OLUMO ROCK
LOCATION: ABEOKUTA
SIZE: 137meters
TOUR GUILD: Ambience Affairs
Olumo Rock is a popular tourist attraction in the city of Abeokuta,
Ogun State, Nigeria. It was used as a fortress by the Egba people in the
early 19th century. Olumo Rock, one of the most popular tourist
destinations in Nigeria, West Africa, Sits in the ancient city center of
Abeokuta a name which means “Under the Rock”. It has a height of
137metres above sea level. Abeokuta was originally inhabited by the Egba
people who found refuge at the Olumo rock during the intertribal wars
in the 19th century.
The rock provides sanctuary to the people as well as a vantage point to monitor the enemy’s advance leading to eventual triumph in war. The town of Abeokuta eventually grew as these new settlers spread out from this location. Abeokuta is just about an hour drive from the bustling metropolitan city of Lagos providing convenient access to an array of hostels, restaurants, clubs, casinos, and various night life activities. Lagos is also home to the closest airport to Abeokuta, the Muritala Mohammed International Airport. Hotels in Abeokuta within minutes’ drive from the rock include gate way hotel and Olumo guest house.
New renovations completed early 2006 upgrade the infrastructure of the site to include a new museum, restaurants, water fountain and the ancient Itoku market where local artisan and trader haggle over price just as much as the customers like to find a bargain i.es just outside Olumo Rock premises and is a must see. The market is the center of the indigenous Abeokuta industry of tie and dye, locally known as Adire. Adire crafters usually women both old and young show off their design in shed alongside the road. Behind these shed are building where many crafters live and work and their parent before them. In places where the plaster has cracked off the walls, you may see traces of mud bricks used in the original construction. The locals are very friendly and if asked, will often give tourist and visitors informal tours of the dyeing processes. Other popular items to watch out for include local beads, bracelets, sculptures and musical instrument like Sekere, and Talking Drum.
A trip to Olumo Rock usually commence with a climb up the man-made stairs carved into the rock. The journey continues with climbs on irregularly sized rocks (or ladder which are now provided) through a narrow corridor that leads to the top of the rock. All along the way, catch sight of carvings in the rock, cowrie-studded statues and the ancient abode of the priestesses who live in the hut on the rock. Guides are available.
On the way back down the rock, the sight of the Ogun River running like a silver chain amidst a forest aged red corrugated roofs bordered by thick green forests which melt into the horizon is breath taking.
The rock provides sanctuary to the people as well as a vantage point to monitor the enemy’s advance leading to eventual triumph in war. The town of Abeokuta eventually grew as these new settlers spread out from this location. Abeokuta is just about an hour drive from the bustling metropolitan city of Lagos providing convenient access to an array of hostels, restaurants, clubs, casinos, and various night life activities. Lagos is also home to the closest airport to Abeokuta, the Muritala Mohammed International Airport. Hotels in Abeokuta within minutes’ drive from the rock include gate way hotel and Olumo guest house.
New renovations completed early 2006 upgrade the infrastructure of the site to include a new museum, restaurants, water fountain and the ancient Itoku market where local artisan and trader haggle over price just as much as the customers like to find a bargain i.es just outside Olumo Rock premises and is a must see. The market is the center of the indigenous Abeokuta industry of tie and dye, locally known as Adire. Adire crafters usually women both old and young show off their design in shed alongside the road. Behind these shed are building where many crafters live and work and their parent before them. In places where the plaster has cracked off the walls, you may see traces of mud bricks used in the original construction. The locals are very friendly and if asked, will often give tourist and visitors informal tours of the dyeing processes. Other popular items to watch out for include local beads, bracelets, sculptures and musical instrument like Sekere, and Talking Drum.
A trip to Olumo Rock usually commence with a climb up the man-made stairs carved into the rock. The journey continues with climbs on irregularly sized rocks (or ladder which are now provided) through a narrow corridor that leads to the top of the rock. All along the way, catch sight of carvings in the rock, cowrie-studded statues and the ancient abode of the priestesses who live in the hut on the rock. Guides are available.
On the way back down the rock, the sight of the Ogun River running like a silver chain amidst a forest aged red corrugated roofs bordered by thick green forests which melt into the horizon is breath taking.
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