Road trips are often romanticized in books and films but what if you could turn that idea into an African reality?
For the adventurous traveller in Nigeria, international road trips aren’t just possible. They’re thrilling, culturally enriching, and a unique way to explore the continent.
Thanks to Nigeria’s location in West Africa and its membership in ECOWAS, Nigerians can travel to several countries by road, often without needing a visa for short stays.
Here’s a rundown of the top 10 countries you can travel to by road from Nigeria complete with border routes, travel tips, and what makes each destination special.
1. Benin Republic – The Gateway Neighbor
Border Entry: Seme Border, Badagry (Lagos State)
Travel Time from Lagos: 2–4 hours (depending on traffic and border queues)
The Benin Republic is often the first international destination for road travellers in Nigeria. It’s close, accessible, and filled with history.
Cotonou, the country’s commercial hub, offers a mix of vibrant markets, palm-fringed beaches, and the famous Ganvié stilt village.
Once across the Seme border, the change in atmosphere is immediate, French signboards, organized traffic, and well-paved roads.
Tip: Make sure your Yellow Card (proof of yellow fever vaccination) is valid and your vehicle documents are in order. You can also explore the city of Ouidah, a historical centre of the transatlantic slave trade.
2. Togo – Small but Mighty
Border Entry: Hilacondji (from Benin)
Travel Time from Lagos: 6–8 hours
Togo is a slim stretch of a country, but don’t be fooled, it’s bursting with culture. From Lomé’s colonial architecture to the lively local voodoo markets and peaceful coastline, Togo offers a refreshing travel experience.
Lomé is also one of the cleanest and most organized cities in West Africa.
Togo is visa-free for Nigerians, and travelling by road is quite straightforward. The border crossing at Hilacondji is usually calm, especially during weekdays.
3. Ghana – The Star of West Africa
Border Entry: Aflao (from Togo)
Travel Time from Lagos: 10–12 hours
Ghana is a top choice for many Nigerian road trippers, especially during festive seasons.
Whether you’re chasing the nightlife in Accra, visiting the Cape Coast castles, or soaking in the serene beaches of Ada, Ghana has something for everyone.
Thanks to the ECOWAS protocol, you can travel without a visa for up to 90 days.
However, expect thorough checks at the border. Travel documents, including your international passport, Yellow Card, and valid ID, are essential.
4. Burkina Faso – The Underrated Gem
Border Entry: Through northern Ghana (e.g., via Paga or Hamile)
Travel Time from Lagos: 24–30 hours (best done over 2–3 days)
Burkina Faso isn’t on the typical tourist radar, but it offers an authentic taste of Sahelian culture.
Ouagadougou, the capital, is known for its artsy vibe, with plenty of local crafts, music festivals, and friendly people. The journey is long, so breaking it up in Ghana is recommended.
While Burkina Faso is currently run by a dictator, the country is generally peaceful, although some areas in the north of the country have faced security issues. Travellers are advised to stay updated with travel advisories.
5. Niger Republic – Northern Nigeria’s Historic Ally
Border Entry: Jibiya (Katsina) or through Kano to Maradi
Travel Time from Kano: 6–8 hours
Niger Republic shares deep historical and cultural ties with Northern Nigeria.
Hausa is spoken widely and has recently been adopted as its national language. The cultural continuity in Niger Republic is striking.
From the bustling streets of Maradi to the capital Niamey, Niger offers desert landscapes, traditional markets, and unique architecture.
Niger is visa-free for Nigerians, and the drive from Northern Nigeria is relatively easy.
However, ensure you travel during daylight and keep safety in mind, especially in border regions; this is because its dictatorial government has been facing a series of terrorist acts lately.
6. Chad – Desert Frontiers and Cultural Depths
Border Entry: Ngala (Borno) or through Cameroon (N’Djamena route)
Travel Time from Maiduguri: 10–12 hours (depending on security situation)
Chad is a landlocked country with deep cultural richness and a fascinating blend of Arab and African influences.
N’Djamena, the capital, sits near the Cameroon border and is a hub of commerce and culture.
The journey is more challenging due to road conditions and regional security concerns, especially around Lake Chad.
If you’re an adventurer at heart, this route can offer a deeply immersive experience into the Sahel.
7. Cameroon – A Taste of Central Africa
Border Entry: Ekok (from Cross River State)
Travel Time from Calabar: 8–10 hours
Cameroon offers a dramatic change in landscape from tropical rainforests to rolling savannahs and volcanic mountains.
The towns of Buea and Limbe offer scenic beauty, while Douala and Yaoundé add the urban touch.
The Ekok–Mamfe road is a popular route, though it has seen infrastructural improvements in recent years.
English is spoken in some regions, especially the Southwest, making navigation easier for Nigerians.
8. Central African Republic – For the Truly Daring
Border Entry: Via Cameroon (Garoua–Boulaï)
Travel Time from Nigeria (via Cameroon): 3–4 days
This is not for the faint-hearted. Travelling to the Central African Republic (CAR) by road involves long hours and serious planning.
However, it’s possible via Cameroon’s eastern towns. CAR offers dense jungles, wildlife, and a raw travel experience.
Due to periodic instability, this route should only be considered after checking up-to-date security information.
9. Mali – The Land of Music and Empires
Border Entry: Through Burkina Faso or via northern Benin to Gao
Travel Time from Lagos: 2–3 days
Mali has given the world incredible music and history. From the ancient city of Timbuktu to the mighty Niger River, Mali is a cultural treasure.
While some regions face security challenges, cities like Bamako remain vibrant and inviting.
Roads leading into Mali are dusty but passable. The journey is demanding but rewarding for history lovers and adventurers.
10. Côte d’Ivoire – The Land of Cocoa and City Life
Border Entry: Via Ghana (Elubo border)
Travel Time from Lagos: 18–24 hours
Côte d’Ivoire, or Ivory Coast, is one of the most developed countries in Francophone West Africa.
Abidjan, its economic capital, is often referred to as “the Paris of Africa” with its skyscrapers, nightlife, and cosmopolitan vibe.
Crossing Ghana and entering at the Elubo border is the most popular route.
Prepare for multiple checks, but the ride is scenic, especially along Ghana’s western coastline.
Conclusion
Road-tripping across West and Central Africa from Nigeria is not just a journey of miles, it’s a passage through languages, cultures, cuisines, and histories.
While the adventures are many, so are the challenges. Ensure your documents are complete, your vehicle is roadworthy, and you’re mentally prepared for delays, checkpoints, and language barriers.
But once you hit the road, it’s all worth it.
