BEYOND LAGOS – #SASSYFUNKE

July 8, 2017February 3, 2019

A GUIDE TO VISITING OLUMO ROCK, ABEOKUTA

Olumo rock is a popular tourist destination located in the city of Abeokuta [meaning “under the rock”] in Ogun State (only an hours drive from the bustling city of Lagos). The city of Abeokuta was originally inhabited by the egba people who found refuge at the Olumo rock during inter-tribal wars in the 19th century. The rock acted as sanctuary to the people as well as a vantage point to monitor the enemy’s advance. The site was renovated in 2006 to include an elevator, a water fountain and a museum.

Below is my travel video to Olumo Rock {Click here to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel for more AMAZING ?? travel videos}, visual diary and tips on visiting Abeokuta and Olumo Rock.

WATCH MY TRAVEL VIDEO BELOW

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mFEFgQO3fg[/embedyt]

VISUAL DIARY

At the fountain in front of the Rock

The elevator and garden at the base of Olumo Rock

The Cultural and Musical Heritage Centre at Olumo Rock

The small centre which was not opened during my visit

A view from the second landing whilst climbing the rock

In front of the “Orisa Olumo Chamber”, a shrine at the site. (Spot the sacrificed birds on the door of the shrine)

About to explore the Hide-Out cave in the Rock

The lady behind me is known to be the 132 year old Iya Orisa who lived most of her life under the rock (2017)

Another shrine at Olumo Rock

A representation of the deities

Manoeuvring between the rocks

Getting a helping hand from my tour guide to climb the rock

The view from at the top of my climb

TRAVEL TIPS

Make sure to get a tour guide to take you up the rock. It is safer and I enjoyed the delivery of the history lesson. (My tour guides where incredibly knowledgeable and were very happy to take pictures and record my trip)

Ensure to take a bottle of water up the climb in case you get dehydrated.

Take your camera up the climb to capture the views at the top of Olumo Rock which showcases the beauty of Abeokuta

Tour guides do not charge a standard price/they aren’t allowed to but feel free to tip them as you deem fit

Make sure to dress appropriately (wear trousers/leggings and trainers for the climb

TRAVEL REVIEW

Costs: N700 to visit. N2000 to visit using the elevator (bear in mind the elevator wasn’t working during my visit).

Where did I stay: Abeokuta has many accommodation options. I stayed at the Daktad Suites and Event Centre (a lovely hotel). Tip would be to book your hotel in advance on Jumia travel.

Accessibility: If walking up a small hill is an issue for you, I would avoid visiting Olumo rock as I cannot guarantee the elevator would work (unless you are happy to admire the rock from the base).

My verdict: I had a great time visiting the rock. It was an impressive site with very knowledgeable guides.

What did you think of my write-up? Hope you enjoyed it and it was useful? LET ME KNOW

FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE, TWITTER for more amazing TRAVEL content.

May 1, 2017September 21, 2018

MY VISIT TO OSUN-OSOGBO SACRED GROVE

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlvjaWLftbQ[/embedyt]

My visit to Osun State took me to see OSUN GROVES which is one of a few UNESCO Heritage sites in Nigeria. Explore with me!

Have you been to Osun state before?

April 6, 2017September 21, 2018

CHECKING IN: Nike Guest house, Osogbo

For many that venture into states other than Lagos and Abuja, we can be skeptical of the availability of good facilities such as hotels. I recently visited Osogbo, a town in Osun state and whilst I was there, I stayed at Nike Guest House. Nike Guest House is a product from Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Nigeria’s internationally known and renowned female designer and artist. Below are visuals from my stay. Read to the end to see my honest thoughts on my stay.

THE BUILDING

A view of Nike Guest House located on Nike Art Gallery Avenue

Dancers from Nike’s Art & Culture performing in front of the main building at the guest house

Sitting pretty in front of the house

A view of the 2nd building at Nike Guest House

THE INTERIOR

Communal living room in the centre of the main building (similar to moroccan riad style homes)

Another communal living room at the guest house

My room at the guest house. There were many other room options (none alike)

THE FOOD

Dinner couldn’t be faulted. It was a buffet with so many delicious options (The chef did well :))

Breakfast with my tour group was equally great (both continental and african options). We all were stuffed! (my plate is not a true reflection of the options available.

THE GARDEN

Part of the beautiful garden at the guesthouse

A stunning view of the garden from the main building during breakfast, wouldn’t you agree?

The resident tortoise in the garden.

What I loved: The food, the evening entertainment and the beautiful garden (not to mention the amazing staff that were very helpful).

What I didn’t like: Well the room I took didn’t have a solid partition between the room and the bathroom. I didn’t mind but I guess its non-conventional.

Would I go back: If I visit Osogbo again, I will certainly visit. I would also recommend it to family and friends

Hope you enjoyed the write-up on Nike Guest House.

March 30, 2017September 21, 2018

A GUIDE TO VISITING OSOGBO, OSUN STATE || STAYCATION

I went on a weekend trip to Osogbo. Osogbo is a city in Osun state located about 225km NE of Lagos state. Osogbo also turns out to be my birth town. I have never stepped in Osogbo since birth and as such this trip had more significance to me than others. I was stunned by how much heritage Osogbo had and wanted to share that with you all with the hope that one day, you will visit too.

DAY 1: DRIVE TO OSOGBO (WITH A SHORT BREAK AT IBADAN) – VISIT LOCAL BLACK SOAP/PALM OIL/CASSAVA PROCESSING FACTORY – VISIT AN OBA’S (A KINGS) PALACE

After receiving a black making soap process tour from this amazing woman, we bantered together in my local dialect “Yoruba”.

Watching the palm oil processing process

At the cassava-processing (a.k.a garri making) plant.

We had the pleasure to attend the 10th anniversary of the Oba of Ido Osun at his palace and his appointing of a Chieftaincy.

Post the chieftaincy ceremony

DAY 2: VISIT UNESCO HERITAGE SITE “OSUN GROOVES” – VISIT SUSANNE WENGER’S HOUSE – NIKE’S ART GALLERY

The visitor centre at the UNESCO Heritage site “Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove”

A meeting place at Osun Grove

Standing by one of the amazing sculptures by Susanne Wenger and other artists mentored by her. Stay tuned for my full write up on this beautiful heritage site (VLOG of my trip also coming up soon)

At the home of Susan Wenger, An austrian artist and a priestess.

Some of the art collection by Susanne Wenger and artists she mentored at her home.

Nike Art Gallery, Osogbo

A visit to Nike’s Art Gallery in Osogbo. Chief Nike is one of Nigerias internationally known and renowned female designers and artist.

More art at Nike’s Art Gallery

Fashion at Nike’s art gallery

WHERE I STAYED: NIKE’S GUEST HOUSE

See here for my full review of my stay at Nike’s guest house

What did I like: Unearthing gems in Osogbo. The tour of the UNESCO site by a very knowledgeable tour guide was enlightening. My stay at Nike’s guest house was also memorable. The guest house’s garden (home to a tortoise) was nothing short of stunning. The visit to the Oba’s house was memorable as we were serenading with musicians and dancers.

What didn’t I like: I wish the local processing plants (i.e. for soap, palm oil) were more formally organised in a co-op for the benefit of those these.

What would I change: Nothing, absolutely nothing

What did you think about my write-up? Hope you enjoyed it. And if you have suggestions of what you would like for me to write on, let me know x