Olumo Rocks If You Lava Bit of Adventure!

Except you’ve been living under a rock, as a Nigerian, you must have heard about Olumo Rock, a popular tourist attraction located only a stone’s throw away from Lagos in the ancient city of Abeokuta.

This isn’t just any piece of rock, it is notable for the significant role it played during the 19th century inter-tribal war involving the Egba people. The rock served as a fortress and a hideout for them when they were literally stuck between a rock and a hard place and the city ‘Abeokuta’ which literally translates to ‘under the rock’ derives its name from it.

Over the past weekend, I went on an organized tour with Social Prefect for a little rock climbing adventure. Before this tour, I had heard about Olumo Rock, of quartz, but I knew nothing about its history or its significance, so this tour provided the avenue to educate myself.

olumo%2Brock

‘Olumo’ means ‘God molded’. That’s the simplest way I can put it. The name is derived from various interpretations of its importance to the Egba people. According to legends, the rock was first discovered by a hunter and farmer named Adagba in the 19th century and was later commissioned as a tourist center in the year 1976.

Since then, the site has undergone a couple of changes, including the introduction of a tourist complex in 2006.

The complex comes with a slate of the art cultural center and art gallery. Before we started the climb, we were given an interesting tour of the gallery. The curator was quite witty as he introduced us to the environment. He shared with us details about some of the works on display as well as what we were to expect during the climb.

Among his witty mentions were the introduction of the ‘Mamas’ that lived atop the rock. He stressed the fact that they were not witches but they offered charm consultancy services, including but not limited to the provision of a ‘follow-me‘ powder and waist beads to control men’s libido.

After the tour of the gallery, we were lead by another guide to begin the first stage of our ascent through a set of steps carved within the rocks.

olumo%2Brock

At our first stop, we were shown a shrine and the Egba war time hideout where people lived, spending a good part of their days crouched beneath the rocks.

olumo%2Brock

Next, we proceeded to see the ‘Mamas’. Of notable mention is the woman who is referred to as ‘Iya Olumo’ or ‘Iya Orisha’. We were told that she turned 131 years old last year (2015) and has lived here almost all her life. She and the women who dwell with her ascribe the secret to their longevity to the deity of the rock.

mama%2Bat%2Bolumo%2Brock

olumo%2Brock

We continued the tour after a bit of interaction with the women. We were shown a baobab tree that spewed water which served as an incubator for premature children in the olden days – Don’t ask. Then we were led to the next bit of the climb where things got a little more interesting.

Rather than well carved out steps, we were presented with a mix of short man-made ladders and uneven shaped rocks. There was the option to use the stairs ore get our hands dirty if were feeling boulder. I chose the latter and trudged on successfully to our second stop.

But my celebration was short lived as soon as I saw how steep our next path was.

olumo%2Brock

At first, I thought about going back to use the stairs, I mean, there was no fracking way I was going to continue but I’m a bit of an adventure lava, so I figured I might as well give it a shot. After all, what is adventure without a little risk?

The guides did mention that there has never been an incident of anyone falling off since the place began operation and I was bent on not being the one to ruin that record. Turns out the climb wasn’t so bad after all! It was actually quite gneiss.

We all reached the top safely and our reward was a view of Abeokuta’s brown roofs and the Ogun River, 137m above sea level.

Abeokuta

Overall, the tour was quite enjoyable and our guides were fantastic. However, there is always room for improvement. The complex itself has a few faults. For example, the elevators don’t work, the restaurant and conveniences could be better and the inclusion of more activities would certainly make the site come alive.

2 comments

  1. This is beautiful, I’m planning a trip for my company, Is there a tip I can get from you? Thank you

    1. Thank you, Greay! If you’re looking for a tour guide/company to organize the trip on your behalf, I can recommend a few – including the company that organized this particular trip. Let me know!

