How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Aba, Nigeria

Aba, Nigeria, Aba, Travel Planning & Tips Pages, How to Avoid Tourist Traps

How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Aba, Nigeria

1. Abia Market

A bustling market in Aba known for local crafts and textiles. Avoid getting overpriced goods by bargaining extensively.
  • Knowledgeable Negotiation: Haggling is an essential skill to get the best prices.
  • Local Prices: Prices outside the market are often higher.
  • Avoiding Duplicate Purchases: Some sellers may try to sell you similar, but more expensive items.

2. Deeper Life Bible Church

A famous landmark attracting many tourists. Visit during services or events to avoid overpriced entrance fees and scams.
  • Attend Services: Services are free and offer a genuine experience.
  • Avoid Scams: Some vendors may attempt to take advantage during non-service hours.
  • Timing is Key: Visit during non-peak times to have a peaceful experience.

3. Umuahia Park

A beautiful park in Umuahia near Aba, popular with tourists. Avoid food vendors inside the park for cheaper and better options outside.
  • Outside Food Options: Vendors outside the park offer more affordable food.
  • Taste and Quality: Food inside the park is often overpriced and may not be as good.
  • Picnic Essentials: Bring your own snacks to enjoy a picnic and save money.

4. Slave Museum

Historical museum showcasing the transatlantic slave trade. Avoid unofficial guides for accurate information.
  • Official Guides: Museum employees provide knowledgeable tours.
  • Accurate History: Unofficial guides may present inaccurate or biased information.
  • Respectful Experience: The museum is a sensitive topic; learn with respect and openness.

5. Mbari Mbayii Art Gallery

Art gallery featuring works by Nigerian artists. Avoid buying art from street vendors for authentic pieces.
  • Authentic Pieces: Gallery sells genuine, original artwork.
  • Bargain Skillfully: Negotiate prices for the best deals.
  • Support Local Artists: Buying art supports the local artistic community.

6. Umuiki Cultural and Historical Museum

Museum showcasing Aba's history and culture. Avoid fake souvenirs by purchasing items outside the museum.
  • Genuine Souvenirs: Souvenir shops outside offer authentic, local goods.
  • Historical Accuracy: The museum provides factual and engaging exhibits.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect the culture and customs while exploring the museum.

7. Aba Township Stadium

Sports stadium where local football matches are played. Avoid unofficial ticket vendors for legitimacy.
  • Official Ticket Vendors: Purchase tickets at the box office or authorized booths.
  • Legitimate Experience: Unofficial ticket vendors may sell fake or overpriced tickets.
  • Cultural Immersion: Attend a match to experience local sports culture.

8. Ohafia Hill

Scenic hill with breathtaking views. Avoid unofficial guides for a safe and enjoyable hike.
  • Official Guides: Hire registered guides for knowledgeable and safe treks.
  • Respect Nature: Leave no trace; preserve the natural beauty of Ohafia Hill.
  • Best Viewing Spots: Guides help find the most scenic viewpoints on the hill.

9. Aba Brewery

Historic brewery offering tours and tastings. Avoid overpriced alcohol by purchasing in local stores.
  • Affordable Alcohol: Local stores offer lower prices for beer.
  • Learn Brewing Process: Tours provide insights into the brewing process.
  • Cultural Immersion: Visit to learn about Nigeria's brewing history and traditions.

10. Ngwa Cultural Centre

Cultural center showcasing the Ngwa people's customs and traditions. Avoid fake cultural artifacts by purchasing items outside.
  • Genuine Cultural Artifacts: Souvenir shops outside offer authentic, local goods.
  • Cultural Education: The center provides an immersive experience of Ngwa culture.
  • Respect Cultural Sensitivity: Learn about the Ngwa people with respect and openness.

11. Aba Main Market

Large market offering a variety of goods. Avoid getting overpriced items by bargaining extensively.
  • Knowledgeable Negotiation: Haggling is an essential skill to get the best prices.
  • Local Prices: Prices outside the market are often higher.
  • Avoid Duplicate Purchases: Some sellers may try to sell you similar, but more expensive items.

12. Ishi Ala Nigerian War Museum

Museum dedicated to the Nigerian-Biafran War. Avoid biased information by reading multiple sources and visiting reputable museums.
  • Multiple Sources: Learn about the war from various reliable resources.
  • Reputable Museums: Visit museums with a reputation for accurate information.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect the history and feelings surrounding this sensitive topic.

13. Mbara Umuiri Cultural Centre

Cultural center focusing on Igbo culture. Avoid fake cultural artifacts by purchasing items outside.
  • Genuine Cultural Artifacts: Souvenir shops outside offer authentic, local goods.
  • Cultural Education: The center provides an immersive experience of Igbo culture.
  • Respect Cultural Sensitivity: Learn about the Igbo people with respect and openness.

14. Aba City Mall

Modern shopping mall with various stores. Avoid overpriced items by comparing prices at multiple stores.
  • Comparison Shopping: Compare prices across different stores to find the best deal.
  • Local Prices: Prices outside the mall are often higher.
  • Find Bargains: Look for sales and discounts to save money.

15. Traditional Healers

Local healers offering traditional medicines. Avoid scams by researching reputable healers and asking for recommendations.
  • Reputable Healers: Research healers with a good reputation.
  • Ask for Recommendations: Talk to locals or travelers for recommendations.
  • Understand Treatment: Learn about the traditional healing process and its benefits.