In this exclusive interview conducted by Patrick Wisdom, I had the pleasure of speaking with Abdurrahman Babadiddi, popularly known as Abdul a Nigerian travel content creator whose visually captivating work is inspiring a new wave of explorers across Africa and beyond.
As Africa’s tourism industry continues to boom with a growing appetite for authentic, cultural, and luxury experiences, voices like Abdul’s are helping to spotlight the continent’s untapped potential.
From Egypt’s ancient wonders to the hidden treasures of Nigeria, Abdul shares his journey, inspirations, and mission to showcase the beauty of Africa through the lens of travel, reminding us that some of the world’s most powerful stories are waiting right here on the continent.
My name is Abdurrahman Babadiddi, but I go by Abdul. I’m a travel content creator, focusing on visually captivating content that highlights both luxury and adventure travel.
Through Instagram and TikTok, I share experiences from a wide variety of destinations, aiming to offer my audience not only a detailed view of the places I visit but also beautiful videos, reels, and photos that tell the stories of these places.
READ: Africa: How Nigerian Travel Influencers Are Putting Local Destinations on the Global Map
I focus on creating visually stunning content that brings a destination to life for my followers. I’m also working on starting a YouTube channel for vlogging, though that’s still in the planning phase.
What sparked my passion for travel?
Travel has always been a passion of mine. From a young age, I had an innate curiosity about different cultures and far-off destinations. What started as a personal hobby of exploring new places and sharing them with my close circle evolved into something bigger. Over time, I realized that I could turn this passion into a career by creating content that inspires others to explore the world. Now, it’s my way of life, and I’m fortunate to share my experiences with an audience who appreciates the beauty of travel.
What drew me to this destination?
Egypt has always been on the top of my travel bucket list. From a young age, I was fascinated by the pyramids and the mysteries of ancient Egypt. I’ve always dreamt of seeing these iconic sites firsthand, and I can’t believe it took me so long to finally make it there. When I visited, it was everything I had imagined and more. The beauty of the pyramids was truly mesmerizing. My journey through Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan was equally unforgettable, as each place offered something unique—whether it was the history of the temples, the vibrant culture of the Nubian village, or the rich heritage of Egypt as a whole.
What moment on this trip was the most unforgettable for me?
The Pyramids of Giza were a dream come true, but beyond that, I had some incredible moments in Luxor and Aswan. I visited Karnak Temple, Dendera Temple, Medinet Habu, and Esna Temple—each offering a unique glimpse into Egypt’s glorious past. Esna Temple, in particular, is an underrated gem that more travelers should explore. Another highlight was staying in the Nubian Village in Aswan, where the warm hospitality and colorful surroundings made for an unforgettable experience.
As a Nigerian, what do you think about destinations in Nigeria and where are your favorite destinations?
As a Nigerian who’s been lucky enough to explore many countries, I’ve come to realize how much Nigeria itself has to offer. There’s something truly special about the beauty, culture, and diversity we have here, with over 500 languages and more than 250 ethnic groups. Yet, this richness is often overlooked. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to highlight Nigeria’s unique places and culture, to bring more attention to our rich heritage and amazing destinations. I truly believe Nigeria has the potential to be one of the top tourist destinations, not just in Africa, but globally. I’ll keep doing my part to showcase these hidden gems and share our stories with the world.
Some of my favorite places in Nigeria include the Yusufari Desert—it’s a landscape unlike anything else, completely untouched and stunning. The Emir’s Palace in Kano is another favorite; the architecture and history there are just incredible. I’ve also enjoyed visiting Abuja for its calm beauty, Jigawa for its charm, and Zaria where the Zazzau Palace really stood out. And of course, Kano itself is a place where culture is alive and vibrant. The mix of these experiences has deepened my love for Nigeria even more.
Although I’m Hausa, my travels have helped me reconnect with my own roots and appreciate the richness of our culture. I didn’t fully grasp how significant and impressive it was until I saw other parts of the world. Now, I’m even more excited to explore more of Nigeria, especially the Yoruba and Igbo cultures, the southern parts of the country, and my home state Taraba, as well as Bauchi, Lagos, and Cross River. Our diversity is truly our strength, and I’m proud to play a part in telling Nigeria’s story. I just hope we can get more support to continue showcasing all these amazing places and truly put Nigeria on the map as a must-visit destination.
