Benin city, the capital of Edo State in Southern Nigeria, is located 40km north of the Benin River and 320 km by road east of Lagos. The city is the center of Nigeria?s rubber industry, oil production is also a significant industry. The city of Benin has the richest culture and history and the most powerful king with the most influence in Nigeria. After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, Benin became the capital of the Mid-western Region after the region was split from the Western Region in June 1963 and remained the capital until the region was renamed Bendel State in 1976, and became the state capital of Edo State when Bendel was split in 1991 to Delta and Edo State.BEST TIME TO BOOK A FLIGHT TO BENIN
As with most airlines, the price of tickets is generally cheaper when they are first sold. It is therefore advisable for travelers to book tickets months before the actual date of departure. Tickets to Benin may become more expensive during Christmas or new year periods and some other Christian related celebrations, this is because a ?majority of the indigenes of Benin city are Christians. Asides these periods, prices of tickets do not necessarily rise or fall. Any alteration on ticket fares will be most likely down to economic factors and current exchange rates. ?There are direct and non-stop flights from Abuja to Benin and Lagos to Benin. Travelers should be on the lookout for fares on major airlines operating these routes or booking agencies for any current deals on cheap tickets.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BENINBenin experiences normal rainfall and humidity for most months in the year. There are two major seasons in the city including the rainy and dry season. The rainy season falls between May and October but it could still rain in other periods of the year. Dry season spans from November to April.
Considering the weather conditions, the best time to visit Benin is from December to February. Albeit, Benin is an interesting place to visit all through the year, there are lots of fun activities that can be enjoyed in the city. The festival periods are also great times to visit the city.
ANNUAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS IN BENINIGUE AND EWERE FESTIVALSThe Igue and Ewere festivals are the biggest festivals in the city, pulling the most crowd with its colorful displays, they are reminiscent of past events in Benin history. Each of the events is connected with past Obas around whom Benin customs and traditions are woven.?The ancient Igue festival is akin to the New Year ceremony, it?is celebrated annually by every reigning Oba and all Benin citizens at home and abroad to mark the end of the Bini year and to usher in a new one with renewed hope for peace and prosperity. It is usually celebrated in December.
EHO FESTIVALThis is an annual festival celebrated in mid-September, it dates back to the pre-historical period and is an occasion for paying homage to ancestors in every family unit; a period for cementing the unity of all brethren in the family and an occasion in which gifts are sent to fathers-in law.
EBOMISI FESTIVALEbomisi Festival is celebrated annually between February and March in commemoration of a famous herbalist and magician.
BENIN AIRPORTBenin Airport is an airport serving Benin City, the capital of Edo State in Nigeria. The runway is in the middle of the city.
The city has an airport and there are a few flights to and from Lagos. Not many airlines have their presence but Arik Air and Ethiopian Airlines operates daily flights to Benin City.
Benin Airport is located at Ogba ? Oko community about 2km southwest of the ancient Benin Kingdom. The nearest community to the airport is Ekenwa aerodrome.
City Airport is one of the oldest airports in the country. The Airport was constructed in 1956 by the former Public Works Department (PWD) and upgraded in between 1975 and 1978 before it was finally handed over to the Nigerian Airports Authority (NAA).
AIRLINES OPERATING FROM BENIN AIRPORTThere are 3 major airlines operating from the Benin Airport; Aero Contractors, Arik Air and Ethiopian Airlines. They are;
Aero Contractors-Lagos
Arik Air -Abuja, Lagos
Ethiopian Airlines- Abuja, Lagos
AIRLINES OPERATING FLIGHTS TO BENINThere are no direct international flights to Benin and travelers looking to visit the city may have to take connecting flights by making stops at major international airports in the country like Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Domestic flights can then be booked from these locations to the Benin Airport.
HOW LONG IS A FLIGHT TO BENIN
| Major cities? |
?Airports ? ? |
?Average Flight Time |
| Abuja |
?Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport |
?1hour |
| Lagos |
Murtala Muhammed International Airport |
?50minutes |
| Port Harcourt |
?Port Harcourt International Airport |
3hours |
| Uyo |
?Akwa Ibom International Airport |
?19hours 30minutes |
| Calabar |
Margeret Ekpo International Airport |
?3hours 30minutes |
GETTING AROUND BENINGetting around in Benin isn't too difficult. Despite its bad roads, the city is well linked and networked. If you come in by air, there are taxis at the airport to take you anywhere you wish to go for an affordable price. ?There are taxis and buses painted wine and yellow that can convey visitors to any part of the city.
