Lagos, Nigeria: Mosquitoes, Magic, and a Whole Lotta Hustle
okay, so. lagos. where do i even begin? i’m still peeling the city off my skin, you know? like, the humidity clings to you, the noise vibrates in your bones, and the sheer energy… it’s something else. i’m a botanist, usually happiest surrounded by quiet ferns and the smell of damp earth, and this? this was… intense. but in a way i kinda loved.
I landed, bleary-eyed after a ridiculous number of connecting flights (2328765, to be exact - don’t ask), and immediately felt like i’d walked into a movie. a really chaotic, vibrant, and slightly overwhelming movie. the air was thick, heavy with the scent of exhaust fumes, spices, and something indefinably…lagos. i just checked and it's currently a damp blanket of 23.85°C, feels like 24.67°C, with 91% humidity. yeah, bring a towel. seriously.
I was here on a research grant, looking at the surprisingly resilient plant life thriving in the urban sprawl. it’s fascinating, honestly. these little pockets of green pushing through concrete, adapting to the pollution… it’s a testament to nature’s stubbornness. i spent a lot of time in *Yaba, which is where my research base was. it’s a total hub, buzzing with students and small businesses.
Someone told me that the traffic is legendary. legendary is an understatement. it’s… a performance art piece. a slow-motion ballet of honking cars, motorcycles weaving through, and pedestrians casually strolling across six lanes of chaos. i actually saw a goat casually crossing the road the other day. a goat. no one even batted an eye.
I stayed in a small guesthouse in Surulere. it was basic, but clean, and the owner, Mama Fatima, was an absolute gem. she fed me incredible jollof rice every night and gave me the lowdown on everything happening in the neighborhood. she warned me about the area around CMS after dark - apparently, it gets a little… lively.
“Don’t go near Broad Street after 9 pm, especially if you’re carrying a camera. Just trust me on this one.” - Mama Fatima, guesthouse owner.
I spent a day exploring Ikoyi, which is a bit more upscale. the leafy streets and colonial architecture were a nice contrast to the hustle of other areas. I even managed to find a tiny little plant shop tucked away on a side street - a little slice of heaven amidst the concrete jungle. Check out this place for some local insights: TripAdvisor Lagos.
My gear list, because apparently i need to be organized even when i’m covered in sweat and mosquito bites:
*Field notebook: Absolutely essential. Filled with scribbled observations and pressed leaves.
*Mosquito net: Non-negotiable. Seriously, the mosquitoes are relentless.
*Water filter: Tap water is… not ideal.
*Comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
*Portable charger: Power outages are common.
*A sense of humor: You’ll need it.
I heard that the nightlife in Victoria Island is pretty wild, but i didn’t really venture out much. I was too busy trying to identify obscure plant species and dodging rogue suya vendors. If you get bored, Ibadan and Shagamu are just a short drive away.
Pro-tip: Learn a few basic Yoruba phrases. It goes a long way. And be prepared to haggle. Everything is negotiable. Seriously, everything. I found some amazing vintage fabrics at a market in Balogun. It was a total sensory overload, but worth it. Check out this local board for more market tips: Lagos Local Forum.
Honestly, lagos is not for the faint of heart. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, it’s overwhelming. But it’s also incredibly vibrant, full of life, and bursting with creativity. It’s a place that gets under your skin and stays with you long after you’ve left. I’m already planning my return trip. Maybe next time i’ll brave the nightlife. Maybe.
Oh, and one more thing: someone on Yelp said to be wary of street food unless it’s really* busy. Apparently, that’s a sign of freshness. Drunk advice, maybe? But i took it to heart. Yelp Lagos.
For more on Nigerian flora, check out The Nigerian Botanical Society.
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/the-safest-and-most-dangerous-neighborhoods-in-uvira-5
- https://topiclo.com/post/crime-statistics-in-tondo-is-it-getting-safer
- https://topiclo.com/post/is-boosaaso-petfriendly-best-parks-and-vet-services-2
- https://topiclo.com/post/pasig-city-where-the-rents-not-crazy-and-the-cafs-have-personality
- https://topiclo.com/post/is-osasco-overrated-a-reality-check-for-newcomers