As a Nigerian, I’m most proud of our rich natural resources and beauty, our historical and cultural heritage. Hence, I have great interest in exploring and experiencing this great heritage.
My best holiday ever was my visit to the Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River, Nigeria in 2022 with a friend. The resort is known to be one of the most popular tourist attraction centres in Nigeria due its location in the highlands and deep tropical forests of Cross River State with a temperate climate at about 45 miles from the border with Cameroon.
As we landed in Calabar, we felt a special type of excitement rising within us. Tourists from all over the world were crowded into the airport, eager to experience the splendour of Obudu Resort. We moved swiftly in the direction of the resort, taking in the view as we travelled across rolling hills of lush greenery.
As soon as I arrived at the resort, the breathtaking natural setting around me captivated me. On the Obudu Plateau, which is perched more than 1,500 metres above sea level, is where you’ll find Obudu Mountain Resort. A welcome relief from the heat of the lowlands was provided by the cool mountain air that engulfed me.
We both settled into our hotel rooms which has a good view of the greenery and mountains. Our tour guide came to welcome us and took us for a walk through the Angel’s View which is a point where some valleys form to give a “V” shape. This view takes your breath away and makes you appreciate the wonderful creation of God. This view is between the Helipad and the Presidential Villa.
The cable car ride up the mountain was one of our trip’s highlights. My eyes were treated to expansive views of the surrounding valleys and undulating hills as I gently rose. I felt as though I were floating above the clouds throughout this strange encounter. The lush vegetation and the cold breeze combined to produce a tranquilly I had never felt before.
During day two of our trip, our tour guide was unavailable to take us around. This day was about to be a twist in our experience, however, we decided not to allow it but to explore the various activities the resort had to offer ourselves. We started with a hike through the Becheve Nature Reserve which is a conservation forest filled with various species of plants and animals. The dense vegetation and towering trees has many species of trees and it is said that some trees have been there before civilization. I never felt more connected to nature than I did when I heard birds tweeting and smelled the clean mountain air. We were directed along the route to the renowned Canopy Walkway, a suspension bridge that crosses over the treetops. I experienced an adrenaline rush as I walked across the bridge as I glanced down at the enormous area of vegetation below me. It was an absolutely thrilling experience. After this, we headed towards the natural swimming pool. The pool provided the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
We enjoyed local cuisine at the resort’s restaurant in the evenings. My taste senses were delighted by the authentic Nigerian cuisine, which were brimming with flavours and spices. We also had the chance to speak with some helpful staff members who shared their experiences and knowledge of the area’s rich cultural legacy with us.
During our stay at Obudu Resort, we also participated in horseback riding, cycling, and bird-watching. And each day was filled with new adventures and discoveries, making my holiday an unforgettable experience.
The Hidden Cost