So, finally I got to visit Olumo Rock. It is a popular tourist attraction in Ogun State, Nigeria but I had never been. I think once in primary school, there was a school trip to the rock but I didn’t go. My parents were pretty paranoid about such road trips.
Tee is actually from Abeokuta and I had visited the town a couple of times, but couldn’t make it to the rock.
Abeokuta, translated literally means “Under the Rock!”. Generally, the people of Abeokuta are referred to as ‘Egbas’.
We had to pay N700 each as admission fee, and there was a tour guide who was happy to show us the way. There was also a photographer who offered to take our photos. But since we had a camera, we handed that over to him and he had a good time snapping us while we toured. Obviously we knew we had to tip both of them at the end of the tour.
Frontal view… and the art gallery by the right with the pink roof.
A closer view of the rock
At the entrance of the rock, a sort of ‘wishing well’. Coins are required – but we don’t have coins in Nigeria anymore. Considered using UK pennies, but I passed…
About the Rock
Olumo Rock is an irregular formation of igneous rock, which at its highest point is 137 metres above sea level. The rock has three main caves, and it is said that during a war between 1830-1833, some settlers lived under the rock. Olumo means “all the troubles and sufferings are over”.
The first cave – Egba War Time HideOut believed to be a dwelling place for the early settlers.
It was partitioned into five rooms, and this was one of the rooms. The other four have fallen apart.
Six dug holes for grinding peppers and cooking.
There’s also a few statues of the ancient warriors of the town + some cowries (money spent in the past)
Water from the rock was believed to have healing powers. But ehm, they say it dried up about 50 years ago.
To the right is the grave where the man who lived beside the rock (before it was taken over the government) is buried. He died at 122 years.
When you have a personal photographer, you get a back view photo!
There’s always time for a peace sign! Or two…
Don’t worry, I’ll lead, just follow.
Mind your head!
It’s interesting to note that since it became a tourist attraction in 1976, there has been no casualty and no one has ever fallen from climbing the rock. I know it’s a short time, but still, good to know! So fear not and climb!
Took a little break.. this isn’t the top yet!
This bridge wasn’t always there, so visitors actually had to jump between the rocks – and it’s quite a distance!
A little help won’t hurt…
Yep! Made it to the very top.
View from the top. If you look closely, you can see the twin pillars of the first mosque in Abeokuta.
From the top, you can see this Iroko Tree, which they say is over 200 years old and never sheds its leaves – come rain or shine!
Myth
There’s a Myth that some European geologists visited the rock to blast it and to obtain precious metals. However, blood gushed out from the rock and blinded the geologists. Do you think that could have happened?
Fact
There’s a shrine in the rock where the 5 kings of Abeokuta, led by the Alake (paramount ruler of the land) go to worship the gods at the rock, every year. Apparently, they believe that the gods protected the ancient settlers during the war. In the past they used strangers as sacrifice, but now they use big black cows, pigeons and some other animals. Visitors are allowed to visit on the day of the worship and they can look into the shrine, but cannot go inside.
Ogun State gets its name from the River Ogun. It’s so cool how one word in our Nigerian languages can mean several things. Ogun can mean nine different things in Yoruba.
At the end of the climb, I was totally knackered and dripping with sweat. But I made a quick stop to the art gallery which has some art and cultural pieces for sale. Our photographer of the day was through with us and I was too tired to take any photos. But I got some shea butter, and according to the sales lady, it’s the best around. I havn’t tried it, so I can’t confirm.
The pre-jump photo, because who gets to the top of a rock and doesn’t jump?
The shrine door right behind the tour guide. See, even he does a peace sign.
Myth
There’s a Myth that some European geologists visited the rock to blast it and to obtain precious metals. However, blood gushed out from the rock and blinded the geologists. Do you think that could have happened?
Fact
There’s a shrine in the rock where the 5 kings of Abeokuta, led by the Alake (paramount ruler of the land) go to worship the gods at the rock, every year. Apparently, they believe that the gods protected the ancient settlers during the war. In the past they used strangers as sacrifice, but now they use big black cows, pigeons and some other animals. Visitors are allowed to visit on the day of the worship and they can look into the shrine, but cannot go inside.
Just peep our tour guide’s pose! Like a boss.
At the end of the climb, I was totally knackered and dripping with sweat. But I made a quick stop to the art gallery which has some art and cultural pieces for sale. Our photographer of the day was through with us and I was too tired to take any photos. But I got some shea butter, and according to the sales lady, it’s the best around. I havn’t tried it, so I can’t confirm.
