Akure City Guide

Akure, which is the capital city of the Ondo state, is one of the most important cities of Nigeria. The city had a population of 484,798 as at the 2006 population census. It is about 700 km Southwest of Abuja and 311 km north of Lagos State. The town is situated in the tropic rain forest zone in Nigeria. Akure is the trade center for a farming region where cocoa, yams, cassava, corn, and tobacco are grown. Cotton is also grown and used to weave cloth. ?A city with various and liberal religious leanings. Christianity, Islam and Traditional or Totemistic worship forming the basis of faith for most residents. The best time to travel there is in June as it is said to be favorable in its weather, the climate is great for travel and wouldn't be influenced by bad weather. The Egungun Festival is one of the most popular events in the area.?A masquerade festival that had come to be prominent in the western part of Nigeria. It is said that the spirits of the dead come out as these masquerades to entertain the natives. This festival takes place in other parts of the Yorubaland. If you are lucky to see this festival, you will be able to get the best of a rich African culture.

How to Get To Akure City

Easily accessible as transport means are either by air or road. The city has direct road networks to Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan. However, Akure can be accessed by road from any part of Nigeria. The road transport is an easier route and much cheaper than flights. Several road transport companies provide travel services from various locations around the country to Akure. Some well-known and widely patronized travel companies in Akure include: Rahony Transport, Cross Country Transport, God is Good Motors, The Young Shall Grow Motors, and GUO Transport. The cost definitely depends on the region of the country one is traveling from. However, the most popular Lagos airline for direct flights from Lagos to Akure is Akure Airport. Getting back from Akure to Lagos, there is a direct flight at Akure Airport. However, Akure can be accessed by road from any part of Nigeria. The bus fare from Lagos to Akure is N1500 and by distance is 308km while the flight ticket to Bauchi costs about N25000. The major airport in Akure is the Akure Airport, it is an airport serving Akure and it is located on the field. The best route by road is Lagos-Ife-Ore-Akure and by air is Akure Airline Lagos-Ibadan-Akure. Major bus parks in Akure are Owena Mass Transportation Company Limited and Taiwo Express Services. There are no railway stations in or near Akure City.

Getting Around In Akure City

Different parts of the city can be reached with buses and cars that take people around various parts of the city. Moving through this means is cheap. Whether you are in for a visit or a short stay, here are some safety tips for the travelers: Avoid late night walks, especially when alone. Stay in a good and properly secured hotel, ask questions if in any difficulty, and leave suspicious environments immediately.

Things To Do

While the city is a major trading point and city center, it is also a destination point for people looking to experience the attractions around Akure City. It would be ideal to pay homage to the Deji of Akure?s?palace?as it is the traditional home of the town's ruler. This is where you will be able to find the cultural heritage that explains the people's story perfectly. Next,?pay a visit to the Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre; located in?Ipesi, in Akoko South-East. You can get into the area and glean a thing or two from the culture of the people. A lot of people are always coming here for relaxation and to explore nature. Attending the?Egungun Festival,?a masquerade festival that has become popular in the western part of Nigeria. It is said that the spirits of the dead come out as these masquerades to entertain the natives. This festival takes place in other parts of the Yorubaland. If you are lucky to see this festival, you will be able to get the best of a rich African culture. Taking a tour?of?the Igbokoda waterfront. Presently this one of the longest body of water in the country. The vast expanse of water makes for an exciting fishing expedition and the scenery is beautiful.?When you are hungry, Akure has a variety of restaurants; where you can find both local and foreign?dishes. I will advise that you try out their local dishes, tasty and delicious.

Free things to do in Akure City.

A number of free things can be done in Akure. Visitors could begin their tour around the city at Igbokoda Waterfront; at Oke Igbo and has an evergreen forest that is beautiful and thick. You can shoot movies here, have a picnic and generally do other fun things here. You will very likely be meeting a lot of persons out there who are also visiting here to have an awesome moment.

Attending the??Egungun Festival, a special activity?and free, is?a masquerade festival and is said that the spirits of the dead come out as these masquerades to entertain the natives. If you are lucky to see this festival, you will be able to get the best of a rich African culture. Akure invites all to this festival.

How To Spend 48 Hours In Akure City

To make your stay worthwhile in Akure in such a short time there is technique. ?Here are activities that you could engage in to maximize your short stay. You should start your day by paying a visit?to the Deji of Akure?s?palace?as it is the traditional home of the town's ruler. This is where you will be able to find the cultural heritage that explains the people's story perfectly. Then your next stop would be the Ebomi Lake Tourist Center is another place to see in the evenings. It is not far from Akure. A lot of people are always coming here for relaxation and to explore nature. Also, the Igbo Olodumare is definitely not a place to be missed out. This place is at Oke Igbo and has an evergreen forest that is beautiful and thick. You can shoot beautiful cameos here, have a picnic and generally do other fun things here. It will be great if you choose to have a taste of their delicious local dishes in Akure. Please try out restaurants like?Mandate Resturant,?Fingerlicking Restaurant, and Mama Put.?After eating the meal, you could wrap up your visit finally by attending Egungun festival. It would be great to have a little fun?at this festival.