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

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One beautiful day in 2018 🌞 , I awoke with the sudden urge to explore 3 countries on a budget! It was my first cross-country road trip but I took that chance and it led me straight to my husband 💕

Funny how life works out sometimes!
One beautiful day in 2018 🌞 , I awoke with the sudden urge to explore 3 countries on a budget! It was my first cross-country road trip but I took that chance and it led me straight to my husband 💕 Funny how life works out sometimes!
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A little dramatic? But yes, this was exactly what I needed. I was experiencing burnout, at the same time, facing the possibility of being laid off from work... going through a deeply personal and emotionally draining phase and needed an out! It was a short getaway but it was the just the reset that I needed! 🦋
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Think beach getaways, hiking, camping, safaris and more! All within a short distance from the city!

In this video, we're visiting Amboseli National Park. This weekend getaway is perfect for a long 3-day weekend. Staying at least two nights in the area will give you enough time to enjoy a safari and your accommodation.

I recommend booking a place with a view of a waterhole - with this, you might even be tempted to skip the drive in the park completely!

Let me know what other places you'd love to see and please share your best weekend or day trips from Nairobi in the comments! 💬
In this Nairobi Weekender Series, I'll be sharing some of the best weekend trips you can take from Nairobi. Think beach getaways, hiking, camping, safaris and more! All within a short distance from the city! In this video, we're visiting Amboseli National Park. This weekend getaway is perfect for a long 3-day weekend. Staying at least two nights in the area will give you enough time to enjoy a safari and your accommodation. I recommend booking a place with a view of a waterhole - with this, you might even be tempted to skip the drive in the park completely! Let me know what other places you'd love to see and please share your best weekend or day trips from Nairobi in the comments! 💬
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It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in! It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂 In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end). If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂 And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀 #OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
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This country truly has it all! 😍

Lovely weather ✅️
Pristine whitesand beaches with warm waters ✅️
Incredible Wildlife and Safaris in your backyard!✅️
Stunning mountains and hiking trails ✅️ 
Lovely outdoor spaces, waterfalls, gardens and forests ✅️

From Maasai Mara to Mount Kenya, from Watamu to Lake Naivasha - Kenya really said "why choose when you can have everything?"

Have you visited or is it on your travel wishlist? Tell me your favourite experiences/what you're most looking forward to in the comment section!💬
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If you're tired of crowded tourist spots, save this hidden gem before everyone finds out!

📍Suncheon Bay National Garden ❤️
If you're tired of crowded tourist spots, save this hidden gem before everyone finds out! 📍Suncheon Bay National Garden ❤️
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The most beautiful African sunset🌙✨️🦒
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Listen, you don't have to tell me twice! I'm a 9-5 woman who loves to travel. I don't joke about my PTO and public holidays! 😂

If you're planning to combine your vacation days with a public holiday, here are the upcoming ones for the second half of the year...

🇳🇬 × 🇰🇪
- Jun 06 (and 9?): Eid Al-Adha
- Jun 12: Democracy Day 🇳🇬
- Sep 04 - 05?: (Tentative for Mawlid
- Oct 01: 🇳🇬 Independence Day
- Oct 10: 🇰🇪 Utamaduni (Moi) Day
- Oct 20: 🇰🇪 Mashujaa Day
- Dec 12: 🇰🇪 Jamhuri Day
- Dec 25-26: Christmas & Boxing Day

You're welcome! 😊
Listen, you don't have to tell me twice! I'm a 9-5 woman who loves to travel. I don't joke about my PTO and public holidays! 😂 If you're planning to combine your vacation days with a public holiday, here are the upcoming ones for the second half of the year... 🇳🇬 × 🇰🇪 - Jun 06 (and 9?): Eid Al-Adha - Jun 12: Democracy Day 🇳🇬 - Sep 04 - 05?: (Tentative for Mawlid - Oct 01: 🇳🇬 Independence Day - Oct 10: 🇰🇪 Utamaduni (Moi) Day - Oct 20: 🇰🇪 Mashujaa Day - Dec 12: 🇰🇪 Jamhuri Day - Dec 25-26: Christmas & Boxing Day You're welcome! 😊
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