Jonathan spends working holiday at Obudu

Nigeria is endowed with massive tourism potentials, both natural and man-made. Each state of the federation has its own tourism potentials that could be developed to improve the tourism industry, turning it into revenue generating venture for the local communities and the nation as a whole.

However, out of these hundreds of tourism endowments, there are places that can be likened to paradise were nature abounds. The Obudu Mountain Resort (Formerly Obudu Cattle Ranch) is one of the tourist sites in Cross River State which offers the leisure seeker and the conference goer a complete contrast. Not only in its temperate climate but also it’s exciting and different location.

Nestling at the top of the mountain, the Obudu Mountain Resort is situated on a plateau at 1576 metres above sea level on the Oshie Ridge of the Sankwala Mountains. The temperate climate offers a total contrast and welcome respite from Africa’s tropical heat. Idyllic tranquillity, beautiful scenery and breathtaking views make it ideal for the lone adventurer, families on reunion, young couple or holiday group.

For this reason and after a long period of political campaign that spans through out the nation and a exhausted election calendar, the President of Nigeria Good Luck Ebele Jonathan, instead of going abroad which is the norm among Nigerian leaders, decided to spend the holiday at the Obudu Mountain Resort not only to relax and take time out but also to strategies for the task ahead of him most especially as he is about to start another four year term.

It was therefore not a surprise that the President decided to go to Obudu Mountain Resort with the retinue of his aids, senior government officials and ministers for a one week holiday retreat because the resort is well equipped with all the equipment and facilities that will make the stay of a special guest like the president a pleasant one.

The Presidential Villa which is the highest point on the ranch is built at a view point for the President to see as far as he could up to Cameroon. The villa has eight chalets for presidential aides being constructed with 100 percent seasoned wood from Finland. The Presidential Villa has a helipad.

 The resort also provides accommodation in the form of African round huts and chalets on stilts maximising the breathtaking views. Obudu Mountain Resort offers self-contained suites varying in size from the 2-bedroom Governor’s Lodge with its own lounge and dining room and kitchenette to the 20 Mountain Villas, each with three bedrooms, lounge, dining room, kitchenette and balcony.

 The place have been carefully put in place to meet up with international standard, and  the food and beverage offering is found in the Terrace Restaurant and Bar with a cosy and relaxing atmosphere made complete by the blazing log fire. National and international cuisine is guaranteed to suit all tastes and the healthy appetites from a day’s nature walk or round of golf.

The former Obudu Cattle Ranch offers a fully-equipped gym, two floodlit tennis courts, a squash court and a natural swimming pool. Keen golfers can show their prowess on the hotel’s 9-hole golf course the major talking point of guests is Africa’s longest cable car system.

 At 4 kilometres, Obudu Mountain Resort cable car gently transfers guests (and their bags) from the tropical climate at the base of the mountain right to the hotel’s reception area on the mountainside which is often in the clouds and is accompanied by an invigorating drop in temperature. Admirers of eco-tourism and adventure, bored by comfort of the hotel accommodations could easily get busy with a ride down the hill on the cable car and indulge in some water sports.

The tourist will have the opportunity to view the magnificent scenery and spectacular birdlife which are a must for the visitors who come to this part of the world and these tourists can be taken on foot or on bicycle. For those who forgot to pack binoculars, the Canopy Walkway which is situated in the trees allows visitors thrilling close-ups of the birds in their natural habitat high above the ground.

The Resort in the past had hosted prominent event such as 'Gulder Ultimate Search', also plays host to the world's most enduring and famous 'Mountain Race' (Obudu Mountain Race) that has brought prominent runners from around the world to Nigeria.

It is quite possible that in the near future, arrivals may double with plans being worked out by the African Sun Hotels, not only for local, but also for the increasing tourists from abroad to enjoy the fascinating aura, serenity and tranquillity of the surrounding beautiful hills that seem more ideal for the strong and fit alone.

One of the greatest assets of the resort is its sustainable tourism practice that gives priority to the interest of its host communities. For instance, the local communities that are largely farmers and cattle rearers supply some of the ingredients used at the resort. This guarantees steady income for those that are not fully employed by the resort.