+1 (800) 653-0017 hello@canterburypilgrimages.com
+1 (800) 653-0017 hello@canterburypilgrimages.com

The True Beauty of Africa - A Spiritual Safari through Catholic Nigeria

October 18th - 29th, 2025

Have questions?

We’re here to help! Call or email one of our pilgrimage specialists today.

(800) 653-0017

hello@canterburypilgrimages.com

Mon-Fri | 9am – 5pm ET

Days until our Pilgrimage

The True Beauty of Africa – A Spiritual Safari is an 12-day immersive small-group retreat experience in Africa for American Catholics to witness the faith, culture, and spirit of the continent in order to be transformed by it. First stop: Nigeria, West Africa from October 18th – 29th, 2025.
Your Hosts
Deacon Charlie Echeverry
Saint Marks Parish, Venice CA

Deacon Charlie, born in Hollywood, CA, to Colombian immigrant parents, spent much of his youth abroad in Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, and the US Virgin Islands before settling in South Florida to complete his education. He later returned to Los Angeles, where he has worked in media for over 20 years. Ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in 2017 by Archbishop José H. Gomez, Deacon Charlie’s ministry spans media, evangelization, apologetics, adult formation, homelessness, pro-life & Latino ministries. He has been featured on EWTN, EWTN Español, Our Sunday Visitor, MAX Studios, ESNE, Catholic Answers, and Redeemer Radio. Click here to learn more about Deacon Charlie.

O’Maria Buchi Akpati
Founder of O’Maria Media

O’Maria Buchi Akpati is Nigerian-American speaker, writer, and Catholic beauty professional based in northern Virginia. A former hermit (Carmelite nun!) with over 10 years of previous work experience as both a digital marketer and celebrity makeup artist, she is on a new mission. She now coaches women on how to enhance their God-given beauty and, on the side, empowers organizations with digital strategy best practices. In her spare time, Buchi enjoys cooking nutritious meals, kickboxing, taking long lakeside walks, singing sacred music at her local parish, and sewing modest clothing for women. Find Buchi at her ministry at O’Maria Media on Instagram

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
The Dynamic Deacon

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers – known around the world as the “Dynamic Deacon” – is one of the most sought-after speakers in the Church today. He is a powerful and passionate evangelist and preacher, whose no-nonsense approach to living and proclaiming the Catholic faith will challenge and inspire those who hear him. He travels across the United States and around the world speaking at conferences, workshops, retreats, parish missions, high schools, and young adult events – in short, to everyone who desires to know Jesus intimately and enjoy a deeper personal relationship with Him. His areas of expertise include marriage and family life, discerning God’s will, the sacraments, male spirituality, evangelization, prayer, and many others. Click here to learn more about Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers.

Your Pilgrimage Includes
  • Tips for restaurant & hotel staff
  • Daily Mass & spiritual activities
  • 9am-5pm (EST) reservation support
  • 24/7 travel emergency support
  • Name badge & luggage tag
  • Magnificat prayer book
  • Copy of the Canterbury Tales

Not Included

  • Required travel vaccines
  • Required Nigerian travel Visa
  • Anything not mentioned as included
  • Tips for guide and driver
Your Accommodations
Subject to change

Eko hotels & Suites

3 Night Stay 

Best Wesstern Hotel

3 Night Stay 

Transcorp Hilton Hotel

2 Night Stay 

Almat Farm Resort

2 Night Stay 

Itinerary

Day 1Saturday October 18th, 2025 – Our Spiritual Safari begins – Departure from JFK

Our Spiritual Safari begins today as we board our group flight departing New York (JFK). We’ll arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos the following evening (10/19/25).

Enjoy meals and drinks served on the flight(s)

Day 2October 19th – Arrival in Lagos, Nigeria

Today in the evening we’ll arrive in Lagos, Nigeria at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. We will collect our bags and meet our local guide and bus driver. Next, we will transfer to our hotel for check in.

Dinner | Overnight in Lagos, Nigeria

Day 3October 20th – Holy Cross Cathedral & Terra Kulture

After breakfast, we will visit the Holy Cross Cathedral, an architectural gem and spiritual hub in Lagos. Following this, we will Celebrate Mass at The Catholic Church of Assumption, Falomo, where we will meet members of the Blessed Fr. Tansi Society. We’ll end the day with dinner at Terra Kulture, an iconic center showcasing Nigerian art, literature, and cuisine. Conclude the day  with Night Prayer in community before retiring.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Overnight in Lagos, Nigeria

Day 4October 21st – Discover Lagos’ Heritage

Today we will explore Nigeria’s rich history at the Badagry Slave Site in the morning, delving into the country’s colonial past. We’ll Celebrate Mass at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, one of Lagos’ oldest parishes, and tour the National Museum Lagos, home to artifacts representing Nigeria’s cultural and religious heritage. Spend time at the Nike Art Gallery, immersing yourself in the vibrant expressions of Nigerian art. In the evening, we’ll unwind at Freedom Park or attend a live play at Terra Kulture. End with Night Prayer and rest.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Overnight in Lagos, Nigeria

Day 5October 22nd – Lagos Exploration & Journey to Onitsha

We’ll begin the day with morning Mass and reflection at the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy in Lekki. Next, we’ll visit Makoko, Lagos’ iconic floating community, and explore Balogun Market, a bustling hub of commerce. In the evening, we’ll take a flight to Onitsha in Anambra State to continue our spiritual journey. We’ll close the day with Night Prayer and rest.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Overnight in Onitsha, Nigeria