GETTING FROM BENIN AIRPORT TO BENIN CITYThe airport is approximately 4.0 kilometers from the city center and would take about 13 minutes to get there. There are taxis and buses painted wine and yellow that can convey visitors to any part of the city. From the airport, there are taxis at the airport to take you anywhere in the city for an affordable price, taxis are also the best means of getting to the city from the airport.
STAYING IN BENINThere are several hotels in Benin that are among the best in the country, some of them includeBig Boiz Republic ApartmentThis is a luxurious apartment hotel designed to ensure comfort and luxury in a modern and relaxed environment.Protea Hotel BeninThis is a 3-star hotel located in close proximity to several places of interest. The hotel offers classy and luxurious lodgings as well as excellent services in a modern facility.ST Hotel ApartmentThis is a classy apartment hotel that caters to the luxury needs of guests.GREAT PLACES TO VISIT IN BENINBenin??is home to several tourist attractions as well as several exciting places including
- Kada Plaza
- Oba Palace
- Ring Road
- Benin Moat
- Benin City National Museum
- The Ogiamen House
COST OF THINGS IN BENINThere are several food outlets in the city where food is sold for as low as 100 NGN, although these are mostly sold in the open; by the road or in the market.
| Restaurants |
?Average Cost |
| Basic lunch in business district |
?1,500 |
| Fast Food ( eg Big Mac) |
?1,200 |
| 2 liters of Coca Cola |
?300 |
| Transportation ? |
?Average Cost |
| Taxi - fixed fee |
???1500 |
| Monthly ticket public transport |
? ?20,000 |
| Petrol (1 litre) |
?? ?116 |
| Accommodation |
Average Cost (?) |
| Monthly rent for 900 Sqft furnished accommodation in expensive area |
?500,000 |
| Monthly rent for 900 Sqft furnished accommodation in average area |
?235,062 |
| Utilities per month for 2 people in expensive area (gas, electricity etc) |
?8,086 |
| Utilities per month for 2 people in average area (gas, electricity etc) |
5,882 |
| ?Internet |
?4,807 |
BENIN TIPS/ADVICE
- Watch out for your baggage at the airport. Be security conscious regarding your luggage especially.
- Airport taxis are available outside the airport. Negotiate a good fare with a taxi for a drop or join a shared taxi.
- Do not?board unknown or unmarked taxis.
- Learn a few phrases in Bini, this is the most commonly spoken dialect in the city and it helps if you speak a little.
- Do not hold your bags or wallets within easy reach as pickpockets abound on the busy streets.
- Only change money at the bank or at a bureau de change outlet at the airport.
- Ask for directions more than once and mostly from bus drivers or conductors.
- Have a surplus amount of change for small purchases.
FLIGHT FROM LOCAL CITIES TO BENINThere are 3 major airlines operating from the Benin Airport; Aero Contractors, Arik Air and Ethiopian Airlines. Here is a list of the airlines and their destinations below;
Aero Contractors- Lagos
Arik Air -Abuja, Lagos
Ethiopian Airlines- Abuja, Lagos
Flight fares from different cities of Nigeria into Benin starts from NGN20000. ?It takes about 1 hour to fly between domestic cities in Nigeria.
PEOPLE WHO LIKE BENIN ALSO LIKEWARRIWarri is one of the most frequently visited cities in Nigeria by?the number?of tourists and business travelers. The Abraka Golf Course, Delta Ports, Effurun Garden park, Main Warri Market, Nana Living History Museum, Red Mangrove Swamp, Udu Bridge, Warri City Stadium and Ovie Palace are interesting places to visit in Warri. Tourists can explore the charming history and vibrant cultural events and festivals of the city.
ABUJAAbuja is currently one of Africa?s most developed City. Nigeria?s Federal Capital hosts some of the most iconic buildings in the country. The National Mosque, Ecumenical Church; and headquarters of Federal parastatals, organizations, and embassies. A number of tourist centers will make your visit to the seat of power memorable. Places of interest like Jabi Lake, Silverbird Cinema, Millennium Park, and Aso Rock are cool spots to unwind, have fun and share prime time with friends and family. Shopping, business, relaxation, and accommodation make Abuja the City to be.
Other cities visited by a large number of tourists include Lagos, Algiers, Nairobi, Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, and Newark.
