Olumo rock is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nigeria. It is located in the heart of Abeokuta, Ogun State. Nigeria. The name Olumo can be loosely translated as “under the Rock“. It has become one of the top tourist attractions in Abeokuta. This historical rock has attracted tourists from all works of life. This gigantic mountain could be seen from different corners of Abeokuta city. Abeokuta is the capital of Ogun State. It is an ancient city located in the South West of Nigeria within one hour drive from Lagos. History of Olumo Rock The Olumo Rock is an ancient rock located in Abeokuta which serves as a fortress to the Egba residents during the inter-tribal war around 1800. The rock was discovered by a hunter named Adagba in the 19th Century. The rock was beneficial in helping the Egba’s win the inter-tribal war. It serves as a strategic hideout, a fortress and a vantage point for Egba Warriors. It is not just a tourist attraction, it is a sacred ground, a symbol of freedom, victory, strength and peace. It is an extensive granite rock which covers a huge expanse of land. It sits majestically on the main Olumo Rock Tourist complex giving tourists a panoramic view of the beautiful city. Post Colonial History of Olumo Rock Olumo Rock became a Tourist attraction in 1976 and was later renovated by the Ogun State Government and commissioned by the then President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. However, in 2006, an extensive renovation was carried out which includes the construction of a glass elevator which has two layers that can convey passengers to the top of the mountain. This renovation and modification gave birth to the new Olumo Rock Tourist Complex. The new complex had additional facilities which include a multi-purpose hall for events, a museum, a garden, a restaurant, a water fountain and a gift shop. Abeokuta Tourist Attraction The Complex has been equipped with modern infrastructure such as the heavy-duty Glass escalator which runs through various sections of the mountain making it easy for tourists to easily get to the top of the mountain. It also serves as a platform for easy movement of people in and out of the mountain. The mountain also has artificial walkways and stairs to aid in climbing the 137 metres mountain. Underneath the mountain lies the burial ground of one of the earliest residents of the Rock who was the right-hand chief of the then King, Chief Sonni Osi-Toko who died on the 23rd January 1956 at the age of 122 years. Meaning of Olumo Rock Olumo Rock can be translated as “What God made” or what God moulded. It is a name given to the rock by its earliest inhabitants because it served as a hideout during the war. Best Time to Visit Olumo Rock The complex opens Mondays through Sundays and on public holidays. You can visit the rock at any time during the year, however, it will be best to visit during the dry season which is usually between August and March. To maximize your visit, you should consider visiting during the month of March which is the month that coincides with the Olumo and Lisabi Festival. Facts about Olumo Rock Tips For Climbing Olumo Rock Fun Things to Do at Olumo Rock Gate Fee to Olumo Rock The entrance fee to Olumo rock varies from Children to adults For Adults 1,000 if you plan to hike or climb your way up the mountain and 2,000 if you are using the escalator. For Children is it 500 Naira per head. If you are using a Professional camera it goes for 300 per individual and if you come as a group it is 1,000 Parking is 200 Facilities at Olumo Rock Tourist Centre Getting Accommodation The complex itself does not have rooms for rent. There are several accommodation options around Olumo Rock. It is, however, important to make a reservation before going. This is because most of the rooms are usually booked during the festive period. The cost of hotels around Abeokuta ranges from 3,000 to 50,000 naira per night. How to Get to Olumo Rock There are different ways to get to Olumo Rock it depends on where you are coming from. You can either go by air, train or road. However, the closest Airport to Olumo Rock is the Murtala International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria. From MMA2 you can either take a Taxi, or a bus or book a train ride from a train station to Abeokuta. Location of Olumo Rock Olumo Rock It is located at Ikija Town in Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria. Views from the Peak Of Olumo Rock From the top of the Rock, you can see the different landmarks in Abeokuta, some of the landmarks are listed below: Package Tours to Abeokuta Lastly, If you need a packaged tour to Olumo Rock, we offer custom tours, hotel/Airport pick-up. If you want a tour to Abeokuta, which will include the following Other Attractions Close to Olumo Rock