OLUMO ROCK

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”.
Abeokuta was originally inhabited by the egba people who
found refuge at the Olumo rock during inter-tribal wars in
the 19th century. The rock provided 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 hours drive from the bustling
metropolitan city of Lagos providing convenient access to
an array of hotels, restaurants, clubs, casinos and various
nightlife activities. Lagos is also home to the closest airport
to Abeokuta, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Hotels in Abeokuta within minutes drive from the rock
include Gateway Hotel and Olumo Guest House.
Tourists to Africa definitely need to consider putting Olumo
rock on their travel plans. New renovations completed early
2006 upgraded the infrastructure of the site to include a new
museum, restaurants, water fountain and an elevator that
will provide even the climbing-challenged a wonderful view
of the surrounding city.
The ancient Itoku market where local artisans and traders
enjoy to haggle over price just as much as the customers
like to find a bargain ies just outside the 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 designs in sheds alongside the roads. Behind
these sheds are buildings where many of these crafters live
and work and their parents before them. In places where the
plaster has cracked off the walls, you may see traces of the
mud bricks used in the original construction. The locals are
very friendly and if asked, will often give tourists and visitors
informal tours of the dyeing processes. Other popular items
to watch out for include local beads, bracelets, sculptures
and musical instruments like the sekere and talking drum.
A trip to Olumo rock usually commences with a climb up the
man-made stairs carved into the rock. While this sounds
easy enough, it leaves many breathless and ready to take a
break to rest on the benches under the trees growing from
the rock and enjoy some clean breeze. The journey
continues with climbs on irregularly sized rocks (or ladders
which are now thankfully provided) through a narrow
corridor that leads to the top of the rock. All along the way,
catch sights of carvings in the rock, cowrie-studded statues
and the ancient abode of the priestesses who live in huts on
the rock. And yes, it is not uncommon to catch a sight of
the very aged women who live there and mutter greetings or
blessings as people make their way through.
It is often helpful to enlist the services of a guide who
possess vast knowledge of the history of the rock and the
culture of the people. This makes for an interesting climb as
every twist and turn will reveal a significant story making
the trip a truly memorable one.
On the way back down the rock, the sight of the Ogun river
running like a silver chain amidst a forest of aged red
corrugated roofs bordered by thick green forests which melt
into the horizon is breathtaking.
Extracted from: www.olumorock.com