Connecting African Culture Through the Seas
The Amazing Journey of Bill Pinkney Imagine leaving your life and the familiar touch of soil beneath your feet to sail across treacherous seas around the globe with only a …
As recently as 20 years ago, Port Harcourt was known as Nigeria’s “garden city.” That’s because a sizeable chunk of its 360 sq km was green, a thrill for residents and visitors. In the intervening years, up until late 2008, this century-old city of seven million people was a high-risk destination to either travel to or live in: inter-cult wars literally brought the once-vibrant capital to its knees and killed whatever twinkle it had, including its nightlife.
Today all of that violence is in the past and Port Harcourt is gradually getting its groove back, racing to regain lost ground. Its airport has just been through a facelift and remodelled so that it is better able to handle the million-plus travellers who pass through it annually; newer and classier entertainment-cum-leisure hangouts and hotels are bringing back the buzz; the lost gardens are sprouting again, and with them, a renewed urban redevelopment drive which partly seeks to phase out as many slum dwellings as possible; there is an improved refuse management system in place, complemented by a mass transportation scheme that aims to make moving around the city less stressful.
As for things to do, Port Harcourt’s tourist attractions can be counted on the fingers of one hand; there are not so many noteworthy places of interest. There is a federal museum housed in an old colonial structure in downtown, and a state-owned museum and integrated cultural centre, situated inside the Rivers State Secretariat. Unfortunately the beaches, which should constitute a healthy getaway for tourists and complement the vibrant entertainment scene, are not particularly worthy of a visit, except for the odd privately managed beach.
Port Harcourt is no different than any other Nigerian city when it comes to eating out — there is something for everybody, from fast food restaurants to eateries that specialize in local delicacies. While you’ll find some international joints and expat bars, expect most food to be traditional, heavy Nigerian fare. If you like to mix with locals, de-stress the way they do and head to one of the many outdoor pepper-soup joints and sports bars scattered around town.
Port Harcourt ranks next to Lagos as one of Nigeria’s business capitals, so there is a good selection of upscale hotels that cater to the needs of business travellers.
SAFETY: Port Harcourt has a tumultuous history and there are still occasional instances of kidnapping for ransom, so stay away from the outer fringes. If you have to go farther afield, you will need a security escort, which can be arranged with the assistance of your hotel or the local police. In the city center there is very little risk to your personal safety. Use common sense, don’t walk around at night, and protect your valuables.
The Amazing Journey of Bill Pinkney Imagine leaving your life and the familiar touch of soil beneath your feet to sail across treacherous seas around the globe with only a …
As recently as twenty years ago, Port Harcourt was known as Nigeria’s “garden city.” That’s because a sizeable chunk of its 360 sqkm was green, a thrill for residents and …