Pelumi Nubi’s Historic London to Lagos Road Trip: The 68-Day Solo Adventure That Put African Road Tourism in the Spotlight

Pelumi Nubi’s London to Lagos Road Trip: 68 Days of Adventure

Introduction: The Woman Who Drove from London to Lagos

What would it take to drive from London to Lagos, cross multiple international borders, navigate unfamiliar roads, overcome unexpected setbacks and complete the journey entirely on your own?

For Nigerian-British travel content creator and adventurer Pelumi Nubi, the answer was courage, determination, careful planning and 68 days on the road.

In an extraordinary journey that captured international attention, Pelumi Nubi embarked on a solo road trip from London, United Kingdom, to Lagos, Nigeria, covering approximately 10,000 kilometres across 17 countries. Driving her customised purple Peugeot 107, affectionately known as Lulu, she transformed an ambitious travel dream into a remarkable adventure.

Her arrival in Nigeria on April 7, 2024, marked the culmination of a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, border crossings, mechanical challenges and an unforgettable welcome home.

For tourism enthusiasts, adventure seekers and anyone interested in exploring Africa by road, Pelumi Nubi’s London-to-Lagos journey offers an inspiring look at the possibilities of overland travel and the richness of West Africa.

1. The journey: From London through Europe and into Africa

Pelumi began her expedition on January 30, 2024, setting out from England with Lagos as her final destination. Her route took her through Europe and North Africa before continuing through West Africa, with each country presenting a different landscape, culture and travel experience.

Her journey passed through:

• Europe: England, France and Spain.

• North Africa: Morocco and the Western Sahara region.

• West Africa: Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin.

• Final destination: Lagos, Nigeria.

This route made the adventure particularly interesting from a tourism perspective. It connected European cities, North African landscapes and a wide range of West African destinations in one continuous overland expedition.

Rather than experiencing these countries through short flights and airport transfers, Nubi encountered the journey from behind the steering wheel, with opportunities to observe changing landscapes, local communities and the realities of travelling across international borders.

2. Lulu: The little purple car that became a travel icon

One of the most memorable parts of Pelumi Nubi’s London-to-Lagos road trip was her vehicle: a customised purple Peugeot 107 known as Lumi.

Instead of choosing a large four-wheel-drive vehicle, she took on the challenge in a compact city car, adapting it for long-distance travel. Her modifications included a sleeping arrangement and basic facilities that helped her manage life on the road.

The car became more than transportation. It was her mobile living space, a practical solution to the demands of an extended expedition and a recognisable part of the journey's identity.

Her choice also highlighted an important aspect of adventure tourism: the experience is not necessarily defined by expensive equipment or luxury transport. Preparation, adaptability and a clear understanding of the demands of the route are equally important.

3. Crossing 17 countries: A journey through different cultures and landscapes

Pelumi's expedition offers an interesting perspective on the diversity of tourism experiences across Africa and Europe.

Morocco and the desert landscapes

Morocco introduced a striking change in scenery as the journey moved from Europe into Africa. Its mountain landscapes, historic settlements and desert routes illustrate the diversity of North African travel.

The Western Sahara region and the wider desert environment also brought the realities of long-distance driving into focus, including distance, isolation and the need for careful preparation.

Senegal and The Gambia

Senegal and The Gambia formed part of the West African section of the expedition. Both countries are known for their coastal attractions, cultural traditions and distinctive tourism experiences.

For visitors interested in West African travel, the region offers opportunities to explore beaches, historic sites, local cuisine and vibrant urban life.

Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea-Bissau

These countries made the journey particularly noteworthy because they are less commonly featured in many mainstream international travel itineraries.

Their inclusion illustrates the possibilities of exploring destinations beyond the most familiar tourism circuits, while also highlighting the importance of checking road conditions, entry requirements and travel arrangements before setting out.

Ghana, Togo and Benin

As Nubi travelled eastward towards Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and Benin brought her closer to the final stage of the expedition.

These neighbouring countries offer opportunities to explore interconnected histories, regional cuisine, coastal attractions, markets and cultural traditions. Their geographical proximity also makes them relevant to travellers interested in planning multi-country West African holidays.

