Top 10 Facts about Zuma Rock, Nigeria

Top 10 Facts about Zuma Rock, Nigeria

Zuma Rock Nigeria by Jeff Attaway/Wikimedia Commons

Nigeria is a land blessed with interesting historical tourist sites. These sites have stood the test of time and they are eye-catching locations for visitors and inhabitants.

The Zuma Rock is depicted on the 100 naira note. It was used for a defensive retreat by the Gbagyi people against invading neighboring tribes during intertribal warring.

Zuma rock is unique amongst the other rocks in Nigeria because of its human face feature. Zuma rock human face is an interesting sight to behold.

The rock looks straight ahead in the direction of the setting sun. The rock is believed to be the watchman of F.C.T because of its face.

Travel tips the climb to the summit of Zuma Rock is a steep one and can be dangerous for those who are not prepared.

1. The astonishing Zuma Rock is based in Madalla Niger state 

Zuma Rock is based in Madalla, Niger State, and is a mere 45-minute drive from the nation’s capital, Abuja.

Zuma Rock is a large natural monolith, or inselberg, an igneous intrusion composed of gabbro and granodiorite, in Niger State.

On a clear day, Zuma rock is visible from the city and is often called the Gateway to Abuja. It is just north of Nigeria’s capital Abuja, along the main road from Abuja to Kaduna.

Zuma Rock represents a beautiful and unique natural work of rock formation; Zuma Rock is very tall by the standards of Nigerian geography.

2. The remarkable Zuma rock is referred to as the gateway to Abuja It’s beautiful

Zuma rock in Abuja by Itunujilia/Wikimedia Commons

Zuma rock is sometimes referred to as the gateway to Abuja. It is beautiful and can be seen while entering Abuja.

The rock is one attraction that one doesn’t ever get tired of visiting. For every time you visit the attraction, there is always a refreshing excitement that makes you appreciate nature.

Zuma rock is known to possess the face of a human with eyes, nose, and mouth when viewed from an angle far away.

The rock was used for a defensive retreat by the Gbayi people against invading neighboring tribes during inter-tribal warring.

3. The exquisite Hausa people constitute the largest ethnic group in the area

Hausa, people are found chiefly in northwestern Nigeria and adjacent southern Niger. They constitute the largest ethnic group in the area.

They also contain another large group, the Fulani, perhaps one-half of whom are settled among the Hausa as a ruling class, having adopted the Hausa language and culture.

Hausa society was, and to a large extent continues to be, politically organized on a feudal basis.

4. One Fascinating factor about the rock it ignites the fire in the rainy season and has a human facial feature

The front view of Zuma rock by Olatunbo/Wikimedia Commons

The rock tends to get alight with fire during the rainy season. The friction created moving rocks caused by the sliding slope of the rock and during this, the fire comes up.

Zuma Rock is composed of igneous rock, specifically gabbro and granodiorite. The natural runoff of water has left the rock surface with a human-like facial feature imprinted on the rock.

The rock is 20,378 ft above the ground and it is one of the greatest tourist centers in Nigeria. Zuma Rock represents a beautiful and unique natural work of rock formation.

The rock is so big that it took scientists five hours to climb to the top to discover what is in the rock.

5. When climbing the amazing rock, you have to go with an experienced climber

Climbing rope Helmet Hiking shoes, one will also need the company of an experienced climber to get to Zuma Rock

You can join a group of rock climbers to get to the summit of the rock in 14 days. Turn round Zuma Rock and capture the face from its southwestern flank.

You have to wait till evening to capture the sight of the human-faced rock silhouetted by the seductive fires of sunset.

Go hiking and mountain climbing in the rock’s terrain, the rock is easily accessible to everyone. However, you might be required to pay a token before climbing the rock.

6. The astonishing rock was found in the 15^th Century by the Zuba people of Niger State

The incredible rock. Zuma Rock by Fatima/Wikimedia Commons

The rock was found in the 15th century by the Zuba people of Niger State, who called it Zumwa, which could translate to a place of guinea fowls due to their abundance around the rock.

The Zuba people settled around the rock and came to see it as a spiritual guide, making sacrifices to the rock to keep them safe from harm.

Because the landmark offered a clear view of the surrounding landscape, it was also used as a defensive position from other invading tribes.

7. The best way to reach the awesome Zuma rock is only forty-five minutes 

The perfect way to get to Zuma Rock upon arrival at the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport is by using a taxi or Uber ride.

The rock is just about forty-five minutes from the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport. Although visitors can visit Zuma Rock all year round.

The perfect time to visit the rock is during the rainy season April through October especially if you are looking to experience the amazing fire at the rock.

8. The famous Zuma Rock resort is the ideal location to stay with the scenic view of the rock

Zuma Rock Resort is the ideal location for your next vacation because it’s absolutely beautiful and has a very serene environment.

A variety of rooms starting from N35,000 to N200,000, Booking ahead is highly recommended.

An amazing view of Zuma Rock when you get a resort pass. It gives you access to the gazebos, clubhouse, and the foot of the mountain.

Beautiful, green landscape with bicycles and horses. Horse rides are only open to kids at the moment, Cycling costs N2,000 for 30 minutes.

9. The interesting Cilantro Restaurant creates an ambiance with good recipes

The ambiance of the restaurant was simply functional and you also get a view of the swimming pool and Zuma rock while eating.

One’s favorite meal is the Naan cheese followed by the Tandoori chicken which was very rich in taste.

Everyone at the restaurant is very friendly and the waiters are very helpful in explaining the different Indian meals.

10. The history of the amazing Zuma rock it was the strongest idol in the old Abuja area

Front view of Zuma Rock by Lazzari/Wikimedia Commons

However, stories have it that when the people of Zuba migrated to the present location of Zuma rock upon the instruction of their soothsayer in the 15th century.

They found out that the rock had got strong spirits, and as pagans, they took ownership of the rocks and started worshipping them.

Thus, Zuma Rock became the strongest idol in the old Abuja area. And owing to its protective power, no war against the Zubas by any group was ever successful.