Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Discover the legendary Makoko community — famously known as the “Venice of Africa” — one of Lagos’ most fascinating and culturally rich experiences. Glide through peaceful waterways in a traditional canoe as you explore a remarkable community built entirely on stilts above the water. Witness everyday life unfold around you as homes, schools, churches, and local businesses thrive within this unique waterside settlement.
Led by knowledgeable local guides who live within the community, you’ll gain authentic insight into Makoko’s deep history, resilience, vibrant fishing culture, and extraordinary way of life. Experience firsthand how residents navigate daily living on water, adapt during the rainy season, sustain their livelihoods, and preserve generations of tradition and community spirit.
This immersive cultural journey offers travelers a rare opportunity to connect with the true heartbeat of Lagos beyond the usual tourist attractions — raw, inspiring, unforgettable, and deeply human.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
This immersive cultural journey offers travelers a rare opportunity to connect with the true heartbeat of Lagos beyond the usual tourist attractions — raw, inspiring, unforgettable, and deeply human. Glide through peaceful waterways in a traditional canoe as you explore a remarkable floating community built entirely on stilts above the water. Witness everyday life unfold around you as homes, schools, churches, and local businesses thrive within this unique waterside settlement. Learn about the community’s history, resilience, fishing culture, and unique way of life from our local guides who also resides in the community and rich in history. This trip gives you an opportunity to experience the day today lives of the people, how they cope with the raining season, their occupation and many more.
Options
Makoko Floating Community Tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Private transportation
water and soft drink
Guided Tour
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
44 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
Edoardo D,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A unique and eye-opening experience. Visiting Makoko offered a different perspective on Lagos and its people. The boat ride through the community was very interesting and gave me a deeper understanding of daily life in this remarkable part of the city. Highly recommended.
Makoko is safe, and need your support!
923borjac,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an amazing tour of Makoko and the entire experience felt very safe, smooth, and perfectly organized from start to finish. A special thank you to the guides — Victoria, Ade, Ben, Respect, and Tobi — for their professionalism, kindness, and for making the visit so insightful and enjoyable. They made us feel comfortable at all times, and their local knowledge truly brought the experience to life. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Lagos and wanting to discover the real spirit of Makoko. Thank you again!
Worth a visit!
ALICIA R,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was unique. Though a bit sad they’re starting to tear down parts of the community, it was interesting to see such a unique way of life.
No doubt not to lose
dianinham,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is one of those must-see sites in Lagos. It was one of the major milestones in the group’s trip through Nigeria. This palaphite neighborhood is a spiking image of poverty for a part of the population. Requires you to go with a local guide.
Highly recommend
A3680CHsimong,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mr. Respect is a great leader within community. Safe, interesting and sometimes shocking tour. Short but intense experience. Highly recommend. Greetings!
Makoko is a must see in your lifetime
T8908JFpedros,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience with the local guides where you can actually see how the people live and how they spend their day to day life. Highly recommend it
Excellent Tour
Q1770JJjoshb,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour of Makoko was an excellent and eye-opening experience. It was interesting to see how people have adapted and persevered to create this community. Victoria is an excellent guide who always goes above and beyond to make the experience as meaningful as possible.
Great tour of Makoko. Recommended
Paradise300496,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. My guide Victoria and driver Michael were superb, very friendly and informative and easy to connect with.
Feels Surprising and Pitiful
Tadexprof,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It's fun to be here, seeing how these people have adapted to this lifestyle. It's very surprising and also feel pity for the kids. It's a slum, rough, untidy and unsanitary. But one keeps wondering how they've managed to make living on this water. You will definitely find it surpilrising and also feel someohow bad for the people living here.
Precious experience in Nigeria
Kenji Y,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The Driver don't know how to go to "Makoko". So, it takes long time to arrive Makoko. This is not good. Makoko is a great place. The tour fee is a little expensive.
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Operated by Samap Travels & Tours LTD