Frequently Asked Questions

Security is the cornerstone of everything we do. All our drivers, guides, and support personnel are individually vetted and background-checked before joining our team. During the festival, a dedicated on-ground security coordinator stays with the group throughout all event activities. We maintain active communication with Osun State security services and every guest receives a 24/7 emergency WhatsApp contact number before departure.

Absolutely. Every driver is personally background-checked, holds a valid professional driving licence, and has completed a safety orientation specific to travelling with international guests. All vehicles are insured, air-conditioned, and GPS-tracked. We send you the driver's name, photo, and vehicle details before every transfer so you always know who to expect.

Yes. We have hosted many solo travellers including women travelling without companions. You are never alone — a member of our team is always present or reachable from airport arrival to hotel returns. Our group structure means you travel with a community of like-minded guests. Contact us before booking if you have specific concerns and we will address them directly.

We have a full emergency response protocol. Our team is first-aid trained and knows the locations of the nearest medical facilities in Osogbo. We maintain relationships with local medical providers and can arrange transport to a clinic or hospital if needed. We strongly recommend all guests travel with comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation cover.

Yes — professional photography is included in the VIP package. Our photographer accompanies the group throughout festival day and selected cultural activities, capturing candid and posed moments. You receive a curated gallery of high-resolution images delivered digitally within two weeks of the trip.

Yes. We offer a video documentation add-on including short-form highlight reels suitable for Instagram and longer documentary-style footage of your experience. A personal videographer for the full festival day is also available. Contact us at info@osunosogbotours.com for current rates and availability.

Yes, and we brief you fully before the trip. Certain areas of the Sacred Grove and specific ritual moments are restricted out of deep respect for the tradition. Our guide will clearly indicate when and where photography is permitted. We always follow the guidance of the festival's custodians. Within permitted areas, the photographic opportunities are extraordinary.

The Osun Osogbo Festival draws very large crowds. Our VIP guests benefit from pre-secured positioning close to the key ceremonial moments — the Arugba procession, the lamp lighting, and the river divination — without having to arrive hours early or navigate the general crowd. VIP guests gain access to a dedicated viewing area with seating, shade, and refreshments, coordinated through our relationship with festival organisers.

Ifá is the ancient Yoruba system of divination — recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A private Ifá consultation with a licensed Babaláwo gives you a personal spiritual reading connected to your life path, questions, and ancestral connections. This is conducted privately, respectfully, and translated for you. It takes place on Day 3 of the tour and is one of the most memorable parts of the experience.

You fly into Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos (LOS). Our driver will be waiting in arrivals holding a sign with your name. They assist with luggage and drive you directly to Osogbo — approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. If your flight is delayed, our driver waits — we track all flights in real time.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Most non-African passport holders require a Nigerian visa in advance. We recommend applying at least 6 weeks before travel through the Nigerian Immigration Service e-visa portal at immigration.gov.ng. We are happy to provide a booking confirmation letter to support your visa application.

We send every guest a comprehensive pre-trip pack including a packing list, cultural dress guidance, weather information, and health recommendations. In brief: lightweight, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended for the grove and ceremony. Many guests choose to wear traditional Yoruba attire — we can help arrange this locally. Comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen are essential.

Full payment of $1,999 per person is required to confirm your place. Payment is processed securely via Square — all major credit and debit cards are accepted internationally including Visa, Mastercard, and Amex. Pricing is in USD and can be settled in USD, GBP, or NGN at the prevailing rate. You receive a booking confirmation immediately after payment.

Cancellations more than 60 days before the festival receive a full refund minus a 10% admin fee. Cancellations between 30–60 days prior forfeit 50% of the payment. Cancellations within 30 days are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance with cancellation cover. If we cancel the trip, all guests receive a full refund.

The trip runs with a minimum of 6 confirmed guests. If we do not reach this threshold 8 weeks before the festival, we will notify you and issue a full refund. In practice we aim to fill all 10 spaces well in advance. We do not run under-capacity trips that compromise the quality of the experience.

Every guest has a direct WhatsApp line to a senior member of our team. If anything is not right — your room, a transfer, a meal, anything — we want to know immediately so we can fix it. Our philosophy is simple: no issue should wait until after the trip to be resolved.

Yes. Please indicate any dietary requirements at the time of booking — at the latest six weeks before the trip. Common requirements (vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free) are all manageable. Please flag severe allergies clearly and we will ensure the appropriate precautions are in place throughout.

Absolutely — this trip is designed precisely for people in that position. We handle every logistical detail so you can focus entirely on the experience. You will receive a comprehensive pre-trip guide and our team contextualises everything you see. Many guests have never visited Nigeria before — and they consistently describe it as a life-changing introduction to the country.