How to get there
Note: the US State Department urges Americans to reconsider travel to Enugu state because of the risk of "crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs." Canada says to avoid all non-essential travel" and the United Kingdom advises not to travel at all to Nigeria.
Enugu has an international airport, but it is only served by Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa. Port Harcourt has more options because it remains the center of Nigeria's petroleum and gas industry. Port Harcourt is served by Air France and Lufthansa. From Port Harcourt, it's a four-hour bus ride to Enugu. Another option is to fly into Lagos, which is served by a variety of international carriers, including Emirates, KLM, Qatar, and Turkish Airlines, and then flying on a domestic airline to Enugu.. Alternatively, it is about a nine hour bus ride from Lagos to Enugu.
What to do once there
The city's official museum is the Museum of National Unity on Abakaliki Road, which showcases Igbo history and identity. The museum's display cases are full of statuary, including works of stone and bronze, which highlight traditional Igbo beliefs about life, death, family, etc. There is also privately-operated Centre for Memories, which was founded in 2021, and is devoted to working to preserve Igbo memories and history. It offers extensive programming.
Unfortunately, key historic buildings in Enugu, like the former parliament building, have not been well maintained, but the markets continue to thrive and offer a window into every day life in Enugu. It may be possible to visit the coal mines and the Queen's School if arrangements are made in advance.
Northeast of town, the Awhum Waterfall offers a welcomed change from the city.
Image courtesy of Mike Janetta and Wikimedia Commons, December 2023.
Accommodations
The city has a plethora of inexpensive hotels to choose from (including the "Ritz Carinton" and the "Hayatt" !), but the seven-story Hotel Sunshine on Presidential Road looks to be the best option for location, amenities, and ambience. There is a pool, restaurant, and bar on site. Its Modernist facade belies the hotel's plush interiors with marble floors and rich fabrics.
(Image courtesy of Sunshine Hotel.)
