Discover Olumo Rock through my childhood climb with my late dad, and why now is the perfect time to visit this historic site.
I was just a little girl when I first climbed Olumo Rock with my late dad. Back then, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of this ancient monument towering above Abeokuta, but I knew it was special; partly because of how my dad spoke about it, and partly because of how it made me feel. That trip became one of the most memorable days of my childhood.
Now, with the recently renovated Olumo Rock tourist centre gaining attention and offering free entry from August to September 2025, this feels like the perfect time to revisit that memory, and to help you decide if Olumo Rock in Ogun State is worth a spot on your travel list.
If you are contemplating whether to visit the rock, where Olumo Rock is located, how tall it is, or what makes it so significant in Nigeria’s tourism, this post is for you.
The Day We Climbed a Rock – A 2010 Christmas
My late dad is a son of the soil; he had always wanted us to visit Ogun state, where he spent the majority of his teenage and youth days as a student of Federal Government College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta.
He was also an adventurer – probably where I got my adventurous spirit from – and he really wanted us to visit the place that meant a lot to him, which now means a lot to me based on the memories we had there as a family.
In 2010, on a beautiful Christmas morning, my dad decided it was time for me and my brother to experience Olumo Rock firsthand. My cousin was living with us at the time, so we went together with my mom.
I still remember the excitement bubbling in our small car as we drove from Lagos to Abeokuta, amidst car karaoke, occasional snacks, and car sickness by yours truly (we had to stop the car in the middle of the road so I could puke), heading toward the landmark my dad had always talked about.
Located in the heart of Ogun State, this towering formation, now known far and wide as the Olumo Rock tourist centre, wasn’t just a destination. It was a story he wanted to retell through our eyes.
We eventually arrived at Olumo Rock, located in the heart of the city, at Ikija, near the Itoku Adire Market. The address is 588R+GMJ, Ikija Rd, Ikija, Abeokuta 110101, Ogun State, according to Google Maps.
We were allowed to pack our car inside as we prepared to climb the 220 steps. There is a resting place in each segment, but we were young and active, ready to get to the top.
As we stood at the base, gazing up at the giant slabs of stone, my dad smiled and said, “When I was your age, there were no steps here. We climbed it the real way, on all fours.” And just like that, the rock took on a new meaning. It wasn’t just one of the most visited spots in Olumo Rock, Abeokuta, Nigeria; it was a living memory.
Even though the stone steps had been added by then, the climb still felt like an adventure. I remember gripping the handrails, giggling with my brother and cousin, and trying to imagine what it must have felt like for kids in my dad’s time to scale it without the steps.
Lowkey, I wished to be in that time so I could try climbing on all fours. Eventually, I got the opportunity to do that during my adventure at Erin Ijesha Waterfall, Osun State, where you had to go on all fours to get to the 7th step in a slippery, rainy environment.
A photographer asked my parents if he could take our pictures; they affirmed, and he tagged along with us to take our pictures as we ascended the steps.
Each step brought us closer to his childhood and deeper into our own first experience of Olumo Rock in Nigeria.
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The View From the Top
Step by step, we climbed, barely pausing for breath, laughing between sips of water, and holding onto the rails as the wind picked up.
Along the way, we saw cowrie-studded statues, rock carvings, and sculptures etched directly into the sides of Olumo Rock, Abeokuta. These weren’t just artistic expressions; they were reminders of the rock’s legacy. For the Egba people, this place had once been a fortress, a place of safety during times of war. It wasn’t hard to see why. With natural caves, man-made ladders, and vantage points carved into the mountain itself, Olumo Rock in Ogun State stood as both protector and witness.
My dad explained to us.
By the time we reached the top, we were tired, but the view was worth every step. Looking out from the summit, we could see all of Abeokuta, the rooftops, the trees, and the winding roads. My dad pointed toward landmarks and told stories from his youth, while we sat on a flat surface and wished we had brought our food with us.
We stared at the view below, and I asked childish questions like “What will it feel like jumping down below, and Has anyone ever done it before?” I can’t remember what his reply was, but he said it would be dangerous.
I also asked who made the rocks lie on each other like that because it was strange and powerful. He showed me how big rocks were carried by little rocks. It was fascinating and unbelievable. He said only God could have designed it. The rocks looked like someone was dropping different rocks of different sizes on earth, and they fell on each other, unmoved.
Olumo Rock was the first highest place I had ever been, and it made me fall in love with heights with views. To date, I still look forward to high places.
If you are wondering, “How tall is Olumo Rock?” Think of about 137 meters above sea level, not just tall, but towering with beautiful landscape below.
There was also another section at the top, where there are benches you can sit on and read historical writings. The one that I can’t forget was learning about the different pronunciations of the same Yoruba words. Words like Ogun, Ajo, etc.
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Exploring Abeokuta and Visiting Great Grandma
After climbing Olumo Rock and soaking in the view from the top, we slowly made our way back down, still buzzing from the experience. The descent gave us another chance to admire the carvings and sculptures one more time. We also saw details we hadn’t noticed during the climb up. Every corner of the rock felt like it had a memory etched into it, whether man-made or nature-crafted.
But our adventure didn’t end at the base of the rock. We got downstairs to the car, ate lunch of jollof rice, soda, and chicken.
Then, we spent the rest of the afternoon sightseeing around Abeokuta, visiting local markets, taking in the colors and sounds of the city, and listening to my dad share bits of history as only he could.
Then we headed to the village side of Ogun State, around Egba (I really am not sure), to visit my great-grandmother, who lived in a large compound with other old neighbors. My dad’s grandma, who was over 90 at the time.
It was a long trip and we got there late in the evening. We stayed at her place for a while and had the best traditional meals. That moment, like many others from that day, became a treasured piece of my childhood.
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Olumo Rock Today and Why You Should Go Now
It’s been over a decade since that childhood visit, but Olumo Rock is more alive than ever today.
Recently renovated, the iconic Olumo Rock tourist centre in Ogun State has become even more visitor-friendly, offering upgraded facilities without losing its historic charm. You will still find the carvings, the sculptures, and the stories, but now with guided tours, a mini-museum, a glass elevator for those who prefer not to climb, and a panoramic rooftop area for modern viewing.
If you’ve ever wondered where Olumo Rock is located, it sits proudly in the city of Abeokuta, southwest Nigeria, about 100 km from Lagos.
It’s not just a quick getaway, it’s a cultural journey that connects you to the spirit of the Egba people, whose resilience and ingenuity are forever etched into the rock.
And there’s no better time to visit: From August 1st through September 30th, 2025, entry to Olumo Rock is completely free. Go with friends, lovers, family, colleagues, and cherished ones. This is the perfect opportunity to experience one of the most historic landmarks in Nigeria.
I am also looking forward to visiting very soon with my husband, and when I do, I will write about my new experience for you to read.
When you do go, I hope it is filled with beautiful memories that will forever be etched in your heart.
Have you ever visited Olumo Rock or any tourist attraction in Nigeria? Share your memories with me in the comment section. Let me also know if you have questions.
