LAGOS TO IFE BY ROAD: A TRAVELER'S GUIDE

For the majority, road travel is the easiest and cheapest way of getting around the country and while in this case, air travel is more convenient, a trip by road is cheaper and affords passengers a chance to take in the scenic route.
Lagos is the commercial hub of the entire country and one of the most densely populated cities in the country as a result while Ife is the capital of Osun state located in the South-Western region of the country

THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET AN IFE -BOUND VEHICLE IN LAGOS

Oshodi Motor Park: Take a cab/bus from anywhere in the city and drop at the Oshodi Park, go into a park, select a vehicle and pay the fare (which is in the 2,000-2,500 naira range depending on the Vehicle type) after which you can have your bags loaded (if you have any) and settle down for the journey ahead.

Ojota Motor Park: For those that live on the mainland, take a bus/taxi/BRT and alight at Ojota Park. Inside the Park, you can find the usual selection of vehicles and board one of your choosing: Taxi/Sienna Minivan and Bus. The fare to Ife in the Ojota Park is in the 1,800-2,500 naira range depending on the type of vehicle.

Ikorodu Motor Park: Located in Ikorodu, a popular area in Lagos and easy to locate. On arrival at the Park you can find the usual type of Vehicle: Taxi, Minivan and Bus after which you can make your pick. The bus fare is in the 1,800-2,000 naira range and the taxi fare goes for 2,000-2,500 naira.

It is also important to note that other Private Transport companies such as God is Good Motors, ABC Transport Company, Chisco Transport , Cross Country Transport Limited and Guo Transport can be used to make your journey by road accross the country.

WHAT/HOW TO PACK

• Pack as few bags as possible for easy management and to save cost, Drivers tend to charge extra for really big bags (especially the taxi and minivan drivers) and extra bags.

• Make sure you get to the park on time so you can pick a seat of your choice.

• When you get to the park you’ll be set upon by different *alabarus (porters loitering around waiting for passengers with heavy luggage) who’ll flat out demand to carry your bags to the vehicle going to your destination, you have a choice of firmly indicating a “No” with your head and walking past them or surrendering your bag(s) to them if they’re heavy, however be sure to keep a close watch on the porter and your bag(s)

• Inform your driver of any fragile items in your bag. It also helps to watch as the bags are being arranged to ensure your belongings aren’t squashed in a corner or under other heavy luggage. Keep all valuables with you

• On no condition should you have any sort of camouflage material with you as they’re banned and if found on your person, will lead to you being extorted for money by the policemen along the route and the vehicle being delayed.

• Watch what you eat before travelling, it is better to err on the side of caution where public restrooms are concerned.

• Fill the personal information form that will be passed around beforehand. The transport company just might need to reach someone on your behalf.

TIME TAKEN

The trip from Lagos to Ife takes approximately 4 hours, 30 minutes, taking into consideration road and weather conditions.

SNACK AND RESTROOM OPTIONS

There are a variety of snacks to pick from at the park and you can buy whatever you want beforehand.

PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO IFE

• Evacuate your bowels before leaving the house.

• Make sure you fill the personal information form supplied to passengers and also take down the licence plate number of the vehicle and pass on to as many friends as possible (and make sure the driver sees you taking down the plate number)

• Make sure your most valuable possessions are kept close to hand in a carryon or a small bag, not just because of theft but also because of the way items are stacked carelessly in the trunk.

• I prefer sitting up front beside the driver, asides being the most comfortable seat in the vehicle, it’s also within easy reach of the charging port so you can listen to music, read, surf the internet (where coverage exists on the road) without running your battery flat. Barring that, leave the house with a full charge and a powerbank if you have one.

GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION

Getting into Ife, you’ll be dropped off from any point at/between the University gates to Mayfair

Have a safe trip!

Related: Lagos to Ibadan By Road: A Traveler's Guide