Planning a trip to a beach resort in Lagos, Nigeria? Oh, you’re in for a treat! You’re probably already imagining the soft sand between your toes, gentle waves lapping at your feet, and that gorgeous Nigerian sun warming your skin. And let’s not forget the amazing food waiting for you.
But hold up…
The last thing you want is your perfect beach day getting ruined because you forgot something super important.
Trust me, you might not realize what should (or shouldn’t) be in your beach bag until you’re already there soaking up the sun, especially if this is your first Nigerian beach resort adventure.
Just picture this: you’re having the time of your life at the beach, and then splash! Your phone goes straight into the water because you didn’t know you needed a waterproof bag. Yep, it happens more often than you’d think.
So what are the 5 absolute must-haves to make sure your beach trip is nothing short of amazing?
You’ll find out in the next few minutes. Let’s go!
1. Sun Protection (Because Nigerian Sun Doesn’t Play!)
We both know that Nigerian sun, especially around Lagos, can be seriously intense. I mean, it’s hot enough to practically cook you if you’re not careful!
Without proper protection, your skin can end up with uneven tones (some parts darker than others), which doctors call sunburn.
Nobody wants that vacation souvenir, right?
Here’s what you absolutely need:
SPF 50+ Sunscreen: Go for the water-resistant kind that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Yes, Nigerian skin can burn too, regardless of how well we tan! Make sure you reapply every 2-3 hours, especially after taking a dip at places like Ziba Beach Resort.
Wide-Brim Hats and Sunglasses: Not only do they make you look super stylish in your beach photos, but they also protect you from heatstroke and that blinding sun glare bouncing off the water. Make sure your sunglasses actually block UV rays (not just the cheap fashion ones!).
SPF Lip Balm: That salty sea breeze feels amazing but it dries out your lips like crazy. A good SPF lip balm or even some Vaseline will save you from painful chapped lips.
After-Sun Aloe Gel: Just in case you get a bit too much sun (it happens to the best of us), this will be your skin’s best friend at night.
Quick Tip:
Put on that sunscreen about 30 minutes before you hit the beach for the best protection!
2. Beach Games and Books (Because You Need Some Fun!)
Look, you can’t just walk into an amazing beach resort like Ziba and not bring some entertainment, even though we’ve got tons of awesome activities set up for you already.
Watching the waves is super relaxing, but doing fun stuff at the beach? Now that’s double the awesome!
Pack these for maximum beach fun:
Books or E-Readers: Whether you’re into romance, self-help, or something motivational, there’s nothing quite like reading with the sound of waves in the background. Nigerian authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie hit different when you’re reading by the sea!
Journal & Pen: Beach vibes often bring out those deep, reflective thoughts. Bring these along to jot down your thoughts, ideas, or even those “aha!” moments that come when you’re totally relaxed.
Board Games or Card Games: Chess, Scrabble, Ludo, and good old Ayo are super easy to pack and perfect for bonding with friends or family. Plus, they’re great conversation starters with other resort guests!
Inflatable Beach Ball or Frisbee: These add just the right amount of physical fun to your beach day without feeling like you’re at the gym.
3. Tech Protection (Keep Your Gadgets Safe!)
Nobody wants to watch their expensive phone disappear into the Atlantic Ocean or get completely ruined by sand and water.
A good waterproof phone pouch is your best friend here.
With these, you can even take those cool underwater shots without sweating about water damage!
Essential tech protection:
Waterproof Phone Pouches: Seriously, get one. Your Instagram feed will thank you later when you’re taking those epic underwater selfies.
Power Banks: Beach days are long, and you’ll be using your phone way more than usual (hello, vacation photos!). Pack a good 10,000mAh+ power bank to keep you connected.
Smart Storage Solutions:
- Ziplock bags for keeping snacks dry and holding wet swimsuits (trust me, you don’t want water dripping all over your hotel room floor!)
- Dry bags for electronics and important stuff
- Waterproof speakers for your beach playlist vibes
You can grab these from Jumia, Jiji, Konga, or even Amazon if you can’t find them at local stores.
4. Snacks and Drinks (Because Beach Food Can Be Pricey!)
Food at beach spots can sometimes be expensive or take forever to arrive. Don’t get me wrong, places like Ziba have world-class restaurants, but having some of your own goodies can be a total lifesaver between meals. A good cooler bag will keep those special drinks you brought ice-cold and your snacks fresh for hours.
Smart snacking:
Cooler Bags: Perfect for keeping your zobo drinks cold or those fresh fruits from getting warm in the Nigerian heat.
Easy Beach Snacks:
- Some good old chin chin or puff-puff
- Mixed nuts and dried fruits (they don’t melt!)
- Energy bars for when you’re doing beach volleyball or water sports
Stay Hydrated: Pack extra water bottles. All that sun and beach fun can dehydrate you faster than you think, especially during harmattan season.
5. Personal Essentials for Maximum Comfort
Among all the other stuff you’ll bring, make sure you’ve definitely got these:
Quick-Dry Towels: Get two if possible – one for lounging on and one for drying off. The microfiber ones dry super fast, which is perfect for Nigeria’s humid coastal weather.
Bug Spray or Repellent Cream: Those sandflies and mosquitoes don’t take vacation days! This is especially important during rainy season when they’re extra active.
Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes: Perfect for cleaning up before you eat or after using facilities. Beach life gets messy!
Basic First-Aid Kit: Pack some antiseptic, band-aids, painkillers, and antihistamines. You know how it is…better safe than sorry!
What You Should Leave at Home
- Expensive jewelry (it’s just asking to get lost in the sand!)
- Too much cash (most beach resorts take cards now)
- Drones (many resorts have restrictions)
Your Quick Packing Checklist
Sun Protection: ✓ SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, lip balm, aloe gel
Fun Stuff: ✓ Books, journal, games, beach toys
Tech Safety: ✓ Waterproof pouches, power bank, storage bags
Food & Drinks: ✓ Cooler bag, snacks, extra water
Comfort Items: ✓ Towels, bug spray, first aid kit, hygiene essentials
Timing Matters Too!
Dry Season: Focus extra on sun protection and staying hydrated
Rainy Season: Bring extra bug repellent and waterproof gear
You Deserve the Perfect Beach Getaway!
A trip to a Nigerian beach resort should be nothing but pure relaxation and fun. Whether you’re heading to Ziba Beach Resort in Lagos, Landmark Beach, Ilashe, or Oniru, these must-haves will help you squeeze every bit of joy out of your trip!
Ready to book your dream Lagos beach getaway? Check out Ziba Beach Resort for an unforgettable experience with top-notch facilities.
So pack smart, prepare well, and get ready to soak up every single wave, laugh, sunset, and amazing moment your Nigerian beach adventure has to offer!
Quick Questions You Might Have
Q: When’s the best time to visit Nigerian beach resorts?
A: November through March is perfect – great weather with way less rain!
Q: Are these resorts good for families?
A: Absolutely! Places like Ziba Beach Resort have security, and family-friendly activities.
Q: Should I pack fancy clothes?
A: Maybe one nice outfit for upscale resort dining, but casual beach wear works for pretty much everything else.
Q: What if I forget something important?
A: You can usually find basic stuff locally, but specialized items like waterproof gear are better bought ahead of time.
