Despite the crippling impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the hospitality industry in the country and globally, Nigeria’s Obudu Mountain Resort also known as Obudu Cattle Ranch has positioned itself as one of the sought after tourist destinations in the country.
The resort which is arguably one of Africa’s finest and spectacular tourist destinations due to its location has been inundated with nature loving enthusiast looking to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle of city life.
Speaking during Naija Seven Wonder webinar session, organised by Mr Ikechi Uko, Organiser, AKWAABA Africa Travel and Tourism Market, Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Bobby Ekpenyong, said the ranch which is rich in natural vegetation and a picturesque view, is increasingly becoming popular amongst tourists from all around Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
According to him, the government has taken steps to ensure that the ranch is brought back to its former glory, adding that the Cross River State government is investing heavily in infrastructure on the ranch to give guests the world class service.
He said the resort had lots of attractions capable of engaging tourists meaningfully like the longest canopy walkway in Africa, cable cars, waterfalls, Holy Mountain, water parks, a ranch and lots more.
Ekpenyong added that ranch has a Grotto – a mini waterfall with a pool, noting that but unlike natural pool, the grotto has been modified a little to allow the water to accumulate at its bed, forming a deep pool.
“Virtually all that you used to know about Obudu mountain resort are up again. All the tour sites, the grotto, Holy Mountain, the water parks, the canopy walk way, we have also brought the cable car back but we had a minor issue with it due to thunders strikes. We have placed order for the affected parts and hopefully in the next three weeks, the cable car will be in use. We are doing everything to ensure that this festive season our guest will have maximum time at the resort. Everything is perfectly in order, the mountain villa, the presidential villa; the beautification of the resort is back in full. We have a complete turnaround at the Obudu mountain resort. The beautification, the ambiance, the environment everything is back in full at the resort.”
Commenting on the power situation on the ranch Ekpenyong stated that: “About two years ago the power supply has been the greatest headache at the resort, but now we have light from 6pm to 8am and then we have smaller generators to power the guest’s rooms on request. The reason is that we expect that during the day guests will go out for sightseeing to relish the beauty of the resort. We are also working on other means of having regular power supply at the ranch using wind turbine, hopefully very soon we should have constant power supply.”
He added that the ranch has now become a destination with high patronage from tourist noting that the 165 room resort is always fully occupied.
He assured tourists of good security, noting that the resort was the best attraction to visit at this critical period of COVID-19 pandemic, as the state had recorded minimal cases of the viral spread.
“Obudu ranch resort is a naturally endowed tourist attraction where tourists can meditate seamlessly, with beautiful ambience.
“We have different kinds of crops growing graciously like potatoes and rare flowers , due to the weather, it is a site to behold.”