Approximately a year ago (performs the Bobby Shmurda dance), I had the opportunity to visit Abuja with my friends, and we had a delightful stay at Zuma Rock Resort. This resort is aptly named due to its close proximity and breathtaking views of the magnificent Zuma Rock. There may be some debate about whether it falls within Abuja or Niger state, but the location is not the crucial factor. What truly matters is that it is a destination that I highly recommend exploring.
Prior to my trip, I had never come across Zuma Rock Resort either. However, my girlfriend and I were longing for a getaway to lift our spirits after the lockdown period. She stumbled upon a few captivating pictures on Instagram (truly the best app for discovering everything), and I was instantly sold.
Given that we were a group of seven adults (yes, it turned into a full-fledged friends’ trip) and one child, we made reservations for three standard rooms and one deluxe room. The nightly rates began at N35,000, offering us a comfortable accommodation option for our stay.
Having experienced a delightful stay of three days and two nights, I can assure you that even if you haven’t planned any specific tours in Abuja, you can easily keep yourself entertained within the Zuma Rock Resort. Here are my top seven recommendations for activities to enjoy during your time there:
1. Have a picnic
From the moment we laid our eyes on those captivating images on Instagram, we knew a picnic at Zuma Rock Resort was a must-do activity. Ordinarily, both in-house and walk-in guests were allowed to enjoy picnics on the resort grounds. Walk-in guests would pay a fee, while in-house guests could partake for free. However, during our visit, only in-house guests were permitted, possibly due to pandemic-related precautions aimed at limiting outside access for the safety of everyone within the hotel.
Fortunately, when it came to the picnic, we had the freedom to bring our own food, even as hotel guests. So, that’s precisely what we did. Despite a brief drizzle as we set up our picnic, the weather soon cleared up, turning our experience into something truly magical. It provided us with a delightful way to pass the time, surrounded by the serene beauty of the resort.
Of course, as the rain threatened to return, we started to worry. Sensing the need for caution, we swiftly packed up our belongings and sought shelter, ensuring that our enjoyment wasn’t dampened by the unpredictable weather.
2. Play Golf
If golfing is your passion or you’re eager to explore the sport, Zuma Rock Resort offers excellent golfing facilities that will surely pique your interest. They have membership rates available for those who wish to make golf a regular part of their routine. Even if you’re not an avid golfer, it presents a unique opportunity to learn and discover hidden talents, perhaps uncovering your inner Tiger Woods.
However, it’s worth noting that if you visit the resort with a dedicated golfer, be prepared to have some alone time during your stay. Golfers are notorious for immersing themselves in the game, often spending hours on the golf course without a second thought. So, unless you’re equally enthralled by golf or have other plans in mind, you may find yourself exploring the resort independently. Alternatively, you can hope that your golfer companion never catches wind of the golfing facilities, although that may require a stroke of luck.
3. Go searching for Deers/Ducks
If you’re visiting Zuma Rock Resort with children, there’s a delightful activity that they can enjoy: chasing ducks and observing the deer. One of my friend’s daughters had an absolute blast participating in this adventure. She was determined to catch one of the ducks, and it brought her immense joy.
The ducks and deer at the resort roam freely, creating a unique opportunity for interaction. With luck on your side, you may even have the chance to get up close and personal with the deer. However, it’s important to exercise caution and respect their space. While we didn’t come across any horses during our visit, it’s possible that they may be present at other times.
Engaging in these animal encounters can be a memorable experience for children and provide an opportunity to appreciate and connect with nature.
4. Have games night under the outside shed
One of the highlights of our stay at Zuma Rock Resort was the evening gatherings we had with our friends. Every evening, we would come together to play games, dance, enjoy delicious food, and engage in various activities. It became a cherished part of our routine and provided a wonderful way to unwind before heading to bed.
If you’re planning to visit with friends, I highly recommend setting aside time for these evening gatherings. Bringing your own games, speakers, and other entertainment options can add to the fun and create a personalized experience. Additionally, having some snacks or refreshments on hand can supplement the dining experience, even if you choose to order dinner from the resort’s restaurant.
These casual and enjoyable evenings spent bonding with friends will surely leave lasting memories and contribute to an overall fantastic stay at the resort.
5. Spend your day at the pool getting tanned
Unfortunately, we didn’t have the opportunity to experience the pool during our stay at Zuma Rock Resort. On the first day, it rained, and the following day, there was a pool party happening. While the pool may not be large in size, it offers a unique backdrop with Zuma Rock, allowing for stunning and picturesque photo opportunities.
If you’re lucky enough to have favorable weather and availability, I highly recommend adding the pool to your list of activities at the resort. Not only can you enjoy a refreshing swim, but you’ll also have the chance to capture memorable photos with the majestic Zuma Rock in the background, creating vibrant and eye-catching images.
Whether you choose to relax by the poolside or take a dip in the water, incorporating this feature into your stay at Zuma Rock Resort can add an extra element of enjoyment and visual appeal to your experience.
6. Go bicycle riding
If you’re not able to ride a bicycle, I regret to inform you that this particular activity may not be suitable for you. At Zuma Rock Resort, they provide bicycles for guests to explore the premises and move around more efficiently. It’s an excellent alternative to walking and allows you to visit various sites within the resort at a quicker pace.
Cycling not only offers a convenient mode of transportation but also provides a mild workout, contributing to your overall physical activity. It can be a fun and engaging way to navigate the expansive grounds of the resort while enjoying the surrounding scenery.
However, if you don’t possess the necessary skills or aren’t comfortable riding a bicycle, there’s no need to worry. Zuma Rock Resort offers a range of other activities and amenities that you can enjoy during your stay.
7. Have a photoshoot/picture taking session.
Capturing memories through photography is an essential part of any resort experience, and Zuma Rock Resort is no exception. With its stunning views and picturesque surroundings, it’s impossible to resist the urge to snap some incredible photos.
Immersing yourself in the beauty of the resort and capturing those moments through photography allows you to relive the joy and excitement of your time there. Each time you revisit those images, they serve as a reminder of the fun-filled memories you created, particularly after being confined during the lockdown.
Whether it’s capturing the breathtaking views of Zuma Rock, the delightful activities you engaged in, or the laughter shared with your friends, photographs hold the power to preserve those cherished moments for years to come. So don’t hesitate to unleash your inner photographer and seize the opportunity to capture the beauty and memories of your stay at the resort.
PHOTO CREDIT: Unravellingnigeria/zumarockresort
