Overview
Epe is a traditional Ijebu-Yoruba fishing town on the north bank of the Lagos Lagoon, founded in the mid-18th century as the chief port for slaves, cloth, and agricultural produce. The town is famous for constructing the motorized, shallow-draft barges that navigate the coastal lagoons, and its fish market is the most famous in Lagos State.
Beach · Budget Travel · Day Trips · History · Nature
Before you go
Money
Use cash for market purchases as vendors lack POS machines; supermarkets accept cards and transfers. ATMs from major Nigerian banks (Firstbank, Access, Zenith, UBA, Polaris, GTbank, Sterling, Keystone) accept Visa and Mastercard. Exchange foreign currency in Lagos before visiting.
Safety
Epe is generally safe with low crime, but travel in groups at night and avoid displaying valuables. Some nights may have traditional curfews—ask locally before going out after dark.
Transport
Tricycles cost ₦500-1,000/hour with haggling; motorcycles (Okada) charge ₦150-300 per trip. LagFerry provides ferry services. Bus from Lagos costs ₦2,500-3,500; taxi from Ijebu-Ode costs ₦1,500-2,000.
Weather
Hot and oppressive year round; temperatures 21-34°C. Best visited late July to mid-August or early December to late January.