will also be showing you different ways to cross the border. How to stamp your passport without involving a third party. Getting to Benin Republic From Lagos With the Lowest Budget From Ikeja board a bus to Egbada – 100 – 200 NairaFrom Egbeda last bus stop, look out for buses going to Iyana Iba, Get a bus to Iyana Iba – 300 NairaWhen you get to Iyana Iba, board a bus going to Badagry – 500 to 700From Badagry You could either take a bike, a bus or a car going to Seme borderBike – Bikes cost between 1,000 to 1500. Car cost between 500 to 1,500Bus – It cost between 500 and 1,000 (It is costlier at the garage, you may enter at the roadside). Most of these drivers will tell you they will cross you. Just tell them to stop you at the border that you will cross yourself. Once you get to the border.If you have your International Passport, you can head straight to the border to stamp it. However, if you do not have an international passport, please note this is not the legal route. You will have to charter a bike at the SEME border to take you to the other side. Sadly it is cheaper to take that route.It will cost you between 1,000 to 2,000 naira.Please note it is always better to take the legal route. Crossing The Border Once you get to the borderOnce you get to the border, ask where to stamp your passport. Do not mind agents or some custom officers asking to do it for you. You can get it done by yourself. This is how much you will payFor Virgin Passport – 1,000 NairaFor Already stamped passports – 500 NairaThen There is the SSS, customs, Port Health etc.At every stop, they will ask questions like:What are you going to do in the republic of Benin?What do you do?Where are you coming from? Do you fret, some will require you to pay something, you may either stand your ground, but be ready to be delayed or just give 500 Naira. I am just being open this is the situation on the ground there. If your yellow card is Fake, you will have problems with port health. Perhaps, if you only have the yellow fever vaccine and not meningitis, you may also have problems with them. This is why you should get the shots before you travel. Also if you just recently took a yellow fever shot in less than 10 days. You may also have problems with the port heath. You are not allowed to travel until 10 days after the shot. They are going to delay you. This is you should get all your shots before travelling LOL. This is why I am taking my time to create this. If you finally pass through these guys then you will head straight to the Benin side. They are not as troublesome as ours, there are just two stop points, note not checkpoints LOL. They will also ask you to pay some money. Once you do, you are now live in the Republic of Benin. Tips For Visiting Benin Republic Look for Bureau De Change: The First thing you want to do is to look for a bureau de change. If you are not sure of the rates, you may ask multiple people to be able to get a good rate. Move ahead and try to negotiate with another till you get a good rate and to ensure you are not being cheated. Also, you should deal with operators with shops and not the ones on the roadside.As of April 2021, 1000 Naira is exchanged for 1,100 to 1,125 Cefa. That is1,000 Naira is 1,125 Cefa. You can also read about the Benin Currency Get a Benin SIM: Once you have changed from Naira to Cefa. Get an MTN or Airtel SIM. Though you have the option to roam your lines, You will be charged about 200 Naira per minute every time you receive a call. You will not have access to use the internet on your regular Nigerian line. It is best to get a Republic of Benin MTN SIM. Once you get the SIM. It does not require registration. Tell the operator to help you activate the SIM and also activate internet services. I should let you know that Data is very expensive in the Republic of Benin. Ensure you buy enough Gig if you are a heavy user. Once you have activated your internet you are good to go. Get a Universal Adapter: At the bus park, quickly get a Universal Adapter, this is because they have a different kind of socket from the ones we use in Nigeria. I would advise you to get two in case something goes wrong or if you may need multiple slots for your phone and laptop. Get Other stuff you might need: Due to the language barrier and the location of Casa Del Papa resort. It is located far from civilisation. Getting anything would mean travelling over 30 minutes out of the resort. This is why you should get everything you need handy Get enough snacks, drinks and water: This is another thing I wish I knew before visiting. The food at Casa Del Papa can be better. It is not up to the kind of standards I am used to in Nigeria. I would rate the food 5 over 10. This is why you need to get enough snacks. You should also note that the food is very expensive. You may have to munch on the snacks. Get an English speaking taxi: From the park close to the border,
Understanding the Republic Of Benin Currency – The Cefa
If you are visiting A French-speaking African country, there is a huge chance that you will be spending the Cefa. The CFA Franc (Cefa) is the official currency of eight west African countries which includes the Republic of Benin, Togo, Mali, Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Niger, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso. In total, the Franc is used by 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Each of these countries belongs to either the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) or the Central Africa Economic and Monetary Union.CFA Franc was created in 1945. It stands for Communaute Financiere Africaina (African Financial Communities)The currency is issued by the Central bank of West African States in Dakar, Senegal for the member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union. However, there are plans to rename the currency to ECO. This is to reduce the impact of the French Government on their economy and currency. It is also done to also boost their economies. The Republic of Benin Currency – Cefa Cefa comes in Coins and Notes Coins 50 Francs CFA100 Francs CFA200 Francs CFA Notes 500 Francs1,000 Francs2,000 Francs5,000 Francs10,000 Francs20,000 Francs Also Read: Everything you Need to Know About Visiting Benin Republic Comparing The Naira and the CFA (Cefa) The first to note when travelling to Benin Republic from Nigeria is the exchange rate. This is very important else you may lose money. When changing do not be in a rush, take your time to ask from multiple vendors so you can get a good deal.As of April 2021, 1,000 Naira equals between 1,100 to 1,125 Cefa. That is 1 Naira equals 1.1 Cefa. Over the years, the Naira has dwindle in value from 1 to 3 over the years to 1 to 1 in 2021.
