“Leaving the noise behind could be an appealing idea to many who wish to escape the overstimulation Detty December brings to their city.”by DeAgostini/Getty Images
Detty December is once again in full swing. Across Nigeria and Ghana, particularly Lagos and Accra, the thrum of endless parties, concerts, various types of festivals, and just about anything enjoyment-rooted creates the kind of chaos that’s dazzling to those enthusiastic about the season. For those less keen, it means the bustle isn’t enjoyable. In Lagos, for instance, already bad traffic gets even worse, and transportation prices reflect the idea that moving from one place to the other is a luxury. People in Accra also have to deal with increased movement across the city, as well as the artificial inflation the season brings, which always leaves remnants on daily life for months after.
Perhaps it’s idealistic, but leaving the noise behind — even for a couple of days — could be an appealing idea to many who wish to escape the overstimulation Detty December brings to their city. For many people living in these “happening” places, leaving town for a few days or weeks is rare, largely because the metropolitan nature of Lagos and Accra keeps locals hemmed in.
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For those who can and are looking to leave their Detty December hotspots, OkayAfrica has compiled a list of places to visit and why they would make for a refreshing change of pace.
Two young men pose for a photograph in front of the newly installed Christmas city lights in Cotonou, on December 7, 2025.by Olympia De Maismont/AFP via Getty Images
One of the better planned places in West Africa is the capital city of Benin Republic. There’s an orderliness to Cotonou that gives it a tranquil energy and amplifies its welcoming aura. People traveling from Lagos, for example, might see similarities in Cotonou as a coastal city, but will be pleasantly surprised by the fact that they can actually hear themselves without the constant blast of honking cars. There’s minimal traffic across the city, multiple places to see and relax, from the beach to local markets and boardwalks. Also, Cotonou is within an hour out from Porto Novo and Ouidah, both places home to many historically relevant and cultural sites. Added fun fact: Nigerian singer Mr Eazi’s recent EP, Maison Rouge, was inspired by his stay in Cotonou.
Lomé
A vendor displays his wares at Akodessawa Fetish Market, the world's largest voodoo market in Lome, Togo.by Halil Sagirkaya/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images.
With over two million people living in Lomé, Togo’s capital city is the epicenter of the country’s commercial, cultural, and political activities. This means there’s quite a bit to do and see if you’re so inclined, but it’s less hectic than Lagos or Accra, and simply relaxing is also an option. For those feeling tourist-y, there are cultural places to visit like the Koumy House art gallery, Palais de Lomé, and the Akodessawa market, the world’s largest voodoo market, while the Lome beach is a place to simply chill and/or meet locals, depending on the time and day. For those with adventurous taste buds, there’s an abundance of street foods — like the Sakomi bread and flavored grilled fish – and locally made drinks to try from roadside vendors in markets and local restaurants around.
Kumasi
Kumasi is the center of Asante culture, weaving its historic significance with a spirit of enterprise.by Ernest Ankomah/Getty Images
Just five hours outside Accra, Kumasi is known as the center of Asante culture, giving it a historically significant heft. One way to define the city is rustic charm merged with an enterprising spirit. The Kejetia market is one of the largest markets in Africa, home to sellers of everything and a space for buyers who want to buy anything. For those wondering: Yes, it’s cheaper than Accra. There’s Fufu and light soup, Gob3, Toffee candy, Pito beers, and many more for eating and drinking. For those looking to be immersed in Asante culture and history, the Manhyia Palace Museum and Prempeh II Jubilee Museum are great places to visit. There are also towns and villages where different forms of crafts are practiced, from lost wax casting to Kente cloth weaving.
Abeokuta
Olumo Rock holds a cultural and spiritual significance for the Egba people, as it provided a natural fortress during pre-colonial wars.by Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
The ancient city of Abeokuta holds more than its ample amount of attractions. It’s significantly less noisy than its neighboring city, Lagos, which could also make it an appealing place to escape Detty December’s rush. Abeokuta is the center of Egba land, famous for withstanding some of the great pre-colonial wars in Yoruba history. It still carries some of that weathered charm, with houses wedged between hills and goats standing atop its famous hills. For the explorers, there’s Itoku market to source some of the most beautiful and rarest adire materials, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) carries relics of Nigerian history particularly tied to the eponymous former president, the Kuti Heritage Museum provides insight into the life of the late, great activist Funmilayo Anikulapo-Kuti and the iconic Kuti family, and the great fortress Olumo Rock is a wonderful site to see.
