"GREETINGS FROM …" are short field notes. Friends of OLLI send us their impressions from their travels.
Eastern Highlands, Nigeria. On their trans-African journey from Germany to South Africa—covering 23 countries from fall 2025 to May 2026—Daniela, Christian, and their three sons were particularly surprised by the highlands in eastern Nigeria, with their spectacular landscapes, unspoiled villages, and impressive off-road trails. For them, this part of Africa is one of the most beautiful and unexpected highlights of the entire western route.
Dear Travel Enthusiasts
In the fall of 2025, the five of us set out from Germany in our expedition van and embarked on the “Trans-Africa West Route” adventure. “The five of us” are us—parents Daniela and Christian—along with our three boys, Cedric (15), Bastian (13), and Colin (10). Also joining us on the trip was our Rhodesian Ridgeback, Kaino.
We traveled through 23 countries on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure from Germany to South Africa and actually reached South Africa together by land in early May 2026. An incredible experience for us as a family!
Like probably most Europeans, before this trip we associated Nigeria more with its sometimes challenging security situation than with the country’s beauty. That’s why we joined forces with other travelers to form a small tour group for this part of the journey, so we could cross Nigeria together. And to be honest, the first part of our journey through Nigeria from west to east will probably remain a rather negative memory for us—sorry.
That changed abruptly, however, when we reached the Mambilla Plateau, the highlands in eastern Nigeria. Actually, the only reason this part of Nigeria was on our itinerary was to avoid the potentially dangerous northwest of Cameroon, which foreigners are only allowed to cross with an official military convoy. In fact, the highlands in eastern Nigeria are absolutely beautiful! Friendly people, traditional villages, challenging dirt roads even during the dry season, and breathtaking places to spend the night. This part of our trip was one of the biggest positive surprises we’ll surely never forget!
💡 Did you know that Nigeria’s eastern highlands are over 2,000 meters high—cool, green, and often foggy, right in the middle of hot West Africa? And that many traditional ways of life have been preserved thanks to their remoteness?
Best regards,
Daniela and Christian
with Cedric, Bastian, and Colin
