Many tourists who consider Africa for their pleasure trip do not know that Nigeria has a fascinating and pleasant tourist attraction like the Obudu Mountain Resort. I, however, think that the resort is the most beautiful place in Nigeria for the many reasons discussed in this article.
If you want to spend your leisure in Africa, specifically Nigeria and want to feel at home outside your home, then consider the Obudu Mountain Resort and experience a feel of nature, serenity at its peak, amazing ambiance, and beautiful landscape. The resort offers visitors suitable weather for both outdoor and indoor activities, moderately warm and cold.
Brief History of the Obudu Mountain Resort
Situated at the Obudu Plateau, (around the Cameroon border) in Cross River State, the beautiful tourist destination formerly referred to as the Obudu Cattle Ranch, was first developed by a Scottish M. McCaughley in 1951 in his quest to explore the ranch and mountain ranges.
Flying from Enugu to Calabar, McCaughley a Surgeon and rancher who was at the time working with the Veterinary Department of Eastern Region sighted the ranch up high that was already grazing with cattle and thought of developing the area. The then government led by Chief Michael Okpara, Premier of Eastern Nigeria accepted his proposal for animal husbandry.
As governor of Cross River state from 1999 -2007, Donald Duke spearheaded the rebuilding of the Ranch, making it a world-class resort with a Cable Car, a Waterpark, a Helicopter Landing Pad, 20 new Mountain Villas and initiated the Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race.
Top Attractions to Expect at the Resort
1. Climate
The tourist destination has a semi-temperate mountain climate as it has a 1,600-meter (5,200 ft) elevation. Visitors who have been there severally said between October and February are the best period to visit although the ranch is open for visitors all year round.
2. Canopy Walkway
A walk on the canopy walkway at the resort is an experience that you would like to have. It allows having a view of the trees, forest, and natural creatures in the mountain resort.
The 100-meter swaying canopy walkway is 70 meters high above the earth. It is a bridge that links from one part of the forest to the other and it is exciting to groove on it, especially to adventure seekers.
3. Cable Car
The 11km road that leads from down to the top of the mountain resort hill can be daunting for visitors who do not like road transportation thus the need for an alternative means of getting up there, the cable car.
Getting to the mountain base with the cable car takes 6 minutes meanwhile by land takes about 25 minutes. Visitors prefer to be elevated with the cable car obviously because it is fun and exciting seeing the beautiful terrain from that height.
4. Work out Gym
The Obudu Mountain Resort houses a state-of-the-art gymnasium (the Obudu Fitness Centre) to keep visitors fit and in perfect shape.
5. Restaurant and Bar
To meet the dietary needs of visitors, the ranch has a couple of indoor and outdoor restaurants and bars that provide both local and continental cuisines.
Other Useful Tips
The ranch is 1576 meters above sea level and is 5200 ft, it has a helipad situated within it and an airstrip about 20km away.
Outdoor activities at the resort include swimming, hiking, golfing, and Horse riding among others.
Due to the cold nature of the place, you are advised to take with you some sweaters, head warmers, and clothes suitable for hiking but don’t bother taking your duvet because the room attendants will provide it.
For visitors who would like to spend the night at the Obudu Mountain Resort rest assured that you will have value for your money as the executive suites are affordable. They offer complimentary breakfast, and free WIFI based on the room’s features.
If you want to make the best out of your stay at the resort you should visit the marketplaces and engage the services of a local tour guard to take you around the place.
The Obudu Mountain Resort is highly recommended to visitors and tourists who love sightseeing, and adventure and would like to interact with nature.
