First-Timer’s Guide to Detty December

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If you’ve noticed your social media feeds exploding every December with beach raves, Afrobeats concerts, incredible fashion, and non-stop celebrations across West Africa, you’ve already seen Detty December in action.

As a Nigerian living in Canada, my annual trip home for Christmas was simply the IJGB (I Just Got Back) thing to do. Every year, members of the diaspora return home to reconnect with family, culture, and community. What started as a holiday tradition has grown into a global phenomenon that now attracts travelers from all over the world.

If you’re thinking about experiencing it for yourself, here’s what you need to know.

Lagos vs. Accra: choosing your destination

Detty December happens across most of wets Africa but Accra, Ghana and Lagos, Nigeria are the two hot spots

Lagos is known for its high-energy nightlife, major concerts, exclusive parties, and luxury experiences. If your idea of a good time is moving from one event to the next with very little sleep in between, Lagos delivers.

Accra, on the other hand, offers a mix of beach festivals, cultural experiences, nightlife, and diaspora-focused events. The pace seems a little more manageable, making it a popular choice for first-time visitors.

If you’re expecting me to be biased and tell you to pick Lagos because I’m Nigerian, you’d be wrong.

Personally, I think Accra would be more fun and significantly less hectic. It has a more relaxed vibe, easier navigation, beautiful beaches, rich history, and plenty of attractions to explore between parties. But maybe I’m a hater (I definitely am.)

Regardless of where you choose to go, expect late nights, packed schedules, and more events than you’ll realistically be able to attend.

Travel Requirements Before You Go

Before getting caught up in outfit planning and event schedules, make sure you’ve checked the basics.

Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Many countries enforce this requirement, and airlines may deny boarding if your passport is too close to expiry.

Visa Requirements

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality.

Requirements can change, so verify them directly with the country’s immigration or embassy website before booking your trip.

Vaccinations & Travel Health

Depending on your destination, you may need:

  • Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination
  • Routine vaccinations
  • Malaria prevention medication (Not to be dramatic but I do not think this is optional, Malaria will kick your ass, wake you up and kick it again. So, just get the meds, stick to prescription schedule and have a good time okay?)
  • Traveler’s Diarrhea : between the street food, local delicacies, late-night meals, and your determination to try everything, your stomach might have a different Detty December experience than the rest of you. So this is good to have as personal insurance to make sure you bounce back faster and continue to enjoy the festivities
  • Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte packets
  • Anti-nausea medication
  • A basic pain reliever
  • Any prescription medications you regularly take

Consult a travel health clinic well before departure to determine what’s recommended based on your personal health history and itinerary.

Travel Insurance

Don’t skip travel insurance. Detty December can involve multiple flights, packed schedules, and large events, so insurance is well worth the investment.

A good policy should cover:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Trip cancellations
  • Lost luggage (My bias is showing again but yeah they will lose your bags in Lagos and will shrug when you ask about it, so get the insurance)
  • Flight delays
  • Emergency evacuation

E-SIM or Local SIM Card

Having mobile data is absolutely essential during Detty December. You’ll be relying on it for ride-share apps, Google Maps, messaging friends, checking event details, posting your outfits, and figuring out which party everyone has suddenly decided to migrate to at 2 a.m.

Some popular options include:

  • Airalo
  • Holafly
  • A local SIM card after arrival

Personally, I’d recommend Airalo over Holafly, although both are solid options. I’ve found Airalo to be more consistent and reliable when travelling, especially if you’re moving around a lot and need dependable data access throughout your trip.

That said, if you’re staying for an extended period or using a lot of data, it may be worth picking up a local SIM card once you arrive. Local providers often offer larger data packages at a lower cost than international eSIMs.

My recommendation? Set up an Airalo eSIM before you leave so you’re connected the moment you land. Then, if needed, you can always switch to a local SIM later. The last thing you want is to be standing outside the airport trying to find Wi-Fi

Airport Transfers

Whenever possible, arrange your airport transfer before you travel.

After a long-haul flight, having a trusted driver waiting for you can make your arrival significantly smoother, especially if it’s your first time visiting Lagos or Accra.

In Lagos, it’s important to pay attention to current airport pickup rules. Private vehicles and ride-share services are not always allowed to pick up passengers directly outside the arrivals doors. Depending on the airport procedures in place at the time, you may need to walk to a designated pickup area before meeting your driver or ordering a Bolt (uber is no longer available in Nigeria, see why I’m a hater?)

There is also the option of using the government-authorized airport taxi service. Its called Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS)—I feel like the name could be shorter and less ridiculous but I digress. While ACHRAMS is now the most convenient option because it can pick you up directly outside the terminal, it can cost nearly twice as much as a pre-arranged local transfer.

For many travelers, a private transfer strikes the right balance. A representative can often meet you inside or near the arrivals area, assist with your luggage, and escort you to the vehicle pickup location. This is especially worth considering if you’re arriving late at night, travelling solo, or carrying a lot of luggage

In Accra, the pickup process is generally more straightforward. Ride-share services and private transfers are widely used, and most hotels and tour operators can arrange airport transportation in advance.

Budget for More Than the Tour

Even if you’ve paid for a package, set aside extra spending money for:

  • Food and drinks
  • Shopping
  • Additional events
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation outside scheduled activities

Detty December has a funny way of convincing you to attend “just one more event,” so give yourself some financial flexibility.

Tour Operators Worth Considering


Go Jolley: Best for Custom Group Trips

If you’re travelling with a group of friends and want a trip tailored to your interests, Go Jolley is one of the better options to explore. Rather than fitting into a pre-built itinerary, Go Jolley helps create a customized experience based on your group’s vibe, whether that’s nightlife, beach clubs, cultural excursions, food experiences, or a mix of everything.

This can be especially helpful if:

  • You’re travelling with a larger friend group.
  • You want flexibility rather than a rigid schedule.
  • You’re interested in accessing local experiences that may not appear on traditional tour itineraries.
  • You want someone else handling logistics, reservations, transportation, and activity planning.

One of the biggest advantages is that you’ll have the freedom to build your own Detty December experience without spending months coordinating flights, hotels, transportation, and event tickets.

Full disclosure: I’ve traveled with Go Jolley in the past and have also worked with the company as a host on one of their Peru trips. I had an excellent experience from both perspectives, as a traveler and as a host. Because of that firsthand experience, this recommendation is definitely influenced by my own positive experiences with the company.

Expedia: A Reliable Option for First-Time Visitors

If you prefer booking through a well-known travel platform, Expedia offers Detty December packages and experiences, including tours such as the Lagos: 5-Day Detty December Tour with Concerts & Beaches.

Expedia can be a good option for first-time visitors because:

  • Reviews are easy to find and compare.
  • Payment and booking processes are straightforward.
  • Packages often bundle activities together.
  • You can compare multiple providers in one place.
  • Customer support is generally easier to access if issues arise.

For travelers who aren’t familiar with Nigeria or Ghana and want an added layer of security in the booking process, Expedia can provide peace of mind while still giving you access to curated Detty December experiences.

Luxe Tribes: For the Luxury Traveler

If your ideal Detty December includes premium accommodations, curated experiences, and a touch of luxury, Luxe Tribes is worth exploring.

While I personally haven’t booked with them, they consistently appear on the radar for Detty December travelers looking for a more elevated experience. One thing to keep in mind is that their tour groups tend to be on the larger side. Depending on your travel style, that can be either a pro or a con.

If you’re travelling with your own group of friends, joining a larger tour can actually work in your favor. You get the benefit of having the major logistics handled for you, including accommodations, transportation, and event planning, while still maintaining the flexibility to break away and do your own thing when you want.

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