Traveling using public transport in Lagos can be difficult even for locals. When attempting to reach a destination, residents rely on asking a friend for information like transportation fare and directions. Most locals and visitors resort to taking cabs to get from one place to another, often facing heavy traffic along the journey. The city lacks a platform dedicated to directions for navigating its terrain…until now. Meet Lara.ng a chatbot dedicated to helping its users find their way in Lagos. Created by CEO Sam Odeloye (CEO),Ladi Ojora (COO), and Nnamdi Nwanze (CTO), Lara provides its users with directions and fare quotes 24 hours a day.
If you have family abroad you’ve probably used apps like What’s App to communicate with each another. Lara’s interface mirrors the user-friendly app, allowing you to get directions just as easily as you would text your cousin.
Big cities like Lagos can often seem intimidating to navigate, so we partnered with ‘Funmi Oyatogun, founder of Nigerian-based tour company, TVP Adventures, to curate a quick guide to Lagos. Below is a 36-hour self-guided tour to the must-see spots in Nigeria’s financial hub.
Begin Saturday 9:00 A.M. – Breakfast
- Bogobiri: Begin your stay at Bogobiri a very eclectic and local hotel that speaks of true Nigerian hospitality in Ikoyi.
2. Bogobiri: Start your journey with breakfast at the hotel. We recommend the Bogobiri Egg Mondial, a medley of green pepper, red pepper, fish and prawn served with boiled yam, toast or plantain. It’s fulling enough for a jumpstart to your jam-packed day.
11:00 A.M.
3. Lekki Conservation Center: Climb the longest canopy walkway in Africa. The 401m Canopy walkway isn’t for the faint of heart but don’t cross it off your list just yet. The center has a range of beautiful creatures to admire from ground level.
2:00 P.M.
4. Lekki Arts and Crafts Market – Tucked away in a corner of the Lekki-Epe expressway (you’ll definitely need Lara’s assistance for this leg of the trip) Lekki market is a hidden treasure offering a range of Nigerian goodies for you to bring back home.
3:00 P.M. Late Lunch
5. Tastee Fried Chicken – Avoid a sit-down meal until dinner and grab a quick bite at Nigeria’s locally owned fast food spot. Do yourself a favor and grab one of their savory pastries.
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6. Grab a bite in Circle Mall at Jakande’s food court and do a little shopping if you so desire.
4:30 P.M.
7. Nike Arts Gallery: Enjoy an art gallery and textile museum featuring over 7,000 pieces. Try on traditional clothing with assistance from locals and immerse yourself in the art.
7:00 P.M. Dinner
8. Sailor’s Lounge: After a super packed day enjoy a seaside dinner on the water.
10 P.M.
9. The Vault – After dinner get ready for the turn up at The Vault Club. Located on Victoria Island, the Vault guarantees a good time.
9:30 A.M. – Breakfast/Departure
10. Bukka Hut, Ikoyi – If you haven’t extended your stay after your amazing time in Lagos get ready for departure and then head over to Bukka Hut for a final taste of Nigerian cuisine.