Places of Interest in Akure City

It is a city that is blessed with some exciting tourist sites. Some of the places which are frequented by visitors to Akure:   Deji of Akure Palace The Deji of Akure?s Palace is the traditional home of the town's ruler. This is where you will be able to find the cultural heritage that explains the people's story perfectly. Cave Ashes The Cave Ashes is located in Isharun, which is referred to as the home of the oldest pre-historic man in West Africa. Its skeleton was discovered by Professor Thurstan Shaw - who was at the University of Ibadan at the time. Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre The Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre is located in Ipesi, in Akoko South-East. and it is not far from Akure. You can come here and glean a thing or two from the culture of the people. A lot of people are always coming here for relaxation and to explore nature. Igbokoda Waterfront The Igbokoda waterfront is one of the longest body of water in the country. The vast expanse of water makes for an exciting fishing expedition and the scenery is beautiful. Igbo Olodumare This place is at Oke Igbo and has an evergreen forest that is beautiful and thick. You can shoot movies here, have a picnic and generally do other fun things here. You will very likely be meeting a lot of persons out there who are also visiting here to have an awesome moment. Olowo?s Palace, Owo The palace is the largest in Yoruba land covering a 99-hectare piece of land to the west of the town. There are over 100 ancient courtyards of which 17 are still intact.

Places to shop in Akure City

NAO Supermarket Limited-?It deals with Shopping, All food, and beverage, Grocery store activities. Nice supermarket with affordable goods. Mega Supermarket- shop for groceries, fresh meats, amazing fresh vegetables and fruits, cheeses, coffee, and much, much more at lower prices. Quality Food, Attractive Pricing. Akure Mall- Located at the Secretariat?s roundabout on Igbatoro Road in Akure, it provides the cheapest and quality household items. The biggest mall in Akure and sells all types of goods ranging from food ingredients to household items to clothes, gadgets, with an inbuilt cinema and smaller shopping malls.

Places to eat in Akure

Chicken Republic This is currently one of the fastest growing fast food franchises in West Africa. It offers spicy fried chicken, burger, sandwiches, ice cream etc. Chicken Republic is a Quick service restaurant chain that specializes in chicken recipes, especially fried chicken. Chicken Republic is arguably Nigeria's largest chicken restaurant chain. Bliss World Hotel Restaurant The hotel is 12km from Akure Airport and it offers extensive luxury with local and international cuisines finely prepared by their experienced chef. Fingerlicking Restaurant Located in Akure, Fingerlicking Restaurant offers Restaurants activities. A modern eatery for the millennia. Quite a decent place, fairly serene atmosphere. Mandate?Restaurant Mandate Restaurant delivers excellent local delicacies though a bit lacking in restaurant staples like jollof rice and fried rice. Also quite affordable. Mama Put Mama Put- A place you wanna be, customer friendly and good meal. Best known for locals and also classic.

Best Hotels in Akure:

The hotel is 12km from Akure Airport and it offers extensive luxury and comfort in the true tradition of the sunshine city. The hotel provides excellent services with internet access, cable TV, safe deposit, constant power supply with maximum security and laundry services. Address: 40, Fajemirokun Avenue, Plot Block 1, Ijapo Estate, Akure. Sunview Hotel Located in a homely and serene environment, the hotel is a world of elegance where hospitality is being displayed beyond satisfaction. Their newly refurbished guest rooms and suite create a relaxing haven. They also have a new business centre with a full range of amenities for your enjoyment. Found at No 8, El Shaddai Road G.R.A, Alagbaka, Akure. Solton International Hotel & Resort It is a home away from home with experience and professionals staff to deliver first class quality service to business executives, tourists, and families. Address: Akoko Avenue, Ijapo Housing Estate, Akure. Ade Super Hotels Surrounded by a beautiful garden and magnificent African landscaping which makes it the place to stay for leisure, vacation and business trips. Address: Ilesa Express Way, Akure Royal Parklane Hotel Royal Parklane Hotel, an affordable hotel in Akure. With rooms tastefully and thoughtfully designed, with up to date in-room amenities to meet your every need. Located at 56/59 Fajuyi Street, Ijapo Estate, Akure.  

Conclusion

Akure is such a city that allows an easy life for business and pleasure. Thus, a short stay or a visit is definitely worth the time and a memorable experience for a lifetime you but I tell you it is easier to believe when seen or felt than when heard.

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