Where was your last overseas trip?
Nigeria… we visited Lagos, Victoria Island, Ikeja, Ikoyi and the Lecci Peninsula

Why did you choose to travel there?
Business opportunities; Nigeria is rich in oil, still under-developed in many areas and is going through a huge growth spurt. English is the main language and business prospects are good, although not for the faint-hearted! The country is a logistical nightmare. Lagos and the surrounding area has an official population of about 18 million, but an unofficial one closer to 35 million! Of these, there’s a South African expat community of about 40 000 people. The international gateway ‘Murtalla Mahommed airport’ is literally organised chaos .The entry in and out is more complicated and stressful than most!

Where did you stay along the way, and why?
We stayed at the Leadway Protea hotel in Ikeja, about 25 minutes from the airport. The hotel is relatively new, opened last year September, and is a boutique type hotel with maybe 50 rooms. Their Prokard (loyalty scheme) saved us a whopping 20 percent off the accommodation bill and 50 percent off the food bill. The hotel was also modern, had flat screen TV, excellent king-size bed with great linen, tub bath in an open plan bathroom and welcome treats like dried sausage, cashew nuts and SA wine.

The GM is also fantastic. Ankia Swart was incredible, from the checking on the transfer from the airport to assisting with information. She deserves a medal! The Exec Chef Chris too was great, with a very good a la carte menu. The hotel also had free WiFi, a gym and a modern stretched swimming pool. All in all a great and safe place to stay

In general the hotels are extremely expensive, as there is a shortage of beds due to the oil industry. And remembering that Nigeria has a population of some 175 million people! In addition hotels push prices to cover cost to run generators – sometimes on a 24 hour basis.

A little further from the airport is a new Southern Sun Ikoyi hotel which is very nice and the Sun International Federal Palace. Protea has some 14 properties around Nigeria so even in the capital Abuja one can stay there. Allow yourself plenty of time if you stay on Victoria Island as the traffic is heavy and unpredictable. Hotel Prices range from about 20 000 Naira – 90 000 Naira. Our Hotel was in $285 per room, per night including breakfast… but that was after the discount.

Your favourite meal during your time away?
One of the interesting dishes is Pounded Yam, which is like our Mielie Pap, Plantain (some kind of small cooked banana) and my colleague tasted peppered giant snail which looked like a ‘Survivor’ special!

Did you find any 'hidden secrets' during your travels…
Not really as we were working, but the night life is very vibey, very cosmopolitan. There are some museums and great art galleries as Nigerians are famous for sculptures and paintings, especially the Yoruba people, one of the 250 tribes.

Your best travel tip for others planning a visit there?
Be careful, make sure your protocol is in place and know who is collecting you. Go in a roadworthy taxi, drink only mineral water, take anti-malaria tablets and have your shots against hepatitis, meningitis etc. Whatever you do have multiple entry visa endorsed in your passport. They do not accept internet online versions and you will be sent packing. It happened to us!

Meet any interesting locals?
People are very friendly and quite business-oriented; especially the women who show great entrepreneurial spirit. They are willing to learn and literally digest all information given. They are fun, very patriotic to their country.

What's the best way to get around?
There seem to be six levels of transport: cheapest is three people back to back on a scooter , then two on a scooter , then the little three wheeler tuk-tuk. After those come mini-bus taxis (like in SA), ordinary taxis and then hired-car-and-driver option. The latter was our choice although averages at $150 per day.

Local transport is cheap and very crowded and makes South Africa look like a breeze! Not pleasant being stuck in traffic, daily temperatures in Lagos around 30 deg in June and very humid with lots of rain.

Where's next on your travel 'to-do list'?
Zimbabwe and Zambia; Lusaka, Livingstone, Victoria Falls and then home!