Senior travel: Lagos
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 76 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Terra KultureStep-free: yes · about 90 minGround-floor entrance and lifts in the building (check).
- Tafawa Balewa SquareStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 20 minFlat paved areas; long distances in the sun.
- National Museum, OnikanStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 75 minGround-floor galleries are the main route; check with staff for ramps and upper floors.
- Freedom ParkStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 80 minPaved paths but some steps and cobbles; ask at the gate.
- Nike Art GalleryStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 90 minMulti-floor building; ask about a lift and step-free route (check).
- Lekki Arts and Crafts MarketStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 60 minUneven ground and narrow rows; not step-free.
- Lekki Conservation CentreStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 120 minThe walkway involves steps and narrow boards; not suitable for wheelchairs.
Getting around in Lagos
Lagos is hard on wheels: pavements are broken or missing, and step-free access exists mainly inside newer hotels, malls and galleries. Plan every outing by car.
- Pavements:
- Uneven, blocked or absent outside compounds.
- Getting around:
- A booked car is the only reliable step-free option; public buses and minibuses are not adapted.
- Hotels:
- Larger international hotels confirm lifts and adapted rooms; ask before booking.
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets are rare outside hotels and malls.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Nigeria guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Malaria:
- Risk year-round; take prophylaxis as advised by a travel clinic and use repellent and AC.
- Yellow fever:
- A vaccination certificate is required for entry in many cases and recommended in any case; carry it.
- Food and water:
- Bottled water only; eat hot, freshly cooked food at busy places.
- Air and heat:
- Traffic fumes and harmattan dust can affect asthma; carry medicine and stay hydrated.
- Medical evacuation:
- Facilities vary; travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.