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In many climes and geographical areas, the Yuletide comes with its own style and texture of celebration. While at this time of the year, many parts of the world are battling with inclement cold weather and as such people are restricted indoors, it is not the case here in the tropics. Yuletide in the tropics is an outdoor celebration period, and in a country like Nigeria with large expanse of beachfronts, beautiful mountain ranges crafted by nature, and verdant countryside, an average fun seeker is spoilt for choice. Lagos is one place that offers so many options for leisure at this period in the year. 
To maximize nature’s gift to this part of the world, renowned tourism and hospitality expert and founder of the La Campagne African-themed resort, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye said his resort has introduced many creative relaxation options for this period that take into consideration the sandy beach shores, the landscape and wild forests of the tropics. This is to give Nigeria revellers and fun seekers entertainment options for the Yuletide.
Akinboboye is one man that is familiar with the entertainment and the leisure terrain of Nigeria, having spent more then four decades in the Nigerian hospitality and leisure space. Within this period, he transformed a hitherto wild beachfront in Ikegun Lagos State into a high-class African-themed resort that people visit from every part of the world.
So what is the leisure offering for fun seekers at this period?
The usual relaxation activities within the beachfronts that dot Lagos state are dipping in water, quad biking, horse riding and occasion playing with sand. However, there are some few creative ways the La champagne boss has come out with.
First is a new beach adventure called beach safari. South and East Africa have made a success of wildlife safari and in the process earned huge amounts of foreign exchange in the process. This has helped in supporting the economy of these countries. The United Arab Emirates, especially the Dubai Emirate, had come up with the creative adventure in the desert called desert safari. A visit to Dubai without a trip to the desert makes the visit incomplete.
Now, a new offering called beach safari is available. It involves driving along the sandy beaches of Lagos, Ogun and Ondo States. Speaking on this adventure, Akinboboye said: “The beach safari will make use of transport that can easily move on sand, and this includes quad bikes, motorcycles, jeeps and horses. The beach trail that forms the route will be lit up at night with solar light. The safari comes with an opportunity to taste local delicacies.”
Another product created by the resort specifically for children is the Kamp Afrika Yuletide camping. It is opened to children within the age bracket of 10 to 16 years. It offers children beachside fun and an opportunity to learn about African culture and tradition. There are water sports like kayaking, canoeing, building outdoor tents and many other activities.
Currently in Lagos waterfront, scuba diving is hardly listed as a water sport. But La Campagne is offering an opportunity for scuba diving during this Yuletide. The Ikegun area offers both freshwater and ocean water. It offers an opportunity for relaxation on freshwater and ocean beachfront.
Outside these relaxation packages at places like Ikegun, other beach resorts offer favourites for many at this dance are the beach revelling which include dance and other games.
However, one should be wary of the open beaches; private beaches offer better services in terms of security as many have personnel that keep their eyes on revellers and their belongings.
Another important thing one needs to take note of is that it is best to go to beaches where the ocean surge is less and there are provisions for lifeguards to patrol and monitor the sometimes over-excited revellers to avoid mishap.
However, the Yuletide is not just about beachfronts and relaxation on water. Places like the Onikan museum, the cultural centre, and Freedom Park offer quality relaxation during this period.
Still on towards the Lekki axis, but outside the beachfront, is the Nike Arts Gallery. The gallery is just by Elegushi Bus Stop off the Lekki-Ajah Expressway, a three storey edifice filled with art works. It is probably the most popular tourist spot in Lagos. However, it is more enjoyable if it is visited as a group, and the management makes better arrangements while receiving groups on visit.
The National Conservation Foundation (NCF) is also an option for the Yuletide with the wooden nature walkway and the harmless monkeys in their natural habitat. NCF ambience is always calming just watching the birds and monkeys dashing about within the premises. It leaves a smile on the visitors’ faces. The place showcases the biodiversity of the area and offers recreation.
For those that want to infuse the Yuletide adventure with more excitement, taking a walk on the Cable walkway is an option. The cable walkway is regarded as one of the longest in Africa.
With the heat and dry weather, it is almost a crime to stay indoors at this time; millions all over the world are looking for that kind of weather. The Sun Travel Nuggets
The Sun Travel Nuggets
6 things to watch out for while flying
1. Don’t collect any parcel to help deliver if you were not there when it was packed.
2. Ensure you put your valuables in your carry on luggage.
3. Don’t check in luggage with valuables such as cash, jewellery, phone, et cetera.
4, Don’t resist being searched by security personnel; it creates suspicion.
5. Never smoke or be unruly on international flights or any flight at all.
6. Always be courteous to fellow passengers or officials.
