obudu mountain resort

Obudu Mountain Resort: Nigeria’s Scenic Paradise

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Obudu mountain resort, which got its name from the Obudu mountain, developed in 1951 by M. McCaughey has grown to be one of Africa’s finest, most visited tourist destinations. And has put Nigeria on the world tourism map. 

 

If you are in search of fun, adventure, and the bliss of nature, then Obudu mountain resort is the perfect place for you. This scenic paradise is located in the deep tropical forests and uplands of Calabar, Cross River state in Nigeria. 

 

The resort is picturesque and full of natural vegetation, an ideal place for a romantic getaway, family time, or boys’ hangout. The resort also known as Obudu cattle ranch has a temperate climate and is about 45 miles from the Cameroonian border. 

This tropical paradise boasts several tourist attractions, a few of which we explore below. 

 

Entrance and Monuments

 

At the entrance of the resort, a sculpted cow head was placed on the gate in respect to the name Obudu Cattle Ranch. The resort is an art masterpiece with numerous works of art and monuments. 

 

Intestinal Road View

The beautiful road view of the resort is definitely social media-worthy. The intestinal road network is spiral and it gives a zig-zag view from the top, Which leads to Obudu cattle ranch, up the mountain. 

 

Cable Car

obudu cable car

 

The cable car is an alternative to driving a 25 mins distance all the way up to the resort which is 1576 meters above sea level, while the cable car ride takes about 6 mins to the resort(arguably the longest in Africa), from the base of the mountain to the climax (often in the clouds)

 

Fun Fact: Some religious tourists go to a particular part of this mountain to pray with a belief that the mountain is closer to God and that makes God answer prayers speedily.

Obudu Plateau

The Oshie Ridge of the Sankwala Mountain in Cross River state houses the gorgeous Obudu Plateau. 

The plateau is a gigantic spread of landmass over 40 square miles and rises above 5200 ft above sea level, with its peak hitting a mindblowing height of about 1,716 above sea level. Known to be a habitat of rare species of birds, The plateau rests on lands of the Obanliku local government area of Cross River state. 

 

Canopy Walkway

Here is another exciting part of the resort, the 100m walkway suspended at great heights above the ground. 

 

The Becheeve Nature Reserve

Filled with numerous species of plants, and wildlife in their natural state, the Becheeve nature reserve is a conservation forest with vegetation that boasts to have existed before civilization. 

 

Grotto Mini Waterfall

Grotto Mini Waterfall

 

What’s a tropical forest without beautiful waterfalls? The resort has beautiful waterfalls, but the Grotto waterfall is a favourite because it has a pool. The waterfall was modified a little to allow the water to accumulate at its bed, forming a deep pool.

 

Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race

This is an annual mountain race held in Obudu, every November. Known for its huge prize money, it was nicknamed the World’s Richest mountain race. The Obudu Mountain international race is an associate member race of the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) and endorsed by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).

 

The Mountain Race isn’t the only reputable activity, as prominent events such as Gulder Ultimate Search have been hosted in the resort.

 

Obudu Mountain Resort Hotel and Cuisines

obudu mountain resort

 

The resort offers round hut-like accommodation chalets on stilts, so visitors can enjoy breathtaking views. 

 

These hut-like accommodations are not the only cute things offered by the resort, it also provides self-contained suites with different size range from the 2-bedroomed Governor’s Lodge with private lounge/dining room and kitchenette to the 20 Mountain Villas, each with three bedrooms, lounge, dining room, kitchenette, and balcony.

 

The resort has a Terrace restaurant where amazing delicacies and beverages can be found. The terrace also comes with a bar and a log fire giving a cosy touch to it. Serving mouth-watering cuisines, the resort satisfies both local and international guests with healthy meals to suit all tastes. 

 

While you are on vacation in Obudu mountain resort you don’t need to worry about staying in shape as the resort provides a fully equipped gym, and for sporty visitors, two floodlit tennis courts, a squash court, and a natural swimming pool. Golf lovers can show their prowess on the hotel’s 9-hole golf course.