There are certain places in Nigeria that you hear and read so much about, they begin to sound legendary—until you actually get to behold them in person. Obudu Mountain Resort was such a place for me for years. The name came up repeatedly in tourist guides and travel sites, in whispered tones of awe and skepticism. “It’s beautiful,” they’d say.
I know, the first thing that comes to mind or the first response of the majority when they hear Obudu Mountain Resort is either ‘overhyped’ or ‘used to be nice.’ But allow me to tell you a little secret — it is still one of Nigeria’s best-kept secrets, and no, it isn’t dead. It is just misunderstood.
Perched high above the clouds at over 1,500 meters above sea level, Obudu Mountain Resort (previously Obudu Cattle Ranch) is less of a resort and more of an experience. If you’re the type that survives on Instagram-worthy scenery, mountain winds, and nature therapy, Obudu might just be the retreat you never knew you needed.
A Brief History
It was in 1949 that a Scottish cattle rancher(and veterinary surgeon), M. McCaughey, stumbled upon the Obudu plateau while trekking the Sankwala Mountains in Cross River State, close to the Cameroon border. He was struck by the cold weather and terrain, and in 1951, came back with another cattle rancher, Mr. Hugh Jones, and they started developing what is today called Obudu Cattle Ranch—or better known these days as Obudu Mountain Resort. Previously run by the Cross River State government, the resort gained popularity as one of the foremost tourist spots in Africa when it was revamped by the then-Governor of the state, Donald Duke. In its golden age, it earned Nigeria a place on the world’s tourism map.
Now, though it may no longer exude the same luxury glow it once did, its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and peaceful weather still draw those seeking adventure, solitude, or simply a digital detox.
Getting There: Cable Car and Intestinal Road Adventure
This is where things get thrilling—and a bit nuts. To reach the resort from the foot of the mountain, you can either take the infamous “intestinal road” up, an 11km twisting road that’s renowned for its zig-zag bends and hairpin ascents, or you can go on Africa’s longest cable car system, which covers 4 kilometres.
The ride is around 25 minutes by car, and the cable car—if running—gets you there in just over 6 minutes, all the time giving you a bird’s eye view of the thick greenery and foggy mountains. It’s an absolute treat, I promise you. Riding in that cable car, high up over cloud tops and tree tops, inching along, you feel as if you’re entering a whole new world.
Why is Obudu Mountain Resort Unique?
Scenery, peace, and weather, let’s talk. Obudu’s major draw is the temperate climate, a world away from Nigeria’s heat in the tropics. Be prepared to put on your sweaters in the evenings. It is something you don’t usually hear when on holiday in Nigeria.
Obudu is the kind of place that feels like it is from the past. With magnificent rolling hills, thick green forests, pure mountain air, and valleys covered in mist, Obudu does not go out of its way to promote itself, but rather, it gently requires you to slowly sit, take a deep breath. Whether it’s your honeymoon getaway, family vacation, or a trip by yourself, the ambience is healing. While the resort is opulent, some of its facilities are a bit worn, but the untouched beauty makes up for it.
Mountain Villas to African Round Huts
Obudu Mountain Resort accommodation is as natural and scenic as the landscape. Your options include African-round thatched huts or stilts chalets—perfect for enjoying panoramic vistas of the mountains. There are also Mountain Villas, Presidential Suites, and the iconic Governor’s Lodge, a 2-bedroom suite with a dining room and kitchenette to itself.
Although some of the accommodations consist of older buildings, the heart of the stay is in the experience: awakening to birdsong, mist-covered hills, and total quiet. If you’re fed up with hotel chains and want something more down-to-earth, more human, this is it.
Top Obudu Mountain Resort Activities
This is not your typical resort where you will be sleeping and swimming. Obudu Mountain Resort is replete with natural and man-made attractions, which cater to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers as well.
