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, we assign a dedicated on-ground security coordinator who stays with the group throughout all event activities. We maintain active communication with local Osun State security services and have an emergency protocol in place for any situation. Every guest also receives a 24/7 emergency WhatsApp contact number before departure.

Absolutely. We do not use random third-party hires. Every driver on our team has been 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, regularly maintained, air-conditioned, and fitted with GPS tracking. You will always know who is picking you up — we send name, photo, and vehicle details in advance of every transfer.

Yes. We have hosted many solo travellers, including women travelling without companions, and their safety and comfort is something we take especially seriously. You are never alone — from airport arrival to festival attendance to hotel returns, a member of our team is always present or reachable. Our group structure also means you travel with a community of like-minded guests. If you have specific concerns, please contact us before booking and we will address them directly.

We have a full emergency response protocol. Every guest receives a 24/7 emergency contact number. Our on-ground team is trained in first aid 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 that all guests travel with comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation cover.

Professional photography is included in the Premium and VIP packages. 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. The Standard package does not include this service, but guests are welcome to add it as an upgrade — contact us to enquire about availability.

Yes. We offer a video documentation add-on that includes short-form highlight reels (suitable for Instagram and personal memories) and longer documentary-style footage of your experience. This is available to Premium and VIP guests as an upgrade, and can be discussed at the time of booking. VIP guests have the option of a personal videographer for the full festival day. Pricing varies — please contact us for current rates.

Yes, and we will brief you fully on these before the trip. Certain areas of the Sacred Grove and specific ritual moments are considered deeply sacred and photography is restricted out of 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. This is a living spiritual tradition and we ask all guests to honour that. Within permitted areas, the photographic opportunities are extraordinary.

The Osun Osogbo Festival draws very large crowds. Our Premium and VIP guests benefit from pre-secured positioning that places you 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 additionally gain access to a dedicated viewing area with seating, shade, and refreshments, coordinated through our relationship with festival organisers. This is not a tourist enclosure — it is a respectfully arranged proximity that enhances your understanding and experience of the ceremony.

Ifa is the ancient Yoruba system of divination — one of the most sophisticated spiritual traditions in the world, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A private Ifa consultation with a licensed babalawo (Ifa priest) gives you a personal spiritual reading connected to your life path, questions, and ancestral connections. This is a genuine spiritual encounter, conducted respectfully and translated for you. It is one of the most memorable parts of the VIP experience for guests with Yoruba heritage and those who are simply spiritually curious.

Yes, subject to availability. If you book a Standard package and later wish to upgrade to Premium or VIP, contact us as soon as possible. Certain elements — VIP positioning, the Ifa consultation, and photography — require advance coordination, so upgrades are only guaranteed if arranged at least 6 weeks before the festival. The price difference between your original package and the upgrade will be charged.

You fly into Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos (LOS). Our driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. You will have received their name, photo, and vehicle details in advance so you know exactly who to look for. They will assist with your luggage and drive you directly to your hotel in Osogbo — approximately 3 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic. There is no need to arrange anything yourself. 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 will require a Nigerian visa in advance. We recommend applying through the Nigerian Immigration Service e-visa portal (immigration.gov.ng) at least 6 weeks before travel. Some nationalities receive visa on arrival — we will advise you specifically based on your passport when you book. We are happy to provide a booking confirmation letter to support your visa application.

We send every guest a comprehensive pre-trip pack which includes a packing list, cultural dress guidance, weather information, and health recommendations. In brief: lightweight, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is recommended for the grove and ceremony. Many guests choose to wear traditional Yoruba attire — we can help arrange this locally if you wish. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. We also recommend sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small daypack for festival days.

The Osun Osogbo Festival takes place annually in August, typically over a two-week period, with the main procession and river ceremony occurring on a specific date determined by the Yoruba calendar each year. We plan our four-day programme around the peak ceremonial days. Exact 2025 dates will be confirmed and shared with all booked guests as soon as they are officially announced. We recommend booking early as spaces fill months in advance once dates are confirmed.

A 50% deposit is required to secure your place. The remaining 50% is due 30 days before the festival date. We accept payment via bank transfer, Flutterwave, or Stripe (card payments). All pricing is in USD and can be settled in USD, GBP, or NGN at the prevailing exchange rate. Your booking is only confirmed once your deposit is received and we have sent you a written confirmation.

Cancellations made more than 60 days before the festival receive a full deposit refund minus a 10% admin fee. Cancellations between 30 and 60 days prior forfeit the deposit but owe nothing further. Cancellations within 30 days of the festival are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance with cancellation cover. If we are required to cancel the trip (which has never happened), all guests receive a full refund.

The trip runs when a minimum of 6 confirmed guests have paid their deposits. If we do not reach this threshold by a set date (typically 8 weeks before the festival), we will notify you and issue a full refund of your deposit. In practice, we typically 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 — not a call centre, not a chatbot. If anything is not right — your room, a transfer, a guide, 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. We are on the ground with you and we take pride in making sure every guest's experience is exceptional. If something falls short, we make it right.

Yes. Please indicate any dietary requirements, allergies, or food restrictions at the time of booking — or at the latest, six weeks before the trip. We communicate these to our hotel and catering partners in advance. Common requirements (vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free) are all manageable. Severe allergies — particularly nut allergies — please flag these clearly and we will ensure the appropriate precautions are in place throughout.

We welcome guests of all ages. The Sacred Grove involves some walking on uneven terrain, and festival days involve standing for periods of time. If you or a member of your party has specific mobility needs, please let us know when booking. We will assess what adjustments we can make — including transport arrangements, positioning at the ceremony, and pace of activities — to ensure you have a full and comfortable experience. We do not want mobility considerations to prevent anyone from attending.

Absolutely — in fact, this trip is designed precisely for people in that position. We handle every logistical detail so that you can focus entirely on the experience. You will receive a comprehensive pre-trip guide covering what to expect, cultural etiquette, health and safety, currency, connectivity, and more. Our guide and on-ground team are there to contextualise everything you see and answer every question. Many of our guests have never visited Nigeria before — and they consistently describe it as a life-changing introduction to the country.