Sapele Things to do, history and what's on
The river port on the Benin River that gave sapele timber its name.
About Sapele
Sapele grew up where the Ethiope and Jamieson rivers meet to form the Benin River, water deep enough for ocean-going ships. It was a busy trading town by the mid-1800s, and in 1891 the British opened a vice-consulate here.
The town was founded by the Okpe people. Its name is said to come from Uriapele, a local deity whose shrine still stands in the town centre, and the Orodje of Okpe, whose seat is at Orerokpe, is the kingdom's traditional ruler.
In the colonial era Sapele shipped timber and rubber from the forests around it, and the sapele tree, a prized African mahogany, is named after the town. Today it is a quieter river town, home to Okpe, Urhobo and Itsekiri communities, with a busy main market and the rivers all around.
- Local government areas
- Sapele, with the Okpe kingdom's seat at Orerokpe in Okpe
- Getting there
- By road from Warri or Benin City. The nearest airports are Warri (Osubi) and Benin City
- Best time to visit
- November to March, the dry season
- Languages
- Okpe, Urhobo, Itsekiri, English and Pidgin
Places to visit in Sapele
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Nature and waterways
The Benin River waterfront
Where the Ethiope and Jamieson rivers meet, and ocean-going ships once loaded timber.
Sapele -
Culture and heritage
Photo coming soon
Uriapele shrine
The shrine of the deity Uriapele, from which Sapele takes its name. Ask locally before you visit.
Sapele town centre -
Festivals and events
Orerokpe
Seat of the Orodje of Okpe, and the place to see Okpe festivals and dances such as the Ima.
Orerokpe, Okpe -
Food and nightlife
Photo coming soon
Sapele Main Market
The town's main market, for fish, fabric, produce and everything else.
Sapele
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The story of Sapele
From an Okpe settlement to a British vice-consulate in 1891 and one of the colonial era's timber ports.
Read the story of SapeleSapele's history is told differently by its Okpe, Urhobo and Itsekiri communities. Where accounts differ, we say so and link to each.
What's on in Sapele
Organising something in Sapele? List your event
Invest in Sapele
Sapele is built on its rivers: a port on the Benin River, and the timber, rubber and farm produce that have always moved through it.
Talk to people who know Sapele.
Ask questions, find out what's on and buy and sell in the Discover Delta community on WhatsApp.
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Share your storyGood to know
How do I get to Sapele?
By road from Warri or Benin City. The nearest airports are Warri Airport at Osubi and Benin Airport.
When is the best time to visit Sapele?
November to March, the dry season, when roads and river trips are easiest.
What is Sapele known for?
Its river port on the Benin River, its timber history (the sapele tree is named after the town) and the Okpe kingdom.
