About one hour out of Abuja, and rising 1,125m above sea level, Zuma Rock is said to be the geographic centre of Nigeria.

After reading about it in Msafiri, KQ’s inflight magazine, I made it a must visit together with Gurara Falls. I met up with fellow photographer Haye Okoh and hit the Abuja – Kaduna highway, along which Zuma Rock can be found.

Zuma Rock rises majestically 725 metres above it’s surroundings, and with nothing taller for miles, it can be seen from afar. It is so imposing you can’t take your eyes off it, not that you would want to.

We turned left on Daura Road at a housing estate and had to negotiate rates for two guides who would act as our security while we toured this historical monolith.

Once we shook hands on the tour / security fee, we started touring the rock.

We had ambitious plans to walk round the rock but when we were told how long it would take, we decided to enjoy its beauty from where we were.

Zuma Rock is flanked by other huge rock formations, which are dwarfed in Zuma’s shadow.

Behind the rock formations is a river from which sand harvesters earn their daily keep upstream.

When you visit Abuja, take some time to visit Zuma Rock. If you have an extra two to three hours, continue the drive north to Gurara Falls. It will definitely be worth your time.