The joy of an adventure is not only in exploring new destinations, but in rediscovering old ones with new eyes. With new eyes, you will see things from new perspectives, discover nature afresh and delight in things that ordinarily will not matter to you. Then, you are on course!
This is exactly what Paul Schneider, a German engineer, set out to do with two of his comrades at the very pristine Okomu Park in Edo State. He feels he left in a rush during his last visit in August. This time, he vows to be home with nature.
After an expected departure delay from the Lagos domestic airport to Benin City airport, a trip through the city to the outskirts of Benin City offers the trio colourful views of the hustle of typical Nigerian markets as well as the excitement and drama of a few minor traffic incidents so common in the chaos of daily driving in Nigeria.
As they break free of the city, rolling along through the countryside with views of the rolling hills, cultivated fields, well worn out villages, and the smiling inhabitants on their way to the famous park, it dawn on them that they were in for the treat they had undoubtedly hoped the weekend would offer.
But the nature that welcomes them on arrival after a few kilometres along the bumpy muddy roads compensates for the stress. They rather walk than drive through the grand molded elephant tusks that serve as the park gate and into the forest that is their playground for the weekend.
From the beautifully designed gate, they discover that Okomu is however, a thrill for many reasons. Despite its small enclosure of about 118 square kilometres, it has abundant flora and fauna resources with a very rich ecosystem that is very unique and distinct.
The beauty of the park is something that beckons at you the moment you walk into the wild. The air, the green luscious expanse of wild that stretches ahead of you is most luxuriating and captivating.
The park appears hidden away from the eyes of the world, but it is always a source of joy to anyone visiting as it envelopes visitors in its hidden treasure. Indeed, the small enclosure is pregnant with vast resources. It is perhaps difficult to say which of the various offerings of the park holds the most appealing attraction.
Like the trio, visitors who are hungry and thirsty from travel are usually distracted by the second welcoming committee of trumpeting hornbills, scampering monkeys, and lush vegetation surrounding the lodge in the park.
Those who in a haste to see nature usually set off few hours on arrival, trekking through the forest leaving other visitors to relax on the deck encircled by the forest.
Probably, they want to be the first to explore the taller of the two tree houses, which shot 140 feet up into the air above the tree line allowing for a gorgeous view of the forest. This time, the trio set out for same purpose.
The two Tree Houses within the park are the most intriguing attractions in the outfit. The two are located at Lakes 64 and 52. The Tree Houses are additional pep to one gaining a vintage spot from where to relax and savour the beauties of nature the park presents.
It is a bird-eye’s view of the park for visitors at the 140 feet platform. Perhaps, the only difficulty is climbing up. It could be quite exciting climbing up the 140 feet silk cotton Tree House of Lake 52. The Tree House has a base with some measure of space and platform to sit on while contemplating how to conquer the 140 feet height.
Just in case you are afraid of this adventure, never mind, sitting around and watching others go through the exciting rigour of climbing the wooden ladder to the top of the Tree House also has its own attraction.
The next day, the trio hiked through the forest in about one hour and climbed up the tree to have a spectacular view of the sunset. It is magnificent, they confess.
As they move further into the wild, they come across a number of endangered species conserved under Okomu’s bowels. There is the buffalo, forest elephants, crocodiles, warthogs, chimpanzees, red duikers, red river hogs and Mona monkeys.
And of course, there are the white-throated monkeys – a very rare and most endangered species in the world. Even the Cross River National Park with its rich and varied fauna collections can not boast of this specie within its confines.
The sight of the Okomu River that runs through the park is one excitement you need to delight in. It is from the river that the park derives its name. There are other rivers and streams, such as Osse River and Arakhuan Stream within its space. The one that appears most captivating and holds potential for a number of water leisure activities is the Okomu River. The trio had enough swim and picture section.
Aware of the strong effect the park is likely to have on visitors, its management has somewhat made one’s encounter and desire to commune with nature in an un-obstructive manner quite easy.
The trio had fun tracing the nature trail tracks, as it was a somewhat safari for them at the park.
The different compartments that bear the label of lakes make it easy for visitors to cover the expanse of forested land easily. It is better to break into the compartments, as you have the Okomu River you can refresh, get information or help.
Moreover, you can go on sport fishing, cruise on the water or walk pleasurably on the Iron Bridge that runs across the river.
The bridge is one of the antiquated features of the park. It was built in 1912 by the then African Timber and Plywood (AT&P) Company. Despite its recent renovation with a hut for relaxation, some of the old features of the bridge are still visible.
And the fresh air, the chirping sound of birds and occasionally, some fauna species such as antelopes, duikers and monkeys that run through, that is, if you are lucky enough to set your eyes on them as they move in a flash, add to the fun any visitor can get.
While on the trail, you will get to see some 45 villages and settlements that surround the Okomu National Park. The most popularly ones are Udo and Arakhuan villages. An opportunity to interact with some of these communities on your way to the park and while on trail is another excitement on its own. It makes visitors feel the pulse of the rural people.
At the end of the trail, the German and his two comrades, were relieved and fulfilled in their communion at the abode of nature and its pleasant creations. The impression they and every other visitor go away with is that of a visit to an African pristine destination with bowel full of exciting and effervescent features that would sure make the day of any visitor.
OBINNA EMELIKE
