It’s timeeeeeee…for the most wonderful time of the year, Detty December! For those of you who don’t know, Detty December is the time of year, beginning in early December until early January, where people in the African diaspora travel from all over the world, back to the African continent. During this season people enjoy an array of cultural celebrations, family events, glamourous weddings, live music festivals, industry events, and non-stop enjoyment! Its inception is tricky to pinpoint, depending on who you ask, but its popularity can definitely be linked to west Africa, specifically Nigeria and Ghana.

Over the last 5 years, the buzz around Detty December has grown, exponentially, attracting more people, celebrities, brands and influencers, with each coming year. Coupled with the growing popularity of Afrobeats and Amapiano, African tourism, as a whole, is expanding. Outside of Nigeria and Ghana, Detty December festivities can be enjoyed in countries like Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Kenya and South Africa. It’s an exciting time for Africans and Africans in the diaspora from a cultural exchange and social currency standpoint, to show Africa in a positive light to others abroad. Over the past few years I’ve enjoyed this season in Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, and Kenya. Each had its unique blend of activities, events, parties, and culture, and all were so much fun!

Planning for a trip like this takes months, with travel visa approvals, buying flights, finding housing and so on. But this is truly a trip of a lifetime and is worth the stress, if you plan it out right. Let’s assume, you’ve done the necessary steps mentioned, and now, you're ready to plan the vibes. LET THE FUN BEGIN!

Take a look at my suggestions below on which events, parties, festivals and more to add to your list this Detty December! Below are photos, mostly, from my amazing Detty December last year, where I country hopped for 3 weeks! I spent the week between Christmas and New Year’s in Accra, then flew to Nigeria and spent time between Lagos and Abuja before ending my time in Kenya, between Nairobi and Diani. This year, I’m taking on Cape Town for NYE and then heading to Nigeria in January! At the time of this blog post, most of the official events for Detty December are have not been released yet, but trust they will. Stay tuned in on #dettydecember on IG and TikTok for more up-to-date info!

Lagos, Nigeria

Party & Vibes

Obi’s House at Hard Rock Cafe
Party on Sundays with Sunday’s at Ilashe beach party
Go clubbing at Hot Box (after 2am), Quilox, W bar, Zaza, The Library, Boho
Enjoy Friday evenings at RSVP or Mako social club (guest list only)

Dine

Dine at some of the best restaurants: Nok, RSVP, Salma’s, Vici
Enjoy authentic Nigerian dishes at Yellow Chilli, Ofe Otu, Ice Iyan

Culture & Activities

Enjoy art and culture at Nike Art Gallery or John Randle Center for Yoruba Culture
Attend a music festival, see Davido, Olamide & Ayra Starr at Fly Time Festival 2024
Rent a private beach house with friends on Ilashe
Enjoy beach activities at Wave beach
Beauty Maintenance by the best (braids, wigs, nails, spa)

Follow: The Lagos Weekender and Afropolitan’s Afro Pass Detty Dec Lagos Guide

Accra, Ghana

Party & Vibes

Attend a music festival, see King Promise, Omah Lay at Afro Future’s Culture Beach Jam
Go clubbing at Ace, Polo Beach Club, Front/Back
Get wild at Discover Gidi’s Detty Splash pool party
Start the New Year at PVO NYE’s Party
Enjoy local vibes at Republic

Dine