Hostels in ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA

City Abeokuta – Visit the Sacred Place of Nigeria

Abeokuta is the capital of Ogun State in southwest Nigeria. Located on the Ogun River, the city is the largest in the state. The city is well-known for some of its sacred parts and many other attractions. Travel to Abeokuta to discover an exciting face of Nigeria. 

Accommodation Options
Accommodations in Abeokuta are available in the form of budget hotels. The hotels in the city are clean and offer spacious rooms, along with a number of facilities. Youth Hostels, Bed and breakfast and guest house are other options to stay in the city. English is a common language among the people, though they can also be seen talking in regional languages

History
The origin of Abeokuta dates back to1825, when the populations in various villages were compelled to take refuge among the rocks scattered in the region to seek protection from Dahomey and Ibadan slave hunters. In fact the name of the city translates to “under the rock” or “refuge among rocks”, inspired by the massive Olumo Rock. The Egba refugees were the original settlers of the city in 1830. Yoruba people and missionaries also started settling in the city. The Egba were assisted by the British forces to defeat the Dahomeyan slave-raiders twice in 1851 and 1864. In 1893, the Egba United Government was recognized and in 1914, the city was included as a part of the British colony.

Popular Places
Olumo Rock, the massive outcrop of granite rocks, is considered sacred and is one of the popular places to visit in the city. Olowu Palace and many other historical monuments in the Owu town of Abeokuta are other tourist sites. St Peter’s Cathedral is an important place too, as it is the oldest church in Nigeria built by the British. Alake’s Palace is also a notable place and one can find antiquities and relics dating back to the 19th century here. The Abeokuta Museum exhibits the artefacts and crafts belonging to the Egba people. Other popular places in the city include the Centenary Hall, the Simeon Adebo Library and the Trade Centre.

Getting Around
To get around the city, you can hire a car on rent or avail taxi. You can hire a guide or take help from the city people to find the important places, restaurants and hotels in the city.

Places of Entertainment
Omo Forest is a lowland tropical rainforest with more than 8,000 species of plants. One can explore the area with the help of a professional guide. Lisabi Sacred Forest is another place worth exploring, as it houses a number of bird and animal species. This thick forest is surrounded by Ogun River and Tegbelu Stream and offers a number of picnic spots. You can also visit the tye and dye market to see women indulged in patterning the traditional cloth of the region.

Currency
Abeokuta has Nigeria Naira as its official currency. You should learn about the currency exchange rates before the journey and for this, you can refer to the online news.

Abeokuta group accommodation | Cheap hostels & budget hotels