If you planning a trip to Nigeria, whether to see a relative, a friend or just to discover the amazing country, there is one thing without which your visit can not be completed. Visiting the Zuma Rack! Gateway to Abuja, Nigeria.

Although most International travelers can get direct flights from London and arrive in Lagos International Airport Nigeria but, nowadays, the Nigerian Airline Arik Airways also offers cheap flights to Abuja too. So you get to choose either drive from Lagos to Abuja or take the road in Abuja that leads to Zuma Rock.

Zuma Rock is depicted on a 100 Naira Note and geographically, marks the centre of Nigeria.

If you are fortunate to visit the Zuma in good weather, a cloudy day or during the NSTF Zuma Rock Challenge, you may come across a lot of climbers who get together to celebrate the existence and marvel the creation of Zuma. The landscape is mystifying here, the amazing and enormous 1 Km long berg is believed to be a symbol of strength and splendor in Nigeria.

Zuma Rock is very special in itself yet, like a final stroke in a master piece, the surrounding scenery adds to the beauty of Zuma. It is indeed, nature in its finest form. According to the local men, the ‘massive Zuma’, if sighted from far in South, appears to resemble ‘a human face’ much like a legend. There are many different versions of folk tales about Zuma Rock and the topic still retains its mystery and interest even in 21^st century. In most of the stories you get to hear in Nigeria, Zuma is said to be a home of powerful spirits.

Until very recently, the myth tellers claimed, that any one venturing near the rock will never return. However, when the reality to this myth was tested by some daring, Russian climbers, they successfully returned unharmed, as conquerors of fear and old age myths. The ceremony was so captivating that even Senior Government Officials and Ministers of Tourism attended it. As they say: “Conquering the mountain was as important to the Nigerians as landing on the moon was to the Americans”. From that day on, Zuma is open to challenges and dare devils.  

Today Zuma Rock is reckoned as one of the major Tourist attractions in Nigeria. Especially in the days of good weather, during Christmas or summer holiday when availability of cheap flights to Lagos is more common, Tourists flock to this magnificent icon of Nigeria.

Rock climbers, skeptics and naturalist from around the world gather and take pleasure in conquering the magnum and appreciating the unique natural work of rock formation. Zuma offers an edge of adventure, a unique experience not to be found anywhere else but Nigeria. Although Tourism in Nigeria is increasing each day, as the country is attracting more attention from World Media, Tourism and Nigerian Settlers in the UK or Europe yet; Zuma has managed to maintain its discreetness, the aura of mystery and the flavor of age old myths.

Until recently, Rock Climbing was not as popular among Nigerians as it is now after the exploration of Zuma. However, since Zuma has been opened to tourism “Rock climbing” has become a sort of national sport in Nigeria. Every year, during the NSTF Zuma Rock Challenge participants climb up or across Zuma rock with the goal of reaching the peak or endpoint. This Challenge allows participants across the country to take part in the rock climbing sport and win a financial reward for climber who gets to the peak in minimum time. It is fun to attend and joy to participate.