Post by Honorebu on Feb 27, 2016 19:54:00 GMT
The need to relax in this stressful world of ours cannot be over-emphasised. It is better to do this now at one of Lagos most entertaining and relaxing waterfront resorts, the Omu Resorts. Omolola Itayemi writes
Located approximately mine minute-drive from the Lagos Business School is a theme destination waterfront resort. Nestled in a peaceful neighborhood, the resort covers a land area of approximately 10 hectares bordered by the pleasant waters of Omu creek. Two sculptured giraffe heads sited firmly on the fence, facing each other on opposite ends at the resort’s entrance gates welcomes you while giving you a nature-like feel of what to expect in the resort.
The resort, created to marry nature, recreation and entertainment in an atmosphere that is uniquely luxurious, has a modern zoo which houses the region’s newest and by far the most elaborate zoological garden, the Zoo at Omu is designed to enable visitors enjoy a close view of the exhibits and engage them in understanding, better, the way the exhibits function.
Natural outdoor exhibits for more than 40 animals from Africa ensure that visitors get that ‘African’ safari feel. The animals at the zoo include; Geese, Porcupines, Ostriches, Giraffes, Lion, Monkey, hyenas, jackass, boa constrictor etc. Guests come to the Zoo to relax and to be entertained, so learning about wildlife has to be fun, hence the exciting animal exhibits, Animal interactive sessions and Animal Feeding Programmes. These activities are meant to entertain as well as to integrate conservation messages to a captive audience. Omu resort takes a proactive stand in the area of education, intensifying efforts to become the best living classroom in the region. Offering the lure of nature as teacher and a total immersion in park surroundings as the classroom, it was no surprise that it is already the favored destination in Lagos.
In addition, the resort has a host of educational in-park activities such as enrichment programmes, behind-the-scenes tours for school children and activity trails.
Environmental Enrichment is the process where a captive wildlife environment is enhanced by adding elements which provide the animal with opportunities for problem-solving, encourages the display of natural behaviour and reduces the occurrence of stereotypic behaviour. Climbing structures comprising elevated and suspended platforms and artificial vines are provided for primates; artificial mounds and pools as well as sand pits are just some of the examples in which captive environments are enhanced. These also give them the opportunity to express their natural behaviors as they would in the wild.
Towards the reception is a large warehouse where the SeaWorld resides. According to findings, it is the first of its kind in Nigeria showcasing Nigeria’s rich possession of fish that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Some of the exhibits on display are Abadin, Long nose, Short nose, Round nose, Dolphin, Marble Knife, Whale nose, Electric fish, Africa lung fish, Feather back, Butterfly fish, African pike, Seven pointer, Blue diamond and more.
“Over the years, the Seaworld at Omu resorts has sought to raise public awareness on the ornamental fish species that are unique to Nigerian coastal waters via educational exhibits and signage information, enriching educational programmes, outreach assembly talks for schools and various ongoing conservation projects with other partners and institutions. We consider it an important responsibility of ours, as an oceanarium, to inspire our visitors to do their part to conserve the fragile aquatic environment of Lagos State in particular,” said an official of the resort.
The wax museum, also the first of its kind in Africa is the resort’s pride of possession. The wax images are near identical to the person to being created. I almost thought it was real. These include hair and colour, and all human features that make the images very real. The wax images available at the resort are that of former Governor Ahmed Tinubu, Raji Fashola and late former President Musa Yar’Adua.
Along with the wax museum also comes the gallery that exhibits “old Nigeria” and “new Nigeria”; truly preserving Nigeria’s rich heritage. Stepping outside the vast property, a donkey strolling lazily on its course and a water fountain brought about an ambience only nature could relate with.
The medieval skill of archery, which takes its roots from the ancient history of the English, has been reinvented in Nigeria. With three shooting boards in existence, a competitive archery at Omu that involves shooting arrows at a target for accuracy from a set distance or distances takes place at the resort. Whether you do it for fun or in a competitive manner, it is indeed the first of its kind in these climes.
The mini golf also known as Crazy golf is another addition to the Omu resort experience. Just about the first and only of such in the region. The game is an offshoot of the sport of golf focusing solely on the putting aspect of its parent game. It is played at the Omu resort on courses consisting of a series of holes similar to its parent, but characterised by their short length, the use of lush Canadian grass surfaces with a geometric layout possessing non-traditional putting lines loaded with artificial obstacles such as tunnels/tubes, ramps, concrete/metal/fiberglass forms, and moving obstacles.
