I was at the ranch for the Obudu International Mountain Race in 2007 as an athlete and my friends at jovago.com have come up with this really cool guide. I hope you find it useful and hopefully you will visit one of the 'must see' places in Nigeria...
Obudu Mountain Resort formerly known as
Obudu Cattle Ranch is a tourist attraction centre located in Obanliku Local
Government Area of the Northern part of Cross River State, Nigeria – close to
the Cameroon border. Formerly managed by Protea Hotels,
it is now being managed by African Sun Limited which renamed the ranch from
Obudu Cattle Ranch to Obudu Mountain Resort.
The Mountain was
developed by Mr. McCaughley (a Scottish),
Mr. Hugh Jones and Dr Crawfeild in 1951. Surrounded
by seven villages: Kejukwu, Ukwamu, Okpayanga, Abayiule, Anape, Kigol and Keyi;
the inhabitants of these seven villages have lived at the mountain for over 400
years.
Obudu Mountain Resort attracts lots of
local and international visitors/tourists yearly, especially during the
Christmas period or Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race known as "the world's richest mountain race”, an annual 11.25 km mountain
running competition that takes
place in late November.
There are various accolades visitors
and tourists have given Obudu Cattle Ranch. Some regard it as “heaven on
earth”, “the best place for your honeymoon” or “a place to experience nature at
its best.”
Landscape,
Landmarks and Scenery
The Obudu Mountain Resort is larger
than the size of some communities we would find around today. Largely dense by
trees and mountains, the roads are beautifully structured in snake line fashion
to allow access to all parts of the Mountain.
Landmarks are strategically put in
place to allow tourist identify their location and move more quickly around the
mountain.
The Cow head at the entrance of the
resort can be said to be a symbolical representation of what Obudu Cattle Ranch
is well known for in its suburbs; organised cattle rearing due to its large
coast.
Arrival at the Ranch
The Obudu Mountain Resort
is about 30 minutes’ drive from Obudu Town, and 332 Kilometres drive from
Calabar. If you want to bypass the long road trip, a charter air service is
available to the Bebi Airport which lies between Obudu and the Resort.
On your arrival to the
ranch, you will be welcomed in the heavily decorated reception (with a massive
Cow head hanging on the wall) where you can confirm your room and get other check
in information you need.
Lodging/Accommodation
The resort offers over nine different
types of lodges to choose from - African Hut, Standard Double Room, Superior Double Room, Club
Chalet, Executive Suite, Royal Suite, Presidential Lodge, Governor’s Place,
Presidential Villa among others; all ranging from a price between 28,500 to
75,000 naira.
Though bookings or reservations are
accepted all year round, it is advisable to book a room months ahead of events and holidays (like Christmas).
Dining
The Resort has about four restaurants, one of which is the
Terrace Restaurant and Bar that provides foods and beverages, ranging from national
to international dishes. There is also a limited room service offering for
guests.
Moving Around
You can go horse riding to cover distances or take a
ride in the cable car that conveys passengers from the base to the top of the mountain, which gives you a scenic view while
bypassing the extremely winding road to the top.
Recreational activities to engage
in at the Ranch:
Sight-seeing
– if you love watching birds and nature, then a binocular will really help you
enjoy your viewings.
Hiking
– for mountain climbers, go with firm boots that are strong enough to pull
through the journey, but light enough to aid your movement.
Swimming – with
two large river-sized looking pools, you can enjoy a bath and afterwards
lay in the outdoor pool bed to enjoy the ray of the sun.
Sports
– a golf course is available for golf lovers.
Working
out - the fitness Centre is equipped with modern facilities
that help you stay in shape. Dumbbells, treadmills, seat up bench, among others
are examples of facilities you will find in the ranch’s gym.
Other Information you
should know before embarking on the journey:
- Weather - due to the altitude, the resort is
usually cold in the mornings. So don’t forget to pack clothes that will keep
you warm.
- Most
recreational activities require an additional cost charged at per hour rate.
- It
may also interest you to know that the Resort has an Automated Teller Machine
(ATM), so you don’t go stranded.
Author’s
Comment: “A trip to the Obudu Cattle Ranch is one you are bound to enjoy;
either you are going there with family, friends, a loved one or for business.
It is advisable not to go alone, the more the merrier!”
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