Things To Do
in Iperu
Iperu (Iperu-Remo) is a lively town in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria known for its market culture, warm Yoruba hospitality and role as a commercial hub between Lagos and the Ogun hinterland. The town blends busy open-air markets, small industries and traditional life — you’ll see traders, artisans and farmers converging daily. Its proximity to larger cities like Abeokuta and Ijebu Ode makes it a convenient base for short cultural and nature day trips.
Visitors can experience everyday Yoruba life, local cuisine and seasonal festivals without the crowds of big cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic center of Iperu, where you can admire the colonial architecture and well-preserved buildings that tell the story of the town's past. Stop by the local market, bustling with vendors selling fresh produce and handcrafted goods, allowing you to experience the vibrant community atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional Nigerian breakfast at a nearby eatery, savoring local delicacies such as akara and pap.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Iperu Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and view artifacts that date back centuries. Afterward, stroll through the picturesque gardens of the local park, soaking in the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. Visit local artisans to witness traditional crafts being made, and perhaps purchase a unique souvenir to remember your trip.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant for dinner, where you can indulge in authentic Nigerian dishes like jollof rice and pounded yam. Engage with friendly locals who may share stories about the history and culture of Iperu while enjoying your meal. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk through the town, taking in the warm ambiance and vibrant nightlife.
If your visit coincides with one of Iperu's local festivals, immerse yourself in the festivities by rising early to prepare for a day full of cultural celebrations. Witness traditional dances, music performances, and colorful parades that showcase the rich heritage of the people. Enjoy breakfast from street vendors offering local delicacies, enhancing your experience of the vibrant atmosphere.
Spend the afternoon participating in various activities and workshops that may be available during the festival, such as learning traditional dance or crafts. Engage with the locals, who are often eager to share stories and traditions associated with their culture. Savor delicious festival foods from various stalls, each offering a unique taste of Iperu’s culinary delights.
As the festival continues into the evening, find a spot to enjoy the live music and dance performances that light up the night. Join in the celebrations, dancing alongside locals and visitors alike, fostering a sense of community and joy. End your day with a late-night snack at a local eatery, reflecting on the vibrant experiences and connections made throughout the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi / tricycle (keke) ride | $0.50-3 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
| 🎟️Local bus / intercity minibus | $1-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Yoruba market culture and food.
- Close to cultural highlights like Olumo Rock and Abeokuta for day trips.
- Friendly locals and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
- Limited tourist infrastructure compared with larger cities.
- Occasional poor road conditions and limited public transport options.
- Language barriers may exist if you don’t speak Yoruba or Pidgin.
- "Ẹ n lẹ" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Báwo ni?" - How are you?
- "Ẹ ṣé" - Thank you
- "Jọ̀wọ́" - Please / Excuse me
- "Èlo ni?" - How much is it?
Places to Visit in Iperu
Visit one of these nice places.
A bustling and colorful place full of portraits, textile displays, produce piles and dynamic scenes — great for street and documentary photography; always ask before photographing individuals.
Historic family compounds and the Oba’s palace areas show carved doors, traditional architecture and ceremonies when available — photograph respectfully and seek permission.
Early morning riverside scenes with fishermen, palm trees and misty light ideal for landscape and lifestyle shots.
A dramatic granite outcrop with steps and caves that offers panoramic views, interesting textures and sunset photo opportunities.
Vivid nighttime scenes of grills, lamps and vendors — great for moody, authentic food and street-life photography.
Food in Iperu
Iperu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple made from yam or cassava flour (amala) served with ewedu (jute leaf soup) and gbegiri (bean soup), often accompanied by stew and assorted meats; find it at market stalls and local eateries.
Must-Try!
Spicy skewered and grilled beef or chicken flavored with peanut spice — a popular evening snack sold at roadside grills and small bars.
Local unpolished rice served with a spicy green pepper sauce (ayamase) and assorted meats; common at local restaurants and during gatherings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town’s main market where you can sample freshly cooked amala, soups, grilled fish, and snacks. It's the best place for inexpensive, authentic meals and to observe daily food trade.
Evening suya vendors near transport hubs and bars — try beef or chicken with extra spice and sliced onions.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite, verbal greetings are important — use Yoruba greetings (e.g., 'Ẹ n lẹ' during the day) and always greet elders first; a handshake with slight nodding is common.
Show deference to older people and community leaders, use appropriate honorifics, and avoid loud or confrontational behavior in public.
Dress modestly for visits to religious sites or rural communities; covered shoulders and knees are recommended when attending ceremonies or visiting elders.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural or religious settings; some traditional events prohibit photos.
Safety
Tipping in Iperu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In small eateries and for casual services a small cash tip (10–50 NGN or rounding up) is common; in hotels or for guides 5–10% is fine where service charges are not included.
Cash (Nigerian naira) is king in Iperu — carry small denominations for markets and transport. Major cards may work only at larger hotels in nearby cities; mobile payments (USSD banking, Paga, Opay) are common locally.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect sunny days, lower humidity and Harmattan dust between December and February causing hazy skies and cooler mornings; ideal for travel but carry sunscreen and a light jacket for dusty mornings.
Frequent heavy rains—especially May–July—can cause muddy roads and localized flooding; schedule outdoor plans mid-morning and carry waterproof gear and insect repellent.
Local festivals and ceremonies often occur at different times of year — check local calendars for events in Remo towns which can provide rich cultural experiences but may affect accommodation availability.
Iperu at Night
Hiking in Iperu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A famed granite outcrop with carved stairways, caves and panoramic views — easy to moderate hikes, cultural interpretation and photographic vantage points.
Local dirt roads and village paths around Iperu suitable for walking or cycling to observe farms, cocoa and cassava plots, and rural life; best visited during the dry season.
Various smaller rock formations and hills near Abeokuta offer short climbs and scenic overlooks, often combined with cultural tours.
Airports
How to reach Iperu by plane.
The main international airport serving the region, roughly 60–100 km from Iperu depending on route and traffic; accessible by car or bus via the Lagos–Ogun road network and a common entry point for international travelers.
A smaller domestic airport approximately 80–120 km northeast of Iperu; convenient for some domestic connections but with limited scheduled flights.
Other regional airports exist further away; for the best international connections, Lagos is the primary gateway.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Iperu are the Yoruba, specifically the Remo subgroup, with strong local customs, language and community structures.
A mix of Christians and Muslims live in the town, with religious practices shaping many social events and holidays.
A significant portion of the population is involved in agriculture and market trading, contributing to the town’s commercial character.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — local matches and youth games are common, and watching national league games is a favorite pastime.
Traditional sports and community athletic events take place during festivals and gatherings, showcasing local strength and cultural rivalry.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Iperu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (stews with beans, vegetable soups like efo riro without meat, rice dishes) but many traditional meals include fish or meat; ask vendors to omit meat and confirm ingredients since soups often use meat stocks.
More challenging due to frequent use of fish or meat stocks and palm oil; request vegetable-only preparations and specify no fish/meat, but availability varies at small stalls.
Many West African staples (yam-based amala, rice, cassava-based garri/fufu) are naturally gluten-free, but inquire about sauces or breaded items to avoid cross-contamination.