Detty December for first-timers: 20 tips before you go

20 Detty December tips for first-timers

Before you book

1. Choose your city: Lagos for the biggest concerts, Accra for a calmer mix, or both. Compare them in Lagos vs Accra.
2. Book flights by October. Prices jump in November.
3. Book accommodation with free cancellation by mid-October.
4. Check your visa early: Ghana and Nigeria.
5. Get your yellow fever vaccination and certificate. Ghana checks everyone; Lagos checks mostly apply to travellers from other African countries.
6. Buy travel insurance that covers medical care and theft.

Planning your days

1. Pick 2 or 3 headline events and buy early-bird tickets. See the events calendar.
2. Fill other nights with day parties and brunches. They're cheaper and more social.
3. Leave one free day for recovery or surprises.
4. Plan one culture day: Cape Coast in Ghana or Badagry in Nigeria.

Money

1. Bring two cards from different banks.
2. Carry small local cash for vendors, beaches and tips.
3. Set up a way to pay by transfer (Nigeria) or MoMo (Ghana). See the money guide.
4. Budget realistically with our budget calculator.

Safety and getting around

1. Use ride-hailing or a trusted driver after dark.
2. Keep your phone out of sight in traffic and crowds.
3. Buy tickets only from official sellers. Read the scams guide.

Etiquette and fun

1. Greet people properly, especially elders.
2. Try the local food: jollof, suya, waakye, kelewele.
3. Say yes to the owambe invite. It'll be the best night of your trip.

First-timer mistakes to avoid

What a first Detty December week looks like

1. Day 1: land, eSIM, food, sleep.
2. Day 2: culture day plus a relaxed lounge night.
3. Day 3: beach day plus headline event 1.
4. Day 4: brunch plus day party.
5. Day 5: free day.
6. Day 6: headline event 2.
7. Day 7: New Year's Eve or a farewell dinner.