4. The challenges: A crash, border delays and the realities of solo travel

The London-to-Lagos adventure was not a straightforward journey. Behind the exciting photographs and celebrations were serious logistical difficulties and unexpected setbacks.

One of the most significant incidents was a road accident in Côte d’Ivoire that severely damaged the front of Nubi's vehicle and shattered its windscreen. The crash threatened to disrupt the expedition, but she continued after the incident.

She also encountered border difficulties, including delays in Liberia and an initial refusal of entry at the Sierra Leone border. Immigration procedures, documentation and the unpredictability of international crossings contributed to changes in her arrival schedule.

Her experience demonstrated several realities of long-distance overland tourism:

• Border management: Crossing multiple countries requires patience, appropriate documentation and an understanding of entry procedures.

• Vehicle reliability: A long journey puts considerable pressure on a vehicle, particularly when driving through unfamiliar terrain.

• Route flexibility: Unexpected incidents can force travellers to change their plans and arrival dates.

• Personal safety: Travelling alone requires careful attention to accommodation, road conditions, local guidance and emergency arrangements.

These challenges are important considerations for anyone inspired to attempt a similar adventure. A successful road trip depends not only on the destination but also on preparation and the ability to adapt when circumstances change.

5. April 7, 2024: A heroic welcome in Nigeria

After 68 days on the road, Pelumi Nubi finally arrived in Nigeria on April 7, 2024.

Her arrival at the Nigeria–Benin Republic border was met with an enthusiastic welcome involving representatives of the Lagos State Government, including officials from its tourism administration. Her father was also there to welcome her home.

She made a stop in Badagry before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where a large reception awaited her.

At UNILAG's Akoka campus, Nubi arrived at approximately 2:25 p.m. and was greeted by cheering supporters, students and carnival-style performances. University management, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola, formally received her at the Senate House Quadrangle.

The ceremony celebrated her achievement as a milestone in adventure travel and an occasion to recognise determination, resilience and the possibilities of pursuing ambitious goals.

The involvement of the Lagos State Government and UNILAG also gave the expedition a wider public profile, connecting an individual travel achievement with tourism promotion and youth inspiration.

6. Why Pelumi Nubi’s journey matters for Nigerian tourism

Pelumi Nubi's achievement was more than a personal travel milestone. It also provided an opportunity to draw attention to Nigeria as an international travel destination and Lagos as a major gateway into West Africa.

Her journey demonstrated how travel storytelling can introduce audiences to destinations, encourage curiosity about different cultures and generate interest in experiences that extend beyond conventional holidays.

In 2024, she was recognised by Lagos State as a tourism ambassador. In 2025, the state celebrated the first anniversary of her London-to-Lagos expedition at the J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan, Lagos.

Her story also highlights several opportunities for Nigerian tourism:

• Adventure tourism: Long-distance driving, overland expeditions and exploration can appeal to travellers seeking experiences beyond traditional sightseeing.

• Cultural tourism: Travellers can discover Nigeria's diverse cultural heritage, historic communities, traditional festivals and contemporary creative industries.

• Destination marketing: Travel creators can introduce Nigerian destinations to international audiences through first-hand experiences and compelling storytelling.

• Diaspora tourism: Stories connecting Nigerians abroad with their homeland can encourage cultural reconnection and interest in visiting Nigeria.

Her expedition offers an example of how an individual travel story can become part of a wider conversation about tourism, identity and international cultural exchange.

7. What travellers can learn from the London-to-Lagos expedition

For anyone considering a long-distance road trip across Africa, Nubi's experience offers useful lessons, although her route should not be treated as a ready-made itinerary.

Plan your documents and border crossings. Research the visa requirements, vehicle-entry rules, insurance requirements and border procedures for every country on your intended route. Requirements can differ depending on nationality, vehicle registration and the purpose of travel.

Prepare your vehicle. A long-distance journey requires mechanical checks, suitable tyres, maintenance supplies and a plan for obtaining repairs. A compact car can be used for ambitious travel, but its suitability depends on the road conditions and the preparation behind it.

Research road safety. Study the route carefully, identify reputable accommodation and check current security advice. Avoid assuming that conditions encountered by another traveller will be the same when you visit.

Budget for unexpected expenses. Fuel, accommodation, vehicle repairs, insurance, visas, tolls and emergencies can significantly affect the cost of an expedition.