Travel to Benin Republic From Nigeria – All You Need to Know
Travelling to Benin Republic From Nigeria – All You Need to KnowIf you are planning to visit the Republic of Benin from Nigeria, this post is for you. It will cover everything you need to know about crossing one of the busiest borders in West Africa. It will also cover the cost, where to stay, places to visit etc. The Benin republic/Nigeria border is in a town called Seme. The Nigeria Benin border is popularly called the Seme Border. About the Republic of Benin The Republic of Benin is one of the many countries that share a border with Nigeria. Other countries that share a border with Nigeria include Chad, Cameroun and Niger Republic. Benin Republic shares a border with Nigeria at Seme in Lagos State and around Idi Iroko in Ogun. Seme is a few minutes drive from Badagry. The country was formerly known as Dahomey. It was, however, renamed Benin in 1975. The Capital of Benin Republic is in Port Novo. However, the most popular city in Benin Republic is Cotonou. It is also the economic capital of Benin Republic. The country was colonized by France. It got its independence on August 1, 1960. The official language of the Republic of Benin is French. The Republic of Benin is home to pristine beaches, robust culture, wildlife, and beautiful tourist attractions. Requirements For visiting Benin Republic from Nigeria For Nigerians planning on visiting Benin Republic, the following are the requirements: Nigerian Passport: Nigerians visiting Benin Republic will have to present their International Passport at the border. The Nigerian International Passports is a document issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service. The Yellow Fever Card: The second requirement is the yellow Fever card. This yellow card is proof that you have received a dose of the yellow fever vaccine. The card is also for keeping records of vaccines required to visit other countries. You can only travel after ten days of getting the dose. Also Read: How to Get A Yellow Fever Card Vaccines To Take Before Visiting Benin Republic Ensure you take these two vaccines before you visit Benin republic. If you do not, you will have issues with the Port health at the border. When you go for the yellow fever vaccine, ensure you ask them for Meningitis too. They will probably fix another date for that. These are the two basic vaccines you need to take before visiting Benin Republic. Yellow fever vaccine: This vaccine is to protect you against yellow fever Meningitis Vaccines: The Languages French is the official language. The other languages include Yoruba, Fon and a Gbe languages. These are the indigenous languages of the Republic of Benin. They are all considered national languages. Currency The official currency of the Republic of Benin is Cefa, it is also known as the West African CFA Franc. It comes in the following denomination.Coins 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200Notes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20000 How to Get To the Republic of Benin Through Seme Border If you are looking for stress-free access. You can get a direct bus to the Republic of Benin from Lagos. These are some major transport companies that visit Benin Republic Efex, ABC transport, Chisco Group Transport etc. They will handle the border protocols, the stamping etc. They offer air-conditioned buses. However, if you are on a low budget or an adventurer like me, you can decide to do the stamping on your own.From Ikeja board a bus to Egbeda – 200 to 300 NairaAt Egbeda board another bus to Iyana Iba – 300 NairaFrom Iyana Iba board a bus or car to Badagry – 500 to 700 Naira Once you get to Badagry, get a bus going to Seme. Tell the driver you will stop at the border. Please note they may scare you that stamping is hard, do not mind them. Just ignore and tell them to stop you at the border.At the border, just walk straight into the complex. Ask for where to stamp, and do it yourself.Once you stamp your passport, you will go through another set of routine checks by Port Health who will ask for your yellow fever card.Then another routine check by the NDLEA and customs. Depending on where you are coming from, if you are coming from the mainland around Ikeja and environs, you can go through Egbada, Iyana Iba axis. If you are coming from Oshodi, you may have to go through Mile Crossing to the Seme Border At the park, the driver may try to charge you to cross the border, just tell them to stop you at the border you will handle the border protocols yourself. Once you are approaching the border’s small gate, flash your Passport, this will grant you entry into the premises and sometimes you may get questioned by the Immigration officers on duty. You can move to the point where you can stamp your passport.To stamp your passport, you will be asked pay some money. Well this should not be the case but it is what it is. For virgin passports, you will pay 1,000 or more depending on your negotiation power and for already stamped passports, you will pay 500 Naira. Once your passports have been stamped,You will go through the Port health who will ask for your yellow fever card, then the customs who will also try to check your luggage, then the NDLEA who will also check for drugs and other forbidden substances,Once you are clear, you will move to the Benin side where you will go through another check. Tips When you get to Benin Understand the Country: The first thing you should do is to understand the country, their currency, exchange rates etc. You should also know some basic laws of the country. Also, you should familiarise yourself with some of the beliefs and culture. Change your money from naira to Cefa: The first thing you should do is to change from Naira to Cefa. Please do not rely on