In case you ever wondered, here’s the Egba Anthem!
That’s it folks. It’s a bit hard to describe how much of a good experience it was and it’s one of those things you better experience yourself. So if you can, make time to go! Abeokuta has a pretty cool history. The first church and the first hospital in Nigeria are located in Abeokuta. Two of Nigeria’s president’s (Obasanjo and Sonekan) are from Abeokuta, as well as other notable Nigerians like Fela, Wole Soyinka, and MKO Abiola. So see, lots of history!
We also made a quick stop at the Alake’s Palace and I also got some adire clothes (tie and dye fabric).
Have you’ve been to Olumo Rock, how was your experience?
Love,
Kachee…Xx
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Amakamedia
July 24, 2016 at 23:01Yassss!!! She said she’d go. And she did! Kachee, your pictures are so lovely. I didn’t take pictures like this when I went (loong time ago).This post took me back there.amakamedia.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 25, 2016 at 06:41I almost cancelled at the last minute because we didn’t have much time, but I’m so glad I did! Thanks Amaka!!
Berry Dakara
July 25, 2016 at 02:42Awwww, this takes me back to the time when I visited Olumo Rock with the hubby. We used the stairs to get to the third level though, instead of climbing like you guys. We had a fun time but had to rush through the visit because we had a wedding to attend that morning.Love your photos!Berry Dakara Blog
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 26, 2016 at 08:52I remember this post! Lol. I’ve been following you for a long time. Thanks Berry!!
Paula Olaitan Benedict
July 25, 2016 at 11:11Awww… so I was left behind (sad face)… glad u had fun.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 26, 2016 at 08:52Girl! The tour didn’t happen as I had hoped. But you should check out ‘Social Prefect’ on IG. She organises tours and they had one in Olumo Rock couple of weeks back and another to Badagry next week.
Tessy Onyia
July 25, 2016 at 17:15Oh this is so amazing!!! Nature at its peak! Kachee you are pretty. Welldone!www.tessyonyia.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 26, 2016 at 08:51Awww Tessy, thank you! It’s interesting how that is all Nature. Awesome.
Zinny
July 25, 2016 at 17:18Beautiful pictures Kachee. I haven’t visited Olumo Rock but I should some day.Nice post, it felt like I was there!www.zinnyfactor.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 26, 2016 at 08:50Thanks Zinny! I appreciate. You should. It’s pretty decent.
Stephylately
July 25, 2016 at 19:29This looks quiet adventurous . Making me look forward to visiting my home country. Hope you are having an amazing time.xwww.stephylately.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 26, 2016 at 08:50It was! I’m back in the UK now *sniff sniff*
Tunrie
July 26, 2016 at 09:15Looks like you had fun.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 26, 2016 at 09:20I did!
Oluwaseun Alao Adewolu
July 26, 2016 at 16:43I was in Olumo Rock 14years ago…when the tourism packaging was null. Wheeeeww! Thanks for the elaborate review. Hubby is also from Abeokuta. We will visit when the kids are grown enough for this “mountaineering”. #TeamNoStairs #TeamNoElevator #BurnTheCaloriesBtw, the photographer did a good job. He should have sneaked a selfie in!
Oluwaseun Alao Adewolu
July 26, 2016 at 16:46Olumo actually means “what God molded” though.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 26, 2016 at 16:57Oh really? Ah. Let me go and check my facts and what tour guide said in the video. Thanks!
Abby
July 26, 2016 at 19:28Nice pictures and captions too! I went to Olumo Rock in primary school on an excursion, and I revisited last year when I went on a trip to buy adire in Abeokuta.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 28, 2016 at 09:01Thanks Abby! I think many primary schools actually used to go on excursions.
Mo' Ajibona
July 27, 2016 at 19:48Such lovely photos! Never been to Olumo rock ’cause a secret part of me thinks that a place has to be far far away from Lagos before I can truly enjoy it as an adventure. Weird, ehn? Hopefully I’ll get around to ticking Olumo rock off my bucket list this year sha. Enjoyed reading this 💜.www.howmojistyledit.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 28, 2016 at 09:03Hahaaha! Not really. I’m trying to find fun even locally. I went to a Lagos resort as well, which was pretty cool. Hopefully I’ll blog about it soon. Thank you!
