Olumo Rock- Travel Tips
What to See, How to Plan & Tours- Natural Scenery
- 5 Reviews
Operators offering tours in Nigeria
Reviews of Olumo Rock
Lawrence Ogbaji - 5
A visit to the Olumo Rock, famed as the founding site of About: Historically, the rock was a natural fortress for the Egbas during intertribal warfare in the 19th century, located in a town that owes its name to that very event, Abeokuta (under the rock). Our tour guide told us a story of how a great hunter, following the disintegration of the Oyo Empire, led a group of Egba refugees, now the largest ethnic group in the state, originally under the Oyo Empire, by the name of Adagba to discover this mysterious rock while seeking refuge in the 19th century. During this period, they constructed five rooms inside the cave, but only one is left there now. Inside the cave is a rock. On the rock, there are holes where they pound and grind their foods. After the war, they consulted the Ifa oracle again to see if they should go back to where they came from, but the Ifa said they should remain there. Hence, the nameOlumo (Olu, which means God and Mo, which means mold), God molded the rock for us. There are about 220 steps to the peak, and about 120 steps from the foot of the rock to the first much-needed rest point, called the Lisabi Garden, named after their war hero who led the revolt against Oyo, Lisabi Agbongbo Akala. The rock is beautiful, but don't just go there right away. Be sure to visit the gallery, which holds the true history of the Egba people. The gallery is a true definition of creativity, artists display their paintings and sculptures. There is a section dedicated to a collection of carefully crafted beaded jewelry, bags, masks and other antiques. One is sure to tickle your fancy. Consider it a starter, now back to the main courses. From the peak of the revered rock, you are also able to see some other places of interest that Abeokuta has to offer, it’s like visiting five places at once, such as the first Church in Nigeria (Saint Peter's Cathedral, built by Reverend Andre Desalt Wilhelm), the beautiful Kobiti Central Mosque, MKO Abiola's family house, and of course, the Ogun river from which the state derives her name. The river surrenders a great view of her serene self to the 137-meter-high ageless igneous rock that overlooks the rusty rooftops of the ancient city. Also, among other Things, you’ll have the privileged to see and, perhaps, touch the Iroko tree that stands firmly on the rock from over 200 years ago. Make sure you don't wear anything that might slide on the rocks, like I did. It drizzled the day I visited, and some parts of the rocks were super slippery, but be sure to get a tour guide like mine, otherwise, you will just be a site-seeing tourist. It was a worthwhile experience for me and the kids I went with.
Ade Sogbesan - 4
The elevators don't work, and there are no litter boxes, so empty bottles, crown caps, and wrappers litter the place. People need to learn to pick up after themselves, or the sellers on top of the roof need to pick up or pay a tax for someone else to clean after them.
ibrahim olayiwola - 3
Really a place to max out your level of Altophobia. There's history behind every corner so it's best to get a tour guide to walk you through it all and to really enjoy the whole walk through, don't pass the stairs going up, do the climb manually, you'll love yourself for it. And for a bonus, look for a certain mute photographer, the guy takes impeccable shots!
Oluwatimilehin Fadoju - 5
Nice ancient landmark. Good for short hiking. Gate fee now N1,100. Ill recommend taking a tour guide along for just N500. They will show you places & tell you the history. You must be physically fit to enjoy this place as the lifts are no longer working. Overall, it's a good location to visit
Rafi Alayo - 5
First time here and had such a great time. My mum was here with my older sister over 20 years ago and said that it’s great that they’ve added stairs and a lift in some areas. My niece also got a history lesson from the tour guide. Really nice and charismatic man. Great experience overall. The guides were really funny and helpful when climbing and great photographers too😂