Allow extra time. Border delays, weather, mechanical problems and unexpected events can change even a carefully planned schedule.

Most importantly, recognise that travelling independently is a personal choice that comes with responsibilities. Nubi's story is an inspiring example of what she accomplished, not evidence that every traveller should attempt the same route.

8. Lagos: The destination at the end of the road

For Pelumi Nubi, Lagos was not simply the final point on a map. It was the destination that connected her international adventure with home.

The city's significance as a major commercial and cultural centre made it a fitting location for the expedition's conclusion. Lagos offers a range of tourism experiences, from its waterfront and entertainment districts to its art, food, fashion and cultural attractions.

For visitors inspired by Nubi's journey, Lagos can also serve as a starting point for exploring other parts of Nigeria, including historic Badagry, the country's coastal destinations and its many cultural and natural attractions.

Badagry, in particular, was part of Nubi's homecoming journey. The town's history and heritage make it an important destination for travellers interested in Nigeria's past and the wider history of the transatlantic slave trade.

The celebration at UNILAG added another dimension to her arrival, bringing together education, tourism, youth engagement and the excitement of a homecoming after an extraordinary expedition.

9. Pelumi Nubi and the future of African adventure travel

Pelumi Nubi's journey has become a prominent example of contemporary African adventure travel, especially the growing role of digital storytelling in documenting journeys and connecting travellers with audiences around the world.

Her experience also raises interesting questions about how African destinations are represented in global travel conversations.

Many international travellers are familiar with major tourism destinations in Europe, North America and parts of Asia. A multi-country expedition through West Africa can introduce audiences to a broader range of places and encourage interest in destinations that receive less international attention.

At the same time, her experience highlights the importance of practical infrastructure, accessible travel information, road safety and efficient border processes for overland tourism.

The journey does not, by itself, establish how accessible or safe every destination is. Rather, it illustrates the experiences and challenges that can shape an ambitious trip through several countries.

For tourism organisations, travel businesses and destination marketers, the expedition is a reminder of the value of authentic travel experiences and the influence that well-documented journeys can have on public interest.

Frequently asked questions about Pelumi Nubi’s London-to-Lagos road trip

Who is Pelumi Nubi?

Pelumi Nubi is a Nigerian-British travel content creator and adventurer who completed a celebrated solo road trip from London to Lagos in 2024.

How long did Pelumi Nubi take to drive from London to Lagos? 

She completed the expedition in 68 days, arriving at the University of Lagos on April 7, 2024.

How many countries did Pelumi Nubi travel through?

Her journey was reported as covering 17 countries across Europe and Africa, including England, France, Spain, Morocco and numerous West African countries.

What car did Pelumi Nubi use?

She drove a customised purple Peugeot 107, which she affectionately named Lumi. It was adapted for long-distance travel and sleeping.

Did Pelumi Nubi have an accident during her journey?

Yes. She survived a crash in Côte d’Ivoire that severely damaged the front of her car and shattered its windscreen.

When did Pelumi Nubi arrive in Nigeria?

She arrived at the Nigeria–Benin Republic border and continued to Lagos on April 7, 2024, after 68 days on the road.

Where was Pelumi Nubi welcomed in Lagos?

She received a welcome at the Nigeria–Benin Republic border, made a stop in Badagry and was celebrated at the University of Lagos.

Conclusion: A remarkable journey from London to Lagos

Pelumi Nubi's 68-day solo road trip from London to Lagos stands as a remarkable story of adventure, determination and international travel.

From driving across Europe and the desert landscapes of North Africa to navigating the challenges of West African borders, surviving a serious car accident and finally arriving in Lagos, her expedition brought together the excitement and unpredictability of long-distance travel.

Her customised Peugeot 107, Lumi, became a symbol of the journey, while the celebrations at the Nigeria–Benin border and the University of Lagos gave the adventure a memorable homecoming.

For Nigeria's tourism industry, her story offers an opportunity to celebrate travel, showcase the country's cultural connections with the wider world and encourage more people to explore the possibilities of African tourism.

Ultimately, Pelumi Nubi's journey reminds us that travel can be much more than reaching a destination. It can be an opportunity to discover new places, experience different cultures, overcome challenges and create stories that inspire others.