1. Becheve Nature Reserve & Tree Nursery
A haven for nature tourists and environmentalists, the Becheve Nature Reserve houses a wide variety of ancient tree species, birds, and fauna. You’ll see trees that are believed to have flourished even before humans inhabited the region.
2. The Obudu Plateau
A part of the Sankwala mountain range’s Oshie Ridge, the vast plateau covers more than 40 square miles and rises to more than 1,716 meters above sea level. The plateau hosts rare birds and provides scenic views of the forests and valleys below.
3. Canopy Walkway
The 100m suspension bridge, hung above the forest floor, allows you to stroll among the trees, with exhilarating views out over the countryside and a better look at birds and other canopy inhabitants.
4. Angel’s View and Presidential Villa
These naturally formed V-shaped valleys are nothing short of divine. From Angel’s View, you can see sweeping vistas that will quite literally take your breath away. Meanwhile, Devil’s Elbow is a sharp curve along the intestinal road—a must-visit photo spot.
5. Natural Swimming Pools & Water Park
Though the water park and certain artificial pools are not in full use, Obudu compensates with natural streams and pools. Dive into the cool waters of the mountain, natural, invigorating, and chemical-free.
6. Village & Mountain Walks
Feel the hospitality of the people of Obanliku on a guided village walk. Discover their history, food, and culture on the lovely walks.
7. Obudu International Mountain Race
Taking place each November, the Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race is the “World’s Richest Mountain Race” thanks to its massive prize purse. It attracts top runners from across the globe to run on its grueling course.
Facilities and Amenities
Obudu Mountain Resort is not completely primitive. It has:
*Restaurant & Bar (with a roaring log fire on cold evenings)
*Laundry Service
*Mini Bar
*Fitness Area
*Natural Swimming Pool
*Satellite television
* Parking Lot
*Tennis & Basketball Courts
*Business Centre
*Event Hall
And yes, there is Wi-Fi, but just in the Bar area and for in-house guests. So bring along your books and camera rather than high-speed internet packages.
Practical Advice Before You Depart
- Bring a flashlight (Power might not be stable).
- Pack insect repellents and mosquito nets
- Bring warm clothing (it gets cold at night).
- Come along with snacks (especially if you observe a special diet).
- Hire a local guide – They are familiar with the land and can enhance your experience.
Hope For A Better Future
Obudu Mountain Resort experienced its peak during Governor Donald Duke and, to some degree, Liyel Imoke’s regimes. However, over the years, the resort started declining through mismanagement and failed concession agreements. In 2024, the Cross River State government brought in CIBA Construction Company Limited, supported by Marriott International, on board to remake and refurbish the facility. It was a massive effort at resuscitating the resort. Although this project proved to be a disappointment to both local and foreign tourists after garnering national interest and countrywide expectation initially. This is mainly because the construction moved at a snail’s pace, and people started getting tired of the ‘nearing completion’ assurances.
Responding to the delays, the state government revoked CIBA’s concession in 2025 and retook possession of the resort. A new revitalisation team has since been constituted under the Governor Bassey Otu administration to overhaul the facility and make the most out of it.
As Sunday Michael, Special Adviser on Obudu Ranch Resort, the new project aims to stimulate tourism, generate employment, and showcase Cross River’s natural and cultural beauty. The mandate is simple: Obudu is not only being resuscitated, it’s being reinvented for a better tomorrow.
Obudu is not for the flashy visitor who demands infinity pools and marble floors. It’s for the adventurer, the romantic, the nature lover. It’s for people who prefer to listen to birdsong to car horns, who’d prefer to climb a mountain than Instagram feeds, and who understand that sometimes the greatest luxury of all is silence. So, the next time you need a break from Nigeria’s hustle and bustle, bring your boots along, take your binoculars with you, and go to Obudu Mountain Resort. It’s less of a destination—it’s an experience. A slice of heaven in the clouds, calling you to rediscover.
Location: Obanliku, Obudu Plateau, Bechere, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Room Price: From N25,000 per night(Standard Double Chalet)
