Detty December Lagos Guide: Fun, Fashion & Festivals!
add where to stay, need for protocol officer, flight booking tips, getting around Lagos, how to avoid the traffic nightmare, party spots, beach plans, restaurants to visit
If you haven’t heard of “Detty December,” let me introduce you to what might become your new favorite phrase and vacation tradition. Picture sun-drenched days, glittering city lights, all-night parties, color-soaked street festivals, and the kind of vibrant energy that makes your heart race. Detty December is Nigeria’s own version of festive season euphoria—like Rio’s carnival meets a holiday block party—in Lagos, the country’s electrifying commercial capital. And as a solo female traveler, there’s no better time to embrace the rhythm of this cultural masterpiece.
Yes, Lagos can be wild. It can be overwhelming, fast-paced, and intense. But it’s also stunningly alive, deeply flavorful, and absolutely unforgettable. This guide is everything you need to confidently and securely explore Lagos during the December festivities, with the kind of insider tips that travel glossies rarely mention.
Whether this is your first solo trip or your tenth, Lagos—in all its Detty December glory—offers the perfect adventure to immerse yourself in music, food, culture, and adrenaline-pumping nightlife while uncovering the quiet, soulful charm hidden behind the chaos.
Let’s dive into your playbook for a safe, thrilling, and soul-nourishing December in Lagos.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
- Flights – I use Skyscanner to find amazing flight deals.
- Accommodation – For the best guesthouse and hotel rates, use Booking.com .
- Rent A Car – Discover Cars and Rental Cars are great booking and comparison sites for rental car deals.
- Fun Activities – Add NTDL here and the like Get Your Guide and Viator provide ease of discovering and booking a wide range of activities like walking tours, fun excursions, private guides, and more.
- Protect Your Trip – Don’t forget travel insurance !
Table of Contents
Understanding “Detty December”: More Than Just Parties
In Nigeria, December is more than a month. It embodies an entire feeling.
“Detty” loosely translates to “getting down and dirty”—but in the fun, party sense. It’s when Nigerians worldwide return home, when event schedules overflow with concerts, art shows, food festivals, and fashion events. Lagos becomes an unstoppable cultural carnival, alive 24/7.
But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s all glitz and clubs. Detty December is also family reunions, beach gridlocks, Yoruba traditional music, gospel concerts, fireside storytelling, and small chop (local finger food) shared with strangers turned friends. It’s the Lagos social season at its peak—and you’re invited.
Why Lagos is Perfect for the Bold Solo Woman
If you’re craving a destination where your independence is not just accepted but celebrated, Lagos is it.
People are curious, energetic, and fiercely proud of their culture. You’ll be greeted with “You dey alright?” (Are you okay?) from strangers who genuinely want to help. Balancing this warmth with smart decision-making is the key to a seamless experience.
This is a place where solo women can thrive, especially those who are confident, inquisitive, and ready to savor the unexpected.
Before You Go: Prepare Like a Pro
Safety and comfort start before you step on the plane. Here’s what you need to have sorted:
– Book major concerts and festival tickets in advance. A-list music stars like Burna Boy or Wizkid are known to sell out events weeks early.
– Reserve accommodations around Victoria Island, Ikoyi, or Lekki Phase 1. These are the more secure and upscale neighborhoods with a blend of local charm, proximity to events, and international conveniences.
– Install ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber Nigeria. Avoid street taxis as much as possible.
– Stay connected with an MTN or Airtel SIM card. Load up on data because Google Maps will be your best friend.
– Dress with flair but understand local norms. Crop tops and shorts are fine in most urban spaces, but for mosque visits or traditional events, modest wear will show cultural respect.
– Stay updated on current events via Channels TV or the Pulse Nigeria app.
Once you’ve prepped, you’re ready for the journey of a lifetime.
Landing in Lagos: First Impressions and Navigating Murtala Muhammed Airport
The energy hits you the second you land at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. It’s fast, busy, and yes, occasionally chaotic. Keep your passport and documents handy. Avoid touts offering assistance with luggage. Politely but firmly decline help and proceed to immigration and baggage claim.
Use official airport taxis or request a ride via your app as soon as you collect your bags. If possible, arrange for your hotel’s airport pickup option. It might cost more, but the seamless experience is worth it.
Where to Stay for Comfort, Safety, and Good Vibes
Luxury, affordable comfort, or artistic hideaway—Lagos has you covered.
– Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island: High-end but centrally located with tight security, ocean views, and a rooftop bar that becomes the pulse of December nights.
– The Art Hotel, Lekki Phase 1: Boutique design, art-cultured interiors, and a serene rooftop pool.
– Nordic Hotel, Victoria Island: Scandinavian minimalism meets Nigerian warmth.
