Explore And Climb The Majestic Zuma Rock.

There are so many myths and legends about the majestic Zuma Rock that leaves the average Abuja visitor curious enough to make it a must-visit landmark. It is sometimes referred to as the "Gateway to Abuja from Suleja". The Zuma Rock is about 3.1 kilometers in circumference and 725 meters (2,379 ft). The rock is a large monolith, an igneous intrusion composed of gabbro and granodiorite. Geographically, it lies in-between the boarders of Abuja 107 kilometers from Minna along Abuja-Kaduna highway.

Getting to Zuma Rock

The perfect way to get to Zuma Rock upon arrival at the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport is by using a taxi or Uber ride. The rock is just about 45 minutes from the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport.

Access Into The Rock.

Zuma Rock is accessible to the public for free but if you are interested in rock climbing or exploring the magnificent mass of rock, you will be required to pay a token in order to begin your climbing adventure to the top of the rock.

Rock Climbing.

Join a group of climbers, family/friends on a challenging climb to the summit of the rock. Ensure you wait till sunset to experience the sight of the human-faced rock silhouetted by alluring beams of the sunset. If you have intentions to hang around and experience the lovely site, you should book a hotel close to Zuma rock or?visit the Zuma rock village constructed just behind the rock.

The challenging climb to the peak of Zuma Rock takes about 5 hours and it is worth every minute of it. On getting to the top, the Zuma rock offers an amazing all-round view of Abuja and its environment. The climb is a steep one and can be dangerous for those who are not prepared. Climbers are advised to come along with travel kits; Climbing rope, helmet, hiking shoes. Beginners will be provided the company of an experienced climber and are advised to climb on the east side of the rock as it makes for great beginner routes.

Best Time To Visit Zuma Rock.

Although visitors can visit Zuma Rock all year round, the perfect time to visit the rock is during the rainy season ( (April through October) especially if you are looking to experience the amazing fire at the rock?s apex. Natives affirm the phenomenon to the wonders of the deities and voodoo spells. However, scientists object to their belief.

History Of Zuma Rock.

There is no accurate account concerning the origin of the Zuma Rock. However, the first settlers around the rock as far back as the 15th century where the Zuba and Koro people, and then the rock was first called ?Zumwa? meaning ?the place where Guinea Fowls are caught?. At their arrival in the forest, they settled around it and constructed settlements, and later discovered the spiritual representation of the rock as a powerful deity. They turned to worship and offer sacrifices to the rock to protect them and keep them safe from evil. The Gwari people used the rock as a defense and hideout against invading neighboring tribes and external forces.

Zuma Rock has natural contours on its surface which depict the image of a human face with features seeming like a mouth, eyes, and nose. The natives believe the face represents the deity and ancestral powers protecting and governing their affairs.

Other myths suggest that the Zuma Rock sits on a very large expanse of underground water. It is also believed that if the rock is brought down, there will be an outburst of water that will submerge a mindboggling amount of land area. Traditionally, it is believed that when people die, their spirits go to the rock, and since masquerades are believed to be the spirit of the dead, it is believed that all masquerades originated from Zuma Rock.

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