Destination… Olumo Rock

Olumo Rock is a popular tourist attraction in the city of Abeokuta, Nigeria. Egba people used it as a fortress in the early 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.

New renovations completed early 2006 upgraded the infrastructure of the site to include a new museum, restaurants, water fountain and an 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. The market is the center of the indigenous Abeokuta industry of tie-and-dye, locally known as adire.

A trip to Olumo rock usually commences with a climb up the man-made stairs carved into the rock. The journey continues with climbs on irregularly sized rocks (or ladders which are now 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.