– Ziroc Residence, Lekki: Ideal for budget travelers who still want aesthetic comfort in a walkable neighborhood.
Wherever you stay, check guest reviews focused on solo female travel and verify proximity to your must-see events.
Daytime Lagos: Culture, Cuisine, and Calm Before Sunset
Use the daylight hours to explore the city’s cultural backbone. Yes, the nights are wild, but Lagos during the day is an entirely different beauty.
– Visit Nike Art Gallery in Lekki for stunning African textiles and massive art installations from female Nigerian artists.
– Swing by the Terra Kulture art house for contemporary theater, visual arts, and delicious jollof rice.
– Check out Lekki Conservation Centre for a canopy walk high above the trees. Pack comfortable shoes and insect repellent.
– Wander the markets like Balogun or Lekki Arts and Crafts Market. Stay aware of pickpockets but immerse yourself in the heartbeat of everyday commerce.
Don’t be afraid to ask vendors questions. Nigerians are proud of their crafts and culture and love curious travelers.
Where to Eat: Savor Nigeria with Every Bite
Lagos doesn’t play when it comes to food, especially in December. From roadside suya to fine dining infused with Afrobeat, your taste buds are in for a full-blown musical.
– RSVP Lagos, Victoria Island: Chic, modern, and perfect if you crave a cocktail in hand while watching the elite of Lagos unwind.
– Ile Eros, Lekki: A dining experience steeped in Nigerian tradition with a modern twist. Try the smoked turkey nkwobi.
– The House Restaurant, Victoria Island: Cozy with super tasty Nigerian fusion dishes, ideal for solo dinners without feeling awkward.
– Bukka food spots and “mama puts”: For the real deal, ask locals where to find the best amala and ewedu soup. You’ll sit elbow-to-elbow with strangers who just might become travel buddies.
Nightlife: When Lagos Truly Comes Alive
Here’s the truth: “nightlife” doesn’t quite cover it. Lagos at night during Detty December is a universe of its own.
Pick your vibe:
– Beach parties on Landmark Beach with DJs spinning Afrobeats under the stars.
– Concerts at Eko Atlantic or Hard Rock Café featuring the biggest African music icons.
– Underground jazz bars in Ikoyi where saxophones tell love stories in pidgin English and Yoruba.
– Art and poetry slams at Freedom Park or Bogobiri House.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a party girl, give one Lagos night out a chance. Wear those heels. Let your hair down. Dance until sunrise and remember what it feels like to be fully alive.
Solo Safety Tips That Actually Work
Lagos is safe for smart solo travelers. But just like any major metropolis, it rewards preparation.
– Avoid walking alone at night, even short distances. Use Bolt or Uber.
– Save emergency contacts including your country embassy and a trusted local contact.
– Don’t flash flashy jewelry or expensive gadgets in markets or overly crowded places.
– Learn basic Nigerian Pidgin greetings. Saying “How far?” earns immediate local warmth.
– Always carry a copy of your ID and a small amount of cash. Many casual marketplaces don’t take cards.
– Be discerning about after-party invites. Trust your gut. If something feels off, opt out with no apologies.
Real Talk: Navigating Lagos as a Solo Woman
Let’s be honest. You’ll face catcalls and curious stares, especially in markets. But there’s a big difference between interest and intimidation. A confident smile, a firm “No thank you,” and keeping your energy grounded helps you command respect. Lagosians don’t shy away from bold women—they admire them.
Buy your own drinks. Guard your belongings during club nights. And remember, confidence is your best accessory.
Unexpected Gems and Soulful Spots
When Lagos gets loud (and believe me, it will), escape to these soft places:
– The waterside serenity of Tarkwa Bay Beach. Catch a short ferry from Victoria Island.
– Reading a book under the shade trees at Jazzhole Café in Ikoyi.
– Early morning walks on Banana Island’s palm-lined roads.
– Volunteering a few hours with a local organization like Slum2School to give purpose to your pleasure.
Every December is a Journey
Whether you dance at Afrochella in Ghana or find yourself sipping fresh coconut water on Elegushi Beach, realize that Detty December is more than an itinerary. It’s a choice to step into joy, memory-making, community, and unapologetic celebration.
And Lagos? She’s a city that remembers you. The kind of place you leave a little piece of your soul in, and come back for it years later.
You’re not just visiting. You’re becoming a part of something electric.
Call to Action:
Have you experienced the magic of a solo Detty December in Nigeria? Drop your favorite moments or tips in the comments. Tag us in your Instagram travel stories (@) and let your Lagos adventure inspire another bold woman’s journey. For more soulful guides and expert safety tips, explore our collection of solo travel diaries from around the world.
You’re ready. Go Detty. Go bold. Go Lagos.
From here, head off Dakar to cleanse your liver and relax into the new year before heading back home.
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