The history of the ranch dates back to the late 1930’s when expatriates managed the cattle ranch; as it was called at that time. Their departure in the early 1970s gave allowed for indigenous management. Donald Duke, the quintessential former governor of Cross River State revived and remodelled it under Protea’s management, to a world-class tourist site that now compares favourably to any other of its kind anywhere in the world. The influx of tourists of all races, year in year out, to the ranch speaks volumes of the pride of place it now occupy in the hearts of many. The distance from Obudu town to the ranch is about 60kms. The beautiful scenery of thick vegetation that interfaces between the dense tropical rain forest in the southern part of the state, up to the Cameroon, and the Guinea Savannah that extends through the southern fringes of Benue State up to Nasarawa State will be an added experience for tourists. The road to the ranch is narrow but well maintained and will make the ride more pleasurable. The proximity of Obudu to Benue means they share close historical and cultural ties with their Tiv neighbours. This can be seen in their traditional settlements which bear architectural similarities.
The hooting of the bus called me out of my reverie, I had arrived at my home town Vandeikya where I was expected to lodge for the night and prepare for the D – day. The distance from my home town to the ranch is about one hour thirty minutes. Although I have lived there for over two decades, the proximity with my home town didn’t confer on me special privileges of a frequent visit to Obudu cattle ranch.
When morning broke, I took on the journey. The voice of the wonderland beckoned.
As we rode past the villages situated within thick forests, I felt lost to a world concealed from the hustle and bustle of city life. The peace and serenity of this environment called to my soul, I felt the connection, an intercourse between my mind and the tranquillity the pervaded the atmosphere. Goose pimple caught my skin as the chilling breeze caressed my body; “this is out of naija!”, I exclaimed. On the way to the ranch is the Bebi airstrip constructed by the administration of Donald Duke for packaged tour groups or individuals who are buoyant enough to fly in and are picked by the hotel’s tour bus for another 45 minutes drive to the main place. From this point, you begin to make a calm descent down as if to a place of no return, until you arrive at the ox-head gate house located at the foot of the ranch resort. As the welcome sign signified my arrival, the real climb then began with a mixture of fear, curiosity and pleasure. For me as a first timer it was so frightening at the mere sight of the “intestine” road, l almost wanted to make a detour. Really, climbing up the steep slope to the crest is not for the faint-hearted, whether with one’s automobile or with the recently introduced cable car. An acrophobic will dread the cable car; nevertheless any kind of fear can be overcome like it happened to me on this first visit.
As I close in on the resort, each kilometre is boldly inscribed on the paved asphalted road. As a first timer, a lot of questions cropped my mind; how was it possible to survey and construct this road; how do they maintain the steep ‘intestine’ road to the standard it is now? In the midst of my curiosity, I turned either side of the road to behold the extra-ordinary topography and scenery that prompts reverence for the creator. Each kilometer up got me more apprehensive. I suddenly shouted ‘Here at last!’ as I saw the bold Protea signpost and other buildings in the foreground. The beautiful environment gave a telling story of painstaking efforts that have been put into the development of this wonderland.
The weather was so clement, hardly going above 20 degrees Celsius. At this height, it is like an ascension to the heavens where celestial beings are on hand to sing a specially composed song on the bliss and warmth of these undulating plains. The air is so clean and fresh, so much that there are no air conditioners. Instead, what you see is fire places in the chalets.
“The resort is at an elevation of about 1,576 meters (3,200 feet) above sea level, and enjoys a cool, temperate climate. It is an area of idyllic tranquillity, beautiful scenery and breathtaking views”, so states the fact sheet. It has 76 stone-walled chalets in seven categories managed by Protea: 4 categories are single rooms of standard and executive suites with different facilities to match and the other 3 are 2 bedroom apartments each specifically built and furnished to taste. The room rates range from N16, 000 per night to a maximum of N45, 000 depending on the class.
The hotel offers other extras that suit individual, family or groups like companies. There is a tennis court, a swimming pool and other sports like Squash, horse riding, organized hiking and bird watching. The swimming pool flows to a point called, the Grotto. There is also a 9-hole golf course that takes advantage of the beautiful landscape to give golfers a worthwhile challenge.
Everything here, including the meals is of international standard. It is advisable to bring along a pair of shoes, binoculars as well as warm clothes and other sundry aids that will make your stay truly memorable. With the binoculars, you can enjoy the pleasure of viewing the hills as far as Cameroon, as the ranch is just 6km from the Cameroon.
By the time I checked my wrist watch it I discovered how fast the day had flown by. It was time to say goodbye to Obudu. The experience has been worth it anyway. I wasn’t disappointed in any way. I had visited, seen and conquered the great Obudu. As the bus took me back to my place of lodgement (my home town), I felt fulfilled. Just as I thought I had it all, my unquenchable desire to conquer yet another tourist site arose. Another place beckons. Maybe it will be the Olumo Rock next or even the Yankari games reserve I can’t tell but right now I just want to bask in the euphoria of this experience
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