The Obudu Cattle Ranch, now known as the Obudu Mountain Resort, is situated near the Cameroonian border in Cross River. It is a beautiful tourist destination and one of the best in Africa because of its breathtaking waterfalls and natural beauty.
Mr. Caughley, a Scottish rancher, was the first person to propose turning it into a resort in 1949. Then, in 1951, he returned with another rancher, Mr. Hugh Jones, and they began to develop the area. The Cross River State government now owns it.
No matter the season, Obudu Mountain Resort is still one of Nigeria’s top travel destinations. The resort draws visitors throughout the year from all over the world with its pleasant climate and exciting locations.
On the Oshie Ridge of the Sankwala Mountains, nestled at the summit of the mountain at 1576 meters above sea level, is Obudu Mountain Resort. The temperate climate is a complete contrast to the tropical heat of Africa and a welcome relief. Obudu Mountain Resort, located in Cross River State, is closer to the Cameroon border and is reachable by plane from any airport within Nigeria.
Visitors can get up close and personal with birds in their natural habitat at a height above the ground thanks to the Canopy Walkway, which is built into the trees.
The resort’s cable car system, which is reputed to be the longest in Africa, is another intriguing feature. It gives visitors a lot to talk about.
This four-kilometer cable car gently transports visitors (and their luggage) from the tropical climate at the mountain’s base to the hotel’s reception area on the mountainside, where there is frequent cloud cover and a welcome drop in temperature.
What time of year is ideal for visiting Obudu Mountain Resort?
Even though the best time to visit Obudu Mountain Resort is during the holiday season in December, when you can be sure to have the most fun, there is no end to the fun there. Given that the holiday season in Nigeria’s Cross Rivers State, where Obudu Mountain Resort is located, falls during the dry season, the weather is also pleasant during this time.
The best route to accessing Obudu Mountain Resort
Direct flights are available from Lagos and Abuja to Calabar, where buses are available to take you to the Resort. Take a bus that is going directly to Obudu when you get to Calabar to save time; other buses may make several stops along the way. The price is around 2,000 Naira. Obudu and the ranch are separated by a one-hour drive. At Obudu, taxis are available to take you to the Ranch for 600 Naira. It may take up to 6 hours to drive from Calabar to the mountain resort, giving you plenty of time to take in the scenery and the sight of the vegetation.
Important information to be aware of before visiting Obudu Mountain Resort
Take note of the following before visiting Obudu Mountain Resort.
Many people enjoy visiting Obudu because of its peacefulness and natural beauty. However, a few things could make the journey challenging. Having the appropriate knowledge about the experience can make a world of difference. The following should be noted:
Its a long drive so pack lightly.
You can either take public transportation or have a car waiting for you when you arrive in Calabar. While using public transportation is inconvenient no matter where you go, renting a car would be more convenient. You can take a direct flight to Calabar from Lagos or Abuja; if not, you can travel via Akwa Ibom.
You must travel from Calabar to Obudu and then the Obudu mountain resort. Be prepared for a seven to nine-hour journey from Calabar to Obudu due to the issue of poor roads.
Possible issues with the water and electricity
Numerous visitors to the Obudu cattle ranch have voiced complaints about the intermittent electricity and water supply. It is impossible to have uninterrupted access to electricity for 24 hours, and some visitors have reported finding no water. Another thing to get ready for is that.
A large number of the facilities are not kept up with.
People who have been there claimed that the canopy walk is a death trap and that the cable cars are broken. Although the tools and concepts are present, they are not regularly maintained, so they do not function as they should.
Get a guide for your trip
If you have an experienced guide by your side, they can help you with logistics such as where to stay, what to eat, and other concerns.
Obudu is a stunning location with mountains and mist, and it can be a good time to get back in touch with nature, but it continues to have infrastructure issues. Perhaps things will improve if it is converted to a private company; it might gain access to additional funding and develop into a premier location.
6 Exciting Things To Do At The Obudu Mountain Resort
Here are a few activities you can enjoy in Nigeria’s Obudu mountain resort.
1. Board a cable car
Drive from the bottom of the hill or use the cable car to ascend to the resort center when you visit the Obudu Mountain Resort. There is roughly 11 km of winding roads from the base to the hilltop. While taking the cable car only takes about six minutes, driving up takes about 25. The highlight of Obudu Mountain Resort, this cable car has been referred to as the longest cable car on the African continent. Tourists who come to this resort are always excited to ride the cable car to the top and enjoy the fun of doing so because it offers you enlivening and exciting views of green rolling hills.
2. Engage in outdoor activities
The fun never ends at the Obudu Mountain Resort because there are so many enjoyable outdoor activities to participate in. Activities like swimming, horseback riding, golfing, and hiking allow you to unwind. There are two river-sized swimming pools at this resort where you can cool off and unwind while having fun in the water. It is advised to wear sturdy footwear and to mentally prepare for a climbing expedition when hiking. It has a 9-hole golf course where you can play the sport. It’s breathtaking to see the luxuriant vegetation surrounding the golf course.
3. Participate in the Obudu Mountain Race
Every year, Obudu holds a race competition and awards a tempting cash prize. Typically, it takes place in November. In light of this, if you plan to visit Obudu in November, make a date to attend the Obudu Mountain Race.
4. Exercise at the gym
To keep you in shape and fit, Obudu Mountain Resort has a fitness center with cutting-edge equipment. The equipment in this gym includes dumbbells, a bench for sit-ups, and treadmills.
5. Explore the Canopy Walkway.
The 100-meter swinging bridge that is suspended in the air is called the Canopy Walkway. It is 70 meters above the forest’s base. You could take in the view of the lovely forests surrounding Obudu Mountain Resort by strolling along the canopy walkway. Although climbing this canopy walkway can be challenging, it is also a lot of fun and exciting.
6. Bird watching and sightseeing
Go on a sightseeing adventure at the Obudu Mountain Resort if you love the outdoors. There are about 250 different bird species living at the resort. With your binoculars, you’ll have a fascinating time observing the birds.
Funding your trip
With all that has been said about the riveting Obudu Mountain Resort, it is possible that you would want to immediately hop on a plane to experience these delights for yourself. However, you have to think about the best way to conveniently enjoy this trip. From flight booking to hotel and restaurant booking, the best way to make these payments is through Changera. Changera is a social payment solution that enables you to fund your lifestyle without any stress or limits. You can discover up to 10 incredible things you can do with the Changera app by downloading it on Android or iOS.
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