Nedoux
July 28, 2016 at 14:01Hi Kachee,This was such an interesting read, it felt like I went on the trip with you. LolI recall visiting Olumo rock during a secondary school Geography class excursion years ago.@ “visitors actually had to jump between the rocks” Yikes!
Tamie
July 31, 2016 at 08:59Haven’t been to any other western town save Lagos ( which for some reason I never really think of as west) .You guys seem to have enjoyed your visit.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
July 31, 2016 at 09:24Hahaha! We did. Lagos definitely doesn’t feel like West. Interestingly I’ve been to quite a few. Have a great Sunday Tamie! 😘
Toluwalade Toyin-Kehinde
July 31, 2016 at 17:28All i know is you guys are couple height goals!!! Don’t ask me what that is i just need my 6ft + bae already lmaowww.toyinwithfashion.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
August 2, 2016 at 10:07Lade ohhhh!!! You’re such a clown. But yes to 6ft + bae!!!
frances
August 1, 2016 at 16:08Yay!This was good to read 🙂 Went to Olumo rock in 2013, twas ama-mazing!My gist below:http://www.imperfectlyperfe…
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
August 2, 2016 at 10:08Awww just read it! And you went all by yourself. Interesting that the fee is still N700, Loool
sandra
August 2, 2016 at 12:31This looks like a really good adventure. I see fresh skin too😍Go girl. My friend is serving in Abeokuta and I’m supposed to visit. I’ll have her come along to Olumo rock. Naija girl next door
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
August 2, 2016 at 13:48Hahaha! It was a good one. Not so sure about the fresh skin oh, but thanks! You should go, if you can!
Grace.
August 3, 2016 at 11:53Lovely pictures. Ive never been and wouldnt mind visiting the rock.. that myth tho hehe. Who knows.Epiphany29.comLaid Back Wednesday With Alil Attitude
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
August 3, 2016 at 13:15Thank you! You should. Maybe a road trip and some friends. Will make for a good day out. Plus it’s not far from Lagos.
TheShanyiLife
August 4, 2016 at 12:31I want to go too.. It’s looks so beautiful with so many scary myths 😮
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
August 5, 2016 at 09:47You should go! It’s quite pretty and a decent adventure as well!
ruky 007
August 13, 2016 at 13:39I am one of your latest fans..Have been binge reating old post,lolI have actually been to olumo rock when I was still much younger..last time I went was probably in 2005 .I need to go back cus i can see some changes to the place.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
August 13, 2016 at 18:02Hi Ruky! Thank you so much!! It’ll be good to go again if you can. But at least you’ve been there once!
CherishExpress
August 16, 2016 at 21:10The photos are very lovely and make me want to visit the tourist site. But I know climbing a rock/hill/mountain aint no easy feat and for people who live a pretty much sedentary lifestyle, it could be tasking. I love your blog.www.cherishexpress.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
August 16, 2016 at 21:46You should try to go if possible. Trust me if I can climb the rock, anyone can! Thank you so much. I really appreciate.
CherishExpress
August 16, 2016 at 22:06My pleasure. Simply fell in love with your personality.
glowingscenes
August 25, 2016 at 22:27I think I need to be brave and do this sometime in my life. lol. You pulled off the cool and casual look really nicely. Neat 🙂 This your yoruba seems to be getting better each time I come to your blog o. Haha. See how you interpreted Abeokuta just like that. 😀
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
August 25, 2016 at 23:06Loool! I’ve actually known what Abeokuta meant for a long time now. But it’s sha getting better small small. You should totally do something brave (this one doesn’t require much bravery to be honest)! Thanks re look. Funny story- when we were about to leave for the rock, family peeps were like ‘ah this one you guys are dressing all cool, they should not kidnap you oh’! 😂😂😂😂
desola mako
September 8, 2016 at 08:08Ohh I didn’t know that was the first mosque, it along with the yellow building were my favourite from the top of the rock. I want to visit there next.xwww.deemako.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 8, 2016 at 08:20I wish we had more time as well, because I didn’t see the mural! And it looked so pretty. Thanks for stopping by!
Nchedo
November 10, 2016 at 10:06Chai my God!!! I was in Abeokuta 2 weeks ago for a whole week and I didn’t even care to visit this place. I didn’t think it was going to be interesting. Now I wish I saw this post before leaving the town.I’m definitely visiting the next time I’m in Abeokuta.