Abeokuta is a lovely destination to be in 2017 writes NDUBUEZE NAOMI
Abeokuta, the state capital of Ogun, is a lovely town to be. There are so many exciting and jaw dropping expeditions to embark on. Named after its rocky landscape, Abeokuta, a Yoruba, means under the rock. The language spoken is predominantly Yoruba; some educated inhabitants speak fluent English while some others speak pidgin. It is a destination where you can get lost in nature.
How To Get There
Travelling to the rocky city of Abeokuta from nay part of the country could be an interesting adventure. If you are an international visitor you will have to do the journey by road as there is no airport in Abeokuta. Driving to Lagos by road is about an hour and a half. Travel time could be longer if there is traffic log jam on the way. You can arrange with a local travel company or tour operator for a complete package to Abeokuta.
Where To Stay
There are many nice hotels to lodge in Abeokuta. For instance, the Green Legacy Resort located at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Complex, Presidential Boulevard Way, NNPC Bus Stop, Oke Mosa is a luxury hotel to stay. The resort offers style and comfort in which guests and tourists can enjoy and feel the vibrancy and pulse of nature.
The resort has over 100 rooms with swimming pools (Main & Children pool), a tennis court, a modern well-designed gym, amusement park, sauna, beauty palace, Spa, multiple event halls of various sizes, Bamboo BBQ spot, Mountain climbing, presidential library and museum, Adire and African fabrics centre, among other facilities. A standard room in the resort cost N30,000 per night, the deluxe room cost N35,000 per night while the Standard Suite cost N50,000 per night and all comes with a wi-fi package.
For a cheaper option, you can stay at Star City Hotel is an affordable but comfortable hotel to stay in and it can be located at KM 5 Lagos Abeokuta Road Opposite Aro Hospital, Ita Oshin. lodging in this hotel has more access to town and guest don’t have issues moving around because the hotel can easily be located. The Executive room cost N4,500 per night with free wi-fi.
Continental Suites situated in the heart of Abeokuta offers everything that is needed to create a memory. The accommodation is in a serene and security active environment. The rooms are prepared to meet the needs and budgets of guests and travellers. It is one of the leading suites in Abeokuta with a good restaurant services that is welcoming. Our Restaurant serves both Continental and Nigerian Cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Booking the deluxe suites for a night cost N40,775, the diplomatic suites cost N34,275, standard room cost N20,000 and they all have a free Wi-Fi.
Places To Visit
The most popular tourist attraction in Ogun State, Olumo Rock is one of the amazing places to visit. The history of Olumo rock cannot be over-emphasized as the rock speaks for itself. It is said that the rock protected and sheltered the people of Abeokuta and Egba for enemy invasion and tribal wars. It now serves as a tourist centre for the international and national visitors. Visiting Abeokuta for the time first is incomplete without visiting Olumo Rock. The caves and the rocks are lovely sites for seeing and taking amazing pictures.
The Abeokuta Museum also offers rich historic heritage of Abeokuta people. It tells the ancient story of the town and its people and it should be visited. The museum shows the culture and pattern of living exhibited by the people of Abeokuta which is educative and enlightening. There are handcrafts and ancient weapons used by the early settlers of the town at the museum.
The Osuuru spring at Imeko town, Imeko/Afon local government area is a place to be. The spring flows from a rocky hill and its rushes down a valley in a way that captivates the eyes. It is truly a place to connect with mother nature.
Other places you could visit in Ogun State are: the Alake’s Palace, Itoku market, Omo forest reserve, Hilltop Golf Resort, Yemoji natural swimming in Ijebu Ode, Oyan dam in Abeokuta North, Iwopin boat regatta, Oronna shrine in Ilaro, Tongeji island in Ipokia, Old Manse at Ogbe in Abeokuta, Ota and Ijamido river shrine in Ota among others.
Where To Eat
You can have a taste of local and continental cuisines at the Royal Madarin Restaurant at No 2, General Gassau crescent, opposite legislative Quarters, Ibara Gra, Abeokuta Ogun State. The restaurant prepares fresh food of the Nigeria, Chinese and continental food. The restaurant is one out of many restaurants in Abeokuta and it has various sections like bar, snooker table, Karaoke and lots more. In Excess Bar at Oke Efon, Abeokuta North offers tasty African dishes which excites the mouth and for all lovers of pepper soup. At the bar, you can enjoy all delicacies they have to offer.