Sometimes, the only reward for a long busy week of “I hope this email finds you well” and drawn-out meetings that go past the stipulated time is the two days of rest at the end of the work week. For many who are committed to the daily hustle, the weekend is always something to look forward to, albeit short; regardless of whether you work as a 9-to-5er in one of those high rise buildings in Marina or an entrepreneur in a cute little store in Yaba.

Come to think of it, who designed the five-day work week structure and thought it was a good idea to allocate just two days in a week for rest? Such an imbalance because after all the hustle, 48 hours out of 168 hours in a week is quite insufficient for some good enjoyment and relaxation.

Anyway, one can only hope that Nigeria as well as other countries in Africa join their European counterparts like Belgium, Portugal, U.K, Japan, and Iceland in adopting a four-day work week. In the meantime, while we make do with 2 days for a weekend, do you know that there are fun and relaxing places outside the comfort of your homes and neighbourhoods that you can go for a quick weekend getaway?

Some of these options are suitable for people on a budget and those who simply want to splurge on themselves. All you need is a small carryon, sunglasses, credit/debit cards, international passport, boat/bus/train/plane ticket …and yes, no visa required!

You’ll only be dulling yourself if you don’t jump on these options and make the most of your weekends, moving forward!

La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resorts, Lagos

For a relaxing weekend escape, you may get to Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos where this beautiful resort is situated, using a boat or car. Over 65 acres of palm fringed white sand beach, lagoon and mangrove forest make up La Campagne Tropicana. This resort has nine different types of private chalets overlooking the Indian Ocean with African-themed settings and modern amenities. Attached to these chalets are private swimming pools and balconies for guests who desire a quiet time. Guests are treated to either a la carte or buffet dining option with varieties of African and international delectable cuisines; you can also walk to the beach to eat freshly caught seafood served on the beach while sipping on a coconut.

What’s a good time at a resort without engaging in some activities? Well, if you’re in the mood to engage in some water activities, take a stroll to the lagoon area for some water sports including fishing, swimming, jet skiing, kayaking or boat cruising. If you require some time to appreciate and take in the natural beauty of the forest, then make a quick visit to the forest where you can go birdwatching and listen to birds sing as they roam freely in their natural habitat. You can also switch things up by going camping in the nearby woods or simply lay a mat and set up a picnic on the white sands of this tranquil forest. There are other fun activities to engage in such as beach football, water and land volleyball, basketball, quad biking, snooker, bicycling, swings and slides, and horse riding.

A visit to La Campagne affords you a relaxing time away from home.

IITA, Ibadan

If you’re visiting The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) from Lagos, it takes less than three hours by car or train to Ibadan. Although going by train is considered to be slower than travelling by car, it is relatively safer. Train tickets are only sold online and it is advisable to be at the train station at least two hours before departure.

A visit to IITA can be said to be a breath of fresh air because of its calming ambiance, stunning landscapes and natural scenery. Just like most hotels, IITA resort offers both daily and weekend rates for all rooms; the weekend rates come discounted with breakfast inclusive. This resort facility has a dining area that provides delicious meal options where guests can treat their taste buds with different rich flavours.

IITA isn’t the ideal place for an adrenaline rush but you’re sure to get refreshed and recharged by its serene environment and laid back activities including scenic and nature walks through the forest trail, lakeside picnics, birdwatching, swimming, fishing and you can rent out bicycles for a bicycle ride round the surroundings. In the evening, you can watch as the sun dramatically sets into very vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple. There’s a spa, gym and yoga facility for activities related to the body and mind. The resort also has a golf course, a basketball and tennis court where you can indulge in the sport of your choice.

A major perk of IITA is that accommodation, feeding and activities are reasonably priced and fit for all budgets.

Obudu Mountain Resort, Cross River State

A weekend getaway to one of Nigeria’s finest resorts can be regarded as an unforgettable experience by anyone who visits. If you decide to take a flight to the resort, it is recommended that you fly into Enugu International Airport and then take a cab for the rest of the journey to the resort. This is preferable to flying into Calabar International Airport, because arriving through Enugu gives you access to better roads and a shorter road trip of about 3-5 hours from the airport to the resort.

When you arrive at the resort, you’ll be fascinated by its blooming natural vegetation, beautiful mountain-area and breathtaking views of its countryside. Obudu has a conservation forest that’s home to various species of trees, plants and animals. In addition, it has a mini waterfall that accumulates water at its beds to create a small artificial pool. Obudu’s internal road network is well-built and connected, forming a spiral and gives a zigzag aerial view.

There’s an abundance of activities to do here for both nature and adventure lovers. Visitors can go on canopy walks, horseback and cable car rides, hiking on Holy Mountain, and take in the views of the Cameroon Border, Angel Valley and Igaga Waterfall. If you haven’t had your fill of the outdoors just yet, you can visit the Water Park and Becheve Nature Reserve, go on Mountain & Village walks, or cool off at the natural swimming pool. An in-house restaurant, a gym and fitness center, a luxury spa, and tennis and basketball courts are some of the facilities available to guests at this resort.

Nature Luxury Lodge, Benin Republic

If you fancy sightseeing on the go, then your international passport and a yellow fever vaccination card are all you need to kickstart your adventure on a 3-5 hour road trip to Ouidah, Benin Republic.

This eco-friendly lodge, tucked away between coconut groves, a lagoon and the sea is the perfect place for a quiet and restful weekend. The lake house is a small wooden cabin with a private pool, a terrace, and sea view, partitioned into three bedrooms with modern amenities. It also features a shared lounge, a patio, a seating area, an equipped kitchen, private bathrooms, a garden and a private beach area.

You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and a lake. Its surroundings make it suitable for hiking, fishing and canoeing. Guests have the option of self-catering or hiring the in-house chef for the duration of their stay. You can enjoy both local and continental meals facing the pool or go for drinks at the coffee shop and bar.

In the evening, you can have fish delivered to you by the fisherman and make barbecue or you can lay in the hammock for a quiet time with any of the books the host has provided. There are mosquito repellents available in the lake house, so you don’t have to worry about mosquitoes or other insects.

For a more touristy vibe, the lake house is close to some of Ouidah’s major landmarks including Ouidah History Museum, The Gate of No Return, and The Python Temple. You can leave the lake house and visit these places to learn about the history and culture of the people of Benin Republic

Safari Valley Resort, Ghana

For a home away from home weekend getaway experience, Safari Valley Resort is the place to be. Here, you will get a mix of nature, adventure, relaxation, and a picturesque setting that is perfect for pictures. This resort has uniquely designed cabins surrounded by manicured lawns and has picnic areas for an outdoor dining experience. You will have access to on-site medical care, a shared butler service that is available around-the-clock, and electric golf cart transportation for the length of your stay. Guests are served a 3-5 course meal with a variety of local Ghanaian dishes and continental cuisine made from the resort’s farm produce.

A weekend at the resort usually includes guided safari tours and nature walks. You can enjoy an authentic safari experience by watching or feeding the wildlife animals that live in different camps on the resort such as donkeys, gazelles, antelopes, zebras or go birdwatching with over 60 bird species.

If you desire to burn some energy, and break a sweat, there are a lot of activities to do such as hiking to the mountain top, tour to the Asenema Waterfall and Safari Farms, cycling along designated trails, horseback riding, or kayaking.

The resort also provides guests with themed events like grills by fire, safari nights, and wellness retreats, where guests can unwind and rejuvenate. For relaxation and wellness, guests can enjoy spa and yoga sessions while the fitness and sporting facilities may be used by guests for fitness exercises and sporting activities.