The resort’s Go Karting is the Nation’s first purpose built racetrack with a wide array of karts that satisfies all ages. Low center of gravity ensures that the thrills are endless and waist spinning with massive G forces.
The Quad bikes are my favorite of the activities because it enables you discover the true Omu creek. Getting away on the creek and viewing the scenic creek or even driving into the woods. A fabulous family activity for girls and boys (of eight years and above) and adults of all ages, the off road quads are ideal for both novice and experienced quad bike riders. The bike treks take you far into the swamps, a thoroughly delightful experience.
The Horse riding at Omu is more than just horse riding. It’s actually the regions first dedicated training ground for riders from beginners to the more experienced who wish to get involved in Equestrianism referring to the skill of riding, driving, steeple chasing or vaulting with horses.
Its amusement park is the nation’s newest and largest amusement park with a core set of thrill rides including the Hully gully dip, Tilt a whirl, Chair swing and more. They are guaranteed to keep you asking for more.
The outdoor fun isn’t left out in the experience as well (oh you could also meet The Incredible Hulk, Iron man and some other superheroes) and much more. Seems unbelievable but it exists.
Spokesperson for the resort, Olabisi Falase said the resort, since its inception in February this year had hosted about 35 schools so far: “The other day, we had about six families come to visit. We asked how they got to know about the place as we hadn’t launched officially for the public and they said their kids had visited via their schools and demanded for a return.”
“The facility initially opened earlier last year in Epe but was closed down for an initial project by the government who intended making use of the site for the proposed airport. At the time it was just a zoo but vast in wildlife.
This brought about relocation and in itself, a blessing as it brought about the opportunity for expansion.
“The Omu Resort was conceived as a complete destination point for schools, families and corporate organizations. Our floor plan aims at providing our visitors with a rewarding experience that will broaden their educational spectrum in a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. We have many things for all ages and the fun is endless yet educating.
“Our mission is to provide an entertaining and educational environment in which to display and propagate animals (both aquatic and wild) in a safe manner that gives a unique viewing opportunity to all of our visitors as well as ensure that other activities complement our exhibits.
“Our Strategy is to enhance the quality of the time spent by our visitors by developing a blend of education, entertainment and other environmental aspects, to improve respect for the land and the life it supports.”
www.thisdaylive.com/articles/omu-resorts-recreating-nature-in-a-luxurious-ambience/233065/
Located approximately mine minute-drive from the Lagos Business School is a theme destination waterfront resort. Nestled in a peaceful neighborhood, the resort covers a land area of approximately 10 hectares bordered by the pleasant waters of Omu creek. Two sculptured giraffe heads sited firmly on the fence, facing each other on opposite ends at the resort’s entrance gates welcomes you while giving you a nature-like feel of what to expect in the resort.
The resort, created to marry nature, recreation and entertainment in an atmosphere that is uniquely luxurious, has a modern zoo which houses the region’s newest and by far the most elaborate zoological garden, the Zoo at Omu is designed to enable visitors enjoy a close view of the exhibits and engage them in understanding, better, the way the exhibits function.
Natural outdoor exhibits for more than 40 animals from Africa ensure that visitors get that ‘African’ safari feel. The animals at the zoo include; Geese, Porcupines, Ostriches, Giraffes, Lion, Monkey, hyenas, jackass, boa constrictor etc. Guests come to the Zoo to relax and to be entertained, so learning about wildlife has to be fun, hence the exciting animal exhibits, Animal interactive sessions and Animal Feeding Programmes. These activities are meant to entertain as well as to integrate conservation messages to a captive audience. Omu resort takes a proactive stand in the area of education, intensifying efforts to become the best living classroom in the region. Offering the lure of nature as teacher and a total immersion in park surroundings as the classroom, it was no surprise that it is already the favored destination in Lagos.
In addition, the resort has a host of educational in-park activities such as enrichment programmes, behind-the-scenes tours for school children and activity trails.
Environmental Enrichment is the process where a captive wildlife environment is enhanced by adding elements which provide the animal with opportunities for problem-solving, encourages the display of natural behaviour and reduces the occurrence of stereotypic behaviour. Climbing structures comprising elevated and suspended platforms and artificial vines are provided for primates; artificial mounds and pools as well as sand pits are just some of the examples in which captive environments are enhanced. These also give them the opportunity to express their natural behaviors as they would in the wild.