Day 6October 23rd – Encounter with Bl. Fr. Tansi in Onitsha/Aguleri

After breakfast we’ll visit St. Paul’s Seminary, where Bl. Fr. Tansi studied, and Blessed Iwene Tansi Major Seminary. We’ll meet with seminarians and clergy to learn about his legacy. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, home to Bl. Fr. Tansi’s relics, and pray at this significant pilgrimage site. Reflect on his life and teachings with guidance from Francis Cardinal Arinze. We’ll end the day with dinner overlooking the Niger River and Night Prayer.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Overnight in Onitsha, Nigeria

Day 7October 24th – Discover Aguleri

Today we’ll explore Holy Family Parish, Aguleri, where early Christianity thrived, and visit sites associated with Bl. Fr. Tansi, such as St. Joseph’s School and Holy Trinity School. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Aguleri Missionaries’ Monument and the UNESCO-listed world heritage site Ogbunike Caves. We’ll conclude today with reflections and Night Prayer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Aguleri.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Overnight in Onitsha, Nigeria

Day 8Saturday, October 25th – Journey to Abuja

Today we’ll take an early morning flight to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and enjoy brunch at the Discovery Museum. We’ll visit the National Ecumenical Centre and St. John Paul II Parish Papal Ground, commemorating the Holy Father’s visit for Bl. Fr. Tansi’s beatification. We’ll have some time to relax at Millennium Park before concluding the day with Night Prayer.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Overnight in Abuja, Nigeria

Day 9Sunday, October 26th – Spiritual and Cultural Exploration in Abuja

After breakfast we’ll attend Sunday Mass at St. Matthew’s or St. Dominic’s Catholic Church. Following Mass we will visit Aso Rock and Zuma Rock, iconic natural landmarks. In the afternoon, we’ll meet Francis Cardinal Arinze and John Cardinal Onaiyekan for reflection and fellowship. We’ll end today with a visit to Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Overnight in Abuja, Nigeria

Day 10Monday, October 27th – Reflection and Farewell in Abuja

Today we’ll have time to relax and reflect at Jabi Lake before recording testimonials and reflections of our journey. We’ll end the day with a farewell dinner featuring notable guests from the Abuja community.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Overnight in Abuja, Nigeria

Day 11Tuesday, October 28th – Retreat at ALMAT Farms

Today, we’ll spend the day in silent retreat, guided by Francis Cardinal Arinze, reflecting on the spiritual growth and memories from our journey.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Overnight in Abuja, Nigeria

 

Day 12Wednesday, October 29th – Departure

Depart from Abuja Airport in the morning, carrying home the transformative experiences of your pilgrimage. A follow-up group call will take place a few weeks after your return to reflect and share your stories.

 

Pricing per person

Double Room

2 guests
$4,699/person

Single Room

1 guest
$5,699/person
Payment Schedule
Today
$450 due per person
$200 per person is non-refundable.
07/09/2025
Remaining payment due
The initial deposit of $450 plus any charges imposed by our vendors is non-refundable. In the event of postponement, this still applies. Payment plans are available if you would like to make smaller payments prior to the final payment date.
Payment Options

Paying by Credit or Debit card

Pay online through your reservation or call (800) 653 – 0017 to pay by card | 3% CC fee

Paying by check

Mail your check to the following address and include your reservation # on the memo line.

401 E Las Olas Blvd Suite 130-478, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Paying by ACH Bank Transfer

Call (800) 653 – 0017 or email hello@canterburypilgrimages.com to receive a secure Bank Transfer link via email

Paying by Zelle

Find Canterbury Pilgrimages by using our email | hello@canterburypilgrimages.com

Paying by cash, money order or cashier check

You can deposit cash, check, money order or cashier check in person at any Bank of America.

Please call (800) 653 – 0017 or email hello@canterburypilgrimages.com to receive more instructions

Group Flights
New York (JFK)
- INCLUDED

What is group airfare?

We work with airlines on booking group airfare from anticipated departure airports. This allows us to get the best rates to fly you and the rest of the group to and from your destination. Group air contracts do not allow deviations, date changes, or upgrades, and in some cases issuing tickets at individual rates may be necessary. See “special flight/hotel requests section” below.

Select your preferred departure airport during registration. If you don’t see your preferred airport listed, please select “send me a flight quote”.

Can I apply TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

If you have booked airfare through us and would like to apply your Known Traveler Number (for TSA PreCheck) and/or your CBP PASSID (for Global Entry), you may provide it to us during registration. Forgot your KTN? Retrieve it here: https://tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/ktn-lookup

Can I use frequent flyer miles or airline vouchers?

We cannot book your airfare using earned frequent flyer miles or airline vouchers. However, if the airfare we book for you coincides with an airline you are a member of, we are happy to apply your frequent flyer # to your booking for any mile accrual (if applicable).

Can I upgrade my flights and/or depart earlier/return later than the group?

Absolutely. If you would like to arrive earlier/depart later than the group and/or upgrade your airfare, please contact us at hello@canterburypilgrimages.com

When will I receive my flight schedule?

The group’s flight schedules will be provided to you digitally and in the mail 30 days before the pilgrimage.

Prepare for a profound and enriching spiritual journey through the heart of Nigeria’s religious and cultural heritage.

Have questions?

We’re here to help! Call or email one of our pilgrimage specialists today.

(800) 653-0017

hello@canterburypilgrimages.com

Mon-Fri | 9am – 5pm ET

Days until our Pilgrimage