Trip to Nigeria ► History of Biafra and traditional tribes

FULLY BOOKED | From 29 Nov. - 8 Dec. 2024 (10 d. / 9 n.) / TRIP COMPLETED

Trip to Nigeria focused on learning about the history of Biafra, as well as the traditional tribes that live in the region. Despite the war trauma, still felt in the region, former Biafra is an amazing place to explore. It houses a rich cultural and natural heritage and unique art treasures.

The trip will start in Port Harcourt, where we will meet the Ijaw fishing community of Okrika Island. From the coast we will move to Umuahia, former capital of Biafra, where we will visit the War Museum We will continue the trip visiting the heart of Igboland. We will have the chance to experience an Igbo masquerade and visit the ancestors’ shrine that houses some of the oldest wooden statues still existing in Africa (out of museums). Finally, we will visit the Cross River region, a beautiful natural area with forests and creeks, where we will meet two ethnic groups: the Oron and the Efik. We will enjoy the unique colonial architecture that we will visit in small river towns such as Creek Town, out of Calabar.

Download the itinerary for this trip to Nigeria (Biafra)

If you want to know the detailed itinerary you can download it through the form that you will find below. Click here to easily reach the form.

The guides on this trip to Nigeria will be Joan Riera, an anthropologist specialized in African ceremonies and architecture, and Leonardo Paoluzzi, an expert in West African culture.

Discover the strengths of this trip to Nigeria focused on Biafra and tribes

► Throughout the trip we will go further into the history of Biafra

During the trip we will visit the War Museum in Umuahia, with interesting war vehicles hand made by the Biafran army. Also, we will visit the bunker where General Ojukwu declared the secession of Southeast Nigeria, taking the name of the Biafra Bay (another name for the Gulf of Guinea).

► We will learn about the culture of different tribes

Ijaw tribe

On Okrika Island, we will meet an Ijaw community. This tribe lives from fishing and trade. Despite modernity, the Ijaw from Okrika have kept several traditions alive, such as the 'leblouh' of Iria. This practice consists of fattening and painting the bodies of marriageable young women. We will meet a group of these girls to learn about this tradition.

Igbo tribe

We will visit some villages, as well as Umuahia, an important political and cultural center for the Igbo people, where we will enjoy a traditional dance. Also, we will visit Ohafia, sacred city of the Igbo tribe. There, we will find the last big religious temple dedicated to the ancestors. We will be able to admire Igbo art at its best and one of the best examples of vernacular architecture in West Africa.

Oron tribe

On this trip to Nigeria, we will have the opportunity to meet the Oron tribe, a minority well known for its wooden funerary statues. In addition, we will have the honor of being received by King Oron in his palace.

Efik tribe

In Creek Town, we will meet the local chief and learn about the Efik alphabet. Efik tribal leaders stand out for their clothing inherited from colonial times. They combine velvet skirts with top-hats.

► We will enjoy the English colonial architecture

We will walk the streets of Calabar, one of the oldest colonial settlements on the Nigerian coast, looking for the old colonial houses made of wood, as well as the colonial church and museum, housed in the former house of the British Governor. Also, we will be able to admire beautiful examples in Creek Town and some other towns on our way back to Port Harcourt.