Towards the reception is a large warehouse where the SeaWorld resides. According to findings, it is the first of its kind in Nigeria showcasing Nigeria’s rich possession of fish that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Some of the exhibits on display are Abadin, Long nose, Short nose, Round nose, Dolphin, Marble Knife, Whale nose, Electric fish, Africa lung fish, Feather back, Butterfly fish, African pike, Seven pointer, Blue diamond and more.
“Over the years, the Seaworld at Omu resorts has sought to raise public awareness on the ornamental fish species that are unique to Nigerian coastal waters via educational exhibits and signage information, enriching educational programmes, outreach assembly talks for schools and various ongoing conservation projects with other partners and institutions. We consider it an important responsibility of ours, as an oceanarium, to inspire our visitors to do their part to conserve the fragile aquatic environment of Lagos State in particular,” said an official of the resort.
The wax museum, also the first of its kind in Africa is the resort’s pride of possession. The wax images are near identical to the person to being created. I almost thought it was real. These include hair and colour, and all human features that make the images very real. The wax images available at the resort are that of former Governor Ahmed Tinubu, Raji Fashola and late former President Musa Yar’Adua.
Along with the wax museum also comes the gallery that exhibits “old Nigeria” and “new Nigeria”; truly preserving Nigeria’s rich heritage. Stepping outside the vast property, a donkey strolling lazily on its course and a water fountain brought about an ambience only nature could relate with.
The medieval skill of archery, which takes its roots from the ancient history of the English, has been reinvented in Nigeria. With three shooting boards in existence, a competitive archery at Omu that involves shooting arrows at a target for accuracy from a set distance or distances takes place at the resort. Whether you do it for fun or in a competitive manner, it is indeed the first of its kind in these climes.
The mini golf also known as Crazy golf is another addition to the Omu resort experience. Just about the first and only of such in the region. The game is an offshoot of the sport of golf focusing solely on the putting aspect of its parent game. It is played at the Omu resort on courses consisting of a series of holes similar to its parent, but characterised by their short length, the use of lush Canadian grass surfaces with a geometric layout possessing non-traditional putting lines loaded with artificial obstacles such as tunnels/tubes, ramps, concrete/metal/fiberglass forms, and moving obstacles.
The resort’s Go Karting is the Nation’s first purpose built racetrack with a wide array of karts that satisfies all ages. Low center of gravity ensures that the thrills are endless and waist spinning with massive G forces.
The Quad bikes are my favorite of the activities because it enables you discover the true Omu creek. Getting away on the creek and viewing the scenic creek or even driving into the woods. A fabulous family activity for girls and boys (of eight years and above) and adults of all ages, the off road quads are ideal for both novice and experienced quad bike riders. The bike treks take you far into the swamps, a thoroughly delightful experience.
The Horse riding at Omu is more than just horse riding. It’s actually the regions first dedicated training ground for riders from beginners to the more experienced who wish to get involved in Equestrianism referring to the skill of riding, driving, steeple chasing or vaulting with horses.
Its amusement park is the nation’s newest and largest amusement park with a core set of thrill rides including the Hully gully dip, Tilt a whirl, Chair swing and more. They are guaranteed to keep you asking for more.
The outdoor fun isn’t left out in the experience as well (oh you could also meet The Incredible Hulk, Iron man and some other superheroes) and much more. Seems unbelievable but it exists.
Spokesperson for the resort, Olabisi Falase said the resort, since its inception in February this year had hosted about 35 schools so far: “The other day, we had about six families come to visit. We asked how they got to know about the place as we hadn’t launched officially for the public and they said their kids had visited via their schools and demanded for a return.”
“The facility initially opened earlier last year in Epe but was closed down for an initial project by the government who intended making use of the site for the proposed airport. At the time it was just a zoo but vast in wildlife.
This brought about relocation and in itself, a blessing as it brought about the opportunity for expansion.
“The Omu Resort was conceived as a complete destination point for schools, families and corporate organizations. Our floor plan aims at providing our visitors with a rewarding experience that will broaden their educational spectrum in a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. We have many things for all ages and the fun is endless yet educating.
“Our mission is to provide an entertaining and educational environment in which to display and propagate animals (both aquatic and wild) in a safe manner that gives a unique viewing opportunity to all of our visitors as well as ensure that other activities complement our exhibits.
“Our Strategy is to enhance the quality of the time spent by our visitors by developing a blend of education, entertainment and other environmental aspects, to improve respect for the land and the life it supports.”
www.thisdaylive.com/articles/omu-resorts-recreating-nature-in-a-luxurious-ambience/233065/
