 |
| The entrance gate at bottom hill |
In the tropics of Nigeria, there is still a place like the biblical Canaan - flowing with milk and honey. There, the weather is pleasant, the air is fresh, nature awake with scenic beauties, leisure-imbued facilities while the inhabitants are happy and friendliest of all Nigerians.
Of course, there is no other place that matches this description than the Obudu Mountain Resort, sitting several meters high and majestically atop the plains of Obanliku in Cross River State.
With its world-class facilities, security and best of service delivery, the presidential suite at the resort is simply as extension of Aso Rock Abuja in far away Cross River, a few kilometers to the Nigeria-Cameroon border.
But the resort is worthy of hosting any country's president, as reasons abound.
Obudu plateau with an altitude of 1,716 metres above sea level enjoys a climate typical of the temperate regions of the world. But the fun seems unending for those prepared for Mother Nature's pamper that abounds in the Nigeria's foremost sprawling resort.
The weather is always cold, except when it is very sunny. The resort's climate is alien to the tropics, as the high altitude of the place is responsible for that (it is 1,576 metres above sea level). A typical night at the resort is tranquil and chilly, and electric room heaters and modernised fireplaces are put in place in some of the rooms to combat the cold.
There is no level of pleasure visitors cannot get at this highest peak in the Cross River State - from nature to manmade. The fun at the water park is for all, the cable car with world-class facilities will give you same thrills of Europe and the US, while the canopy walk, mountain climbing and lush game in its forest reserve will not only keep you fit but marry you and nature.
The 11km unwinding road with its 22 bends makes driving into the resort quite exhilarating. One of the most exciting bends is the 'Devil's Elbow,' which is half way through the stretch.
It is panoramic scene while ascending the mountain from the bottom hill. You will pass through tall, dense forests where branches of trees in the lush vegetation form a canopy that completely shuts out the sun. Driving up to the plateau, you'll view rolling mountain ranges.
There are still more to thrill you as you explore the numerous waterfalls, horse riding, squash and tennis among others amid nature that simply beckons at you. A nine-hole golf course has been constructed alongside a club house containing a gym. The resort also has a health centre and a police post, natural small swimming pool with a mini waterfall.
For those who are too conscious of details, the temperature of between 26oC - 32oC in November and January, while the lowest temperature range of 4oC - 10oC is recorded between June and September.
Hiking is an absolute must-to-view, while gorillas and other wildlife in the Rain Forest are worth exploring in the natural reserve. This reserve lies beside the resort and was created by Cercopan and sponsored by Leventis as a habitat for the highly endangered spices guerilla found only in South Western Cameroon, on the island of Bioko and in South East Nigeria. The reserve is also home to many endemic bird species. A tree house built in the tree canopy will cater for even the most avid bird/monkey watcher.
The road network is 5.3km with 11 plots drain work, estimated to last nothing less than 50 years. While at the resort, located in a malaria and tsetse fly free area, a taste of the fresh dairy products, agricultural produce or the resort honey are not only one of nature's wonderful gift, but also a mark of excellent management of a paradise brand.
About 25 employees, with 500 trained bee farmers produce 50kg of 2000 containers annually. This is being targeted as hard currency earner for the country.
In the resort, you are home to natural food, fresh air and with opportunity of seeing nature break. The cattle bred on the ranch supply fresh milk, butter, meat, and cheese at the dairy section daily. Cows were brought in from Holland for management by Farmfresh Limited to give residents of the ranch best of naturally processed dairy products. There are also birds and pigs that produce eggs and pork meat respectively, in commercial quantities.
The ranch, which is 24-square-kilometre in size, is at an altitude where viewing is breathtaking and the air is fresh and clean. There is also the spectacular grotto (a natural swimming pool with its sparkling pure water, and a clear view of the long winding waterfall.
Green mountain ranges surround the natural reserve that is home to rare species of birds and other animals such as the gorilla. The ranch, which has a mini-golf course and a squash hall, is a popular resort and is currently managed by Protea Hotels of South Africa.
This well known resort extends to the Cameroon border, at the base of the Sonkwala Mountains on the Oshie Ridge, 110km east of Ogoja.
The mountain ranges were first explored in 1949 by Mr. McCaughley, a Scottish rancher who camped on the mountaintop for a month before returning with Mr. Hugh Jones, a fellow rancher, who in 1951, together with Dr. Crawfeild developed the ranch.
Presently, African Sun Hotels of Zimbabwe, the new manager, is committed to their resolve to giving visitors best of thrills, accommodation, and pamper.
still in need of some information? search this site:
LOVE THE ARTICLE ABOVE?
Receive Updates: subscribe to Imo Herald in a reader or sign up for Free Email Updates
No comments:
Post a Comment