Aso Rock

Aso Rock is a huge great mound of rock that sits stately at the head of Abuja. A half hour rally-car drive along what is essentially an overgrown, semi-eroded footpath, led us to the beginning of the walk. No Pay-and-Display here! Another half hour of walking through the bush and we came to a small village. People sitting in the shade chopping and preparing garden egg, dogs barking at our oyibo (white person) heels. We greeted the villagers before heading up up up onto the rock. It was very very steep!! Alex asserted that it wasn’t even 45degrees. Dave and I agreed that it was then probably around 44.5…. ish.

The views from the top were wonderful, despite the murky haze of dust and pollution that has settled over the capital. Alex pointed out the landmarks, we could clearly see the central mosque and church - built opposite each other, these buildings are easily the most attractive in Abuja, and we worked out the various districts that comprise the city. Below us was the president’s house, parliament, lots of military barracks and the zoo. The Zoo requires it’s own story…..