Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Obudu

HOLY MOUNTAIN

Although Obudu Cattle Ranch is located up on high planes with so many mountains and plateaus in its surrounding, the holy mountain is a significant one because it has the highest peak on the range. It was discovered by missionaries and people would come to pray and fellowship there. That why it is called ‘Holy Mountain’.

It also plays an important role in history. The holy mountain was a hideout for the locals during the civil war. Bunkers are on the mountain where people hid during the Nigerian Civil War. There is only one way to access the Holy Mountain so it was a very good hideout for the people.

Some bunkers and offering box were still retained on site.

CATARACT WATERFALL

This is one of the major waterfalls in Obudu and it is the fastest to get to. The other major waterfall takes a minimum of 6hours to hike to.

The Cataract Waterfall can be seen fully on the Holy Mountain. It was named cataract because of its view from the Holy Mountain. Cataract means a long waterfall. The adventure to the Cataract Waterfall was the best part of my trip to Obudu Cattle Ranch. 

NATURAL POOL and WATERFALL

This is one of the mini waterfalls in Obudu Cattle Ranch. The waterfall forms a natural pool at its bed and is quite easy to access. The water stream is completely beautiful but very cold. It has two stages: a small fall with pool and then a longer fall with a deeper pool. The pool is deep enough to swim, jump and dive into.

GROTTO

Grotto is another mini waterfall with a pool. But unlike Natural Pool, Grotto has been modified a little to allow the water to accumulate at its bed, forming a deep pool.  The depth and width of the water pool were artificially created.

Grotto is the perfect place for bonfire parties and barbeques. It has a sitting area with shade and fireplace for grilling. Grotto is one of the easiest attractions to get to. There are well laid out steps, railings and guidelines to help get to the waterfall.

BECHEEVE NATURE RESERVE AND TREE NURSERY 

The Becheeve Nature Reserve is a conservation forest filled with various species of plants and animals. There are many species of trees and it holds some trees have been there before civilization. We were even showed some trees that dinosaurs fed on!

The forest reserve was named after the village settlement what was previously located there. Measuring over 65 hectares in size, the forest reserve has a tree nursery at the entrance which is preserved by the Obudu Conservation Centre. The forest is mainly to preserve plants that are in extinction.

THE CANOPY WALKWAY:

The major highlight of the Becheeve Forest Reserve is the canopy walk. It is a 60km canopy walkway.

INTESTINAL ROAD VIEW

The intestinal road is the road that brings one up the mountain to Obudu Cattle Ranch. The road network is spiral and it gives a zig-zag view from the top. The view is more beautiful because of the black and white paintings on the walls of the road. There are two ways to view the intestinal road. The first one shows the road to the left. It also shows the previous and only road that could access Obudu Cattle Ranch before the new tarred roads were created by Cross River State government. The previous road could only accommodate one car at a time; so someone sends a message if a car is approaching so that oncoming cars can stay put. At this point, you can hear the noise of water streaming down the mountain and see the valley below.

ANGEL’S VIEW AND PRESIDENTIAL VILLA

The Angel’s View 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.  The Angel’s View is between the Helipad and the Presidential Villa.

BANANA VILLAGE and OPAZANGA VILLAGE

Obudu Cattle Ranch is a mountain community with different villages (I think about 7 villages makes up the mountain community). Sightseeing in the villages is a big part of the trip. It teaches about their culture, tradition, customs, history and how they survive. Banana Village is a village surrounded with banana plantations. Obudu’s bananas are very big and sweet. Obudu Cattle Ranch has lots of wonderful sights to see like the honey factory and the primary school that has been there since 1954!

WOMEN’S WOODLOT RESERVE

The Women’s Woodlot Reserve is a program by the Obudu Conservation Centre to replant in the areas that have been damaged due to cow grazing, fire and tree felling. A forest reserve was created for women in Obudu Cattle Ranch where they can get wood for cooking and as a source of heat. There is no electricity for the villages on Obudu Mountains so the communities depend solely on firewood for cooking and heat. 90 percent of women and children fetch wood from the reserve to make fire to cook.