There’s something about December in West Africa—the lights get brighter, the music gets louder, and somehow your social calendar starts behaving like it has a mind of its own.
Last year, I decided to do something interesting and I think everyone should do that once in a while– visit three West African cities in one year.
Now even if you do not want to visit all three at once, you can visit one of them. I can give you a guide as to what to expect if you visit any of these cities.
My First-Person Travel Diary
Day 1–2: Lagos — The Beast That Wakes Up Before You
I landed in Lagos ready for madness, and Lagos did not disappoint. The air hit me with that warm mix of humidity, roasted corn, perfume, and vibes. Before I even reached my accommodation, my phone had three event invitations.
First night: a rooftop pre-game in VI, then a beach rave at Landmark. Lagos does not pace itself—it throws you straight into the deep end.
Day two was the classic Detty December shuffle:
- Brunch in Lekki
- Pop-up shopping at Oniru
- A friend’s “small hangout” in Ikoyi that turned into a full-blown house party
By the time I collapsed into bed, I realized how important it was that I had a place that felt calm and private. Lagos can overwhelm your senses fast, so having a shortlet with space, AC that actually works, and the freedom to move at my pace was a lifesaver.
Day 3–4: Abuja — A Breath of Fresh Air
Abuja welcomed me with wide roads, cleaner air, and that soft calm Lagos can never understand. Everything felt slower—but in a good way.
On Day three, I grabbed dinner in Wuse 2, and for the first time in days, I heard myself think. Abuja’s December is not chaotic, it’s curated. People dress well on purpose. The DJ is intentional. You can actually find parking.
I spent my morning at Jabi Lake just watching people kayak, couples take pictures, and vendors set up for evening events. Abuja is the city that gives you soft life without trying too hard.
Even my stay here felt different—more peaceful. I had a cozy shortlet near Maitama, which made it easy to glide from brunches to small concerts without the usual “Lagos-style” traffic trauma.
Day four was for a Christmas market, a tasting event in Guzape, and a quiet night drive that reminded me why Abuja is slowly becoming a December favourite.
Day 5–7: Accra — The City That Knows How to Party and Still Smile
Landing in Accra felt like someone turned the brightness setting on my life all the way up. Palm trees, colourful tro-tros, the scent of grilled kebab, and a soft breeze that Lagos should honestly study.
Accra’s Detty December is warm—both weather and energy. Everyone is here to have a good time, but without the Lagos urgency or Abuja gentility. It’s a sweet spot in between.
Night one, I found myself at Osu, drifting from bars to street food to an impromptu jam session outside someone’s lounge. The music spilled into the streets. People danced freely. No pretense.
Day six was AfroFuture. Thousands of people glowing under neon lights, fashion that belonged on magazine covers, and music that felt like it was pumping straight into the ground.
Somewhere between dancing and searching for my friends for the tenth time, I silently thanked myself for booking a shortlet close to the venue. Accra traffic during December can humble even the strongest among us, but staying close meant I could slip in and out smoothly.
My last night was at Labadi Beach—bonfires, waves crashing, a saxophonist playing somewhere in the dark, friends laughing while trying roasted plantain. It felt like a movie.
Realistic Event Hopping (The Only Way to Survive)
December is not for the weak. If you plan on hopping between cities like I did, here’s the truth:
- Lagos requires stamina.
- Abuja requires aesthetic outfits.
- Accra requires sunscreen and a portable charger.
And all three require planning. Events sell out fast, roads get busy, and sometimes you need to pick comfort over vibes. I learned quickly that staying close to major activity zones saves time, money, and your sanity.
Subtle Shortlet Mentions: The Quiet Hero of My Trip
I didn’t jump between three cities because I love stress—I did it because I had comfortable spaces to return to.
Shortlets made the trip easier because:
- I could cook or reheat food when needed
- I had privacy and space to unwind
- I stayed close to event hotspots without hotel-level pricing
- I could host small linkups without drama
In Lagos, the AC and silence saved me.
In Abuja, the space and calm made me feel human again.
In Accra, the proximity to nightlife allowed me to enjoy myself without spending half the trip in traffic.
Flattts shortlets, especially in major December zones, make this kind of multi-city holiday easier. You get comfort, flexibility, and the freedom to enjoy the city the way you want.
Conclusion
My week between Lagos, Abuja, and Accra felt like three different movies stitched into one. Lagos gave me chaos and energy. Abuja gave me calm and class. Accra gave me warmth and pure December happiness.
With Flattts, you can enjoy shortlets in each of these cities. Shortlets that suit and fit you.
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