Travel to Abeokuta: A Guide for foreigners visiting Abeokuta for fun

by Esther Omuzor / 27 Nov 2019
Ogun State accounts for a sizeable number of foreigners visiting Nigeria and this is largely due to the attractions in its capital city, Abeokuta. Ogun, popularly known as the ?Gateway State? is a state in the southwestern region of Nigeria. The state has a high concentration of industrial estates and is considered as the major manufacturing hub in Nigeria. It's an important state in Nigeria with its rich culture and history. Abeokuta is not only the capital but also the largest city in Ogun state. It is notable for its heritage and being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. The city lies below the famous Olumo Rock which houses several caves and shrines. There are lots of places and experiences that are worth exploring for great memories and a chance to learn about this historic town. Currently, there is no functional Airport in Abeokuta or in any other parts of Ogun State. Foreigners visiting Nigeria will have to first land in Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos which is the closest airport to Abeokuta at approximately 63.6 kilometers away from the Abeokuta City metropolis. The city is also connected by road to other renowned cities in Nigeria such as Ilaro, Ibadan, Iseyin, and Shagamu. Best hotels in Ikeja, Lagos. A drive from the Murtala Muhammed Airport to the Abeokuta city metropolis takes about 45 minutes. Road Transportation Companies in Nigeria Getting Around In Abeokuta The major means of transportation in Abeokuta are the state-owned green cabs and motorcycles, otherwise known as Okada. The particular type of vehicular movement option chosen by visitors is dependent on speed, affordability, and choice. Okadas are cheap and fast although they provide little or no comfort. The average price for commuting with okadas is between 50-300 naira, depending on the distance covered. The tricycles, otherwise known as Keke Napep, are also relatively cheap and more comfortable than motorbikes but are considerably slower. The prices of the tricycles range from 50 to 200 naira within the city. Whatever your budget is as a foreigner in Abeokuta, you can easily find a way to move around the city. Things To Do in Abeokuta There are so many things to do in the hustling and bustling city of Abeokuta. The city is a beehive of activities ranging from commercial to educational and religious. Visitors to Abeokuta can engage in shopping or visit various tourist attractions to make their stay memorable. Here are some fun activities foreigners enjoy doing when in Abeokuta: Go Rock climbing in Olumo Rock The most famous landmark in Abeokuta is the Olumo Rock. It served as a hiding place for the Egba people during the slave-taking expeditions of the Yoruba Civil War ? and the town itself is named after it, as Abeokuta means ?under the rock?. There are man-made stairwells that make climbing the rock relatively easy. Along the way, while climbing the rocks, there are shrines, usually tended to by women and dedicated to different gods. Read more Explore Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library is a library owned by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former President of Nigeria. It is a historic, tourist and academic centre established as a national archive for the preservation of documents and materials used by the president during his tenure as the president of Nigeria. The library is located at Abeokuta, Ogun State in Nigeria. Read more Take a tour of the Centenary Hall in Abeokuta. The centenary hall The Egbaland centenary hall was built by the settlers to monumentalize their one hundred years story of peaceful existence at Abeokuta after the inter-tribal wars. It was constructed in 1950 directly opposite the current Abeokuta south local government. Read more Delve into Abeokuta's cultural history by visiting the Alake of Egba land's palace. The Alake palace The Alake of Egbaland is the traditional ruler of the Egba tribe in the city of Abeokuta. A trip to the palace serves as a means of educating visitors about the people of Egbaland. Everything about the palace boastfully displays the pride of the Egba people and it is worth exploring. Read more Play Golf and relax by the lake at Hill Top Golf resort hill top golf resort The Hill Top is an enchanting gold resort with a relaxing atmosphere accompanied by fine music and an assortment of drinks. You can obviously play golf at the Hill Top and follow it up by relaxing by the lake. Read more Explore the National Museum Abeokuta National museum Lovers of archeology will find a lot to learn from the National Museum Abeokuta and it is indeed a repository of the culture and tradition of Egbaland and its people. It displays the heritage of the people in a revealing and educative way. Read more Visit The Omo Forest Reserve Omo Forest Reserve The Omo Forest Reserve is home to over 200 types of trees and 125 species of birds and mammals, including endangered elephants, chimpanzees and white-throated guenon monkeys. Apart from being a place of immense beauty, it also has conservation importance and makes for a great relaxation spot. Read more Go Fishing and enjoy a boat ride at Oyan lake A visit to the Oyan lake would definitely be a thrilling experience as it holds cultural values and is a beautiful sight to behold. You can enjoy a boat ride and go fishing at the lake. Read more Create Refreshing memories at the Green Legacy Resort Green Legacy Resort is a luxury hotel that spots an amazing resort facility and makes for a great vacation destination. With its highly spacious and classy furnished rooms and suites, coupled with the facilities, foreign visitors can create great memories. Read more The Best Hotels in Abeokuta There is so much to do when you are in Abeokuta as the city offers visiting foreigners so much thrill and the opportunity to create everlasting memories. Other readers enjoyed reading: https://hotels.ng/guides/activities/travel-to-lagos-a-guide-for-foreigners-visiting-lagos-city-for-fun/ https://hotels.ng/guides/general/ten-things-to-do-in-lagos-this-december/