Rich in oil and agriculture, Delta State showcases Nigeria through a local lens. The bustling city of Asaba is a great base for exploring the state, combining colourful African culture with a fascinating colonial history. Tree-filled gardens, palm-lined beaches and lush mangrove forests offer an escape from the city scene.
Things to do in Delta
Asaba is perched in the north of the state and is the region’s lively capital. The city is set on the banks of the Niger River and offers plenty of shops, markets and restaurants. Many serve delicious Nigerian classics such as spiced jollof rice, pounded yam and goat stew. For dessert, enjoy sweet morsels of coconut candy.
A handful of historic attractions recall the city’s colonial past. Stroll around the Expatriate Graveyard to see the tombstones of British settlers and missionaries who arrived in Africa in the 19th century. Now a national historic monument, Mungo Park House was built in the late 1800s and is named after the famous Scottish explorer who discovered the Niger River. Today the former military and government headquarters has been reimagined as a local history museum.
Shaped like the African continent, Nelson Mandela Gardens is a green sanctuary next to the airport. The garden is dotted with 95 trees representing the life and legacy of the beloved leader and Former President of South Africa. Fringed by golden sand and lush palms, Otuogu Beach is a riverside oasis. The beach is an easy drive from the Asaba city centre and is great for basking in the sunshine and cooling off on a sunny day.
The busiest of the Delta State cities, Warri is an economic hub. Falcorp Mangrove Park is a welcome escape from the busy streets of Warri, with trails winding through the park and showcasing the lush ecosystem.
Getting around Delta
Hiring a private driver is the easiest and most comfortable way to get around Delta State while local buses also operate across the state. The drive between Asaba and Warri takes around three hours. Asaba International Airport is a 10-minute drive from the city centre.