Nigeria: The Bradt Travel Guide

Bradt's Travel Guide Nigeria is the best. Really, I've been in and out Nigeria since 2000--working in Abuja the capital for 2 yrs--and on business. Hmm, yes, this book illustrates in lived experience, irreverance, and clear prose, the fun and misery that is Nigeria. The authors have Lagos, Abuja, and Kano spot on. The other cities are great and well researched. Really, I've spent seven yrs living in W. Africa, and hats off to Nigeria for always making life interesting; the book illustrates why you need to visit the country, but the pitfalls and costs involved. Buy the book, if you plan on travelling to Nigeria, or for a good history lesson, fun read, or just to add to your book collection.

Nigeria tends to get short-shrift in the travel guidebooks; rarely is it featured, and it is commonly maligned. This even-handed treatment of Africa's most populous country dishes out the treats that Nigeria has in store for the traveller as well as the negatives. In short, if one exercises common sense and stays alert to his surroundings, Nigeria can be a rewarding experience. The author is a fearless youngster eager to try everything, but also allows for an older person's expatriated sensibilities, understanding that not every traveller wants to camp or lodge in youth hostels (a common ailment in the Lonely Planet travel serials). She finds the warmth in the people that is a common Nigerian trait, and allows the reader to experience that warmth with her. There is no cold, clinical distance from her subject(s). This book is well worth the investment.

I recently went on a medical mission trip to Nigeria. I bought this book to learn about the basics of the country, including culture, politics and religion. I found this to be a very well researched book with excellent information, presented in an easy to read fashion. Most notable, however, is the fact that this is the first book in its class. There are no other travel publications devoted to Nigeria. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is planning to travel to this part of the world.

I have lived in Nigeria now for over seven years and I met Lizzie when she came to Lagos to write the book. Within the space of a few weeks, Lizzie has come to understand Nigeria and the Nigerian people in a way that many long term residents of my acquaintance have not. Time and time again when i was reading the book I found myself recognising places and situations exactly as I had experienced them myself. She writes with great empathy for her subject and tells it as it is, the good and the bad. I showed it to a couple of my Nigerian friends and they loved it and agreed with almost all Lizzie had to say. This book is quite simply a must for anyone living in or visiting Nigeria, as well as being a cracking good read. Alan Parke

As a frequent traveller to Nigeria i have been looking for a good guide for a few years - Lizzies wonderful book really helped me get to grips with this facinating but frustrating country. Especially loved the walking tour of Lagos. I'm not sure i have the courage to visit all the places she went to or travel the way she did but its interesting to hear of the places. This book is a must have for anyone considering visiting.