A DAY AT ABRAKA TURF & COUNTRY CLUB
Christmas is almost here and a great way to spend it is by visiting hidden gems scattered around the country. Tucked in the town of Abraka, Delta State sits Abraka Turf & Country Club in all it’s lush green glory.
Abraka Turf is a private country club also known for its equestrian finesse. Activities like horse riding, fishing, kayaking, deep river diving, canoeing and more are said to be carried out there. They also contain villas and chalets if you choose to make a weekend out of it.
Magaret Oghumu also known as ‘The Ajala Bug‘ visited during the Christmas season and had nothing but great things to say about the country club. Her Ajala Bug platform which is inspired by the famous ‘Ajala the traveller’, is a travel, lifestyle content & visual storytelling platform revolutionizing travel in Africa, with emphasis on Nigeria.
She started sharing her travel experiences within the continent on Instagram before progressing to starting the blog. She says this is her greatest opportunity to change the single story of the continent
Maggie
Give us a brief description of where you went and what the trip was about.
As it is tradition, I was home in Delta State for the Christmas break. Typically, I stay in-doors to catch up with/bond with my parents. However, on this occasion, I wanted to give my parents a treat with a stayover at the Abraka Turf Resort. We agreed and were excited till a night before the D-day and my folks changed their minds. Welcome to the African parents! Why stay anywhere, when you have a house. LoL. Unfortunately/fortunately, depending on which side of the coin you are on, the resort was on my mind and so I took permission to proceed on the trip but for a daycation.
Was accommodation required for this trip? If yes where did you stay and what was it like?
No, painfully. Sincerely, I would have loved to lodge at the resort. The resort reminded me of country homes in Scotland and Ireland. There was a sense of an unusual peace as I walked through the gates and would have loved to experience that for longer than I did.
When the backdrop reminds you of country homes in Scotland
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I saw what is arguably the largest horse stable in Nigeria. Boy, I was in awe. It houses over 60 horses, if my memory serves me right.
What was your best moment of the entire trip?
Locating the resort, stress-free.
What was the scariest moment (if any)?
There is a mini zoo area at the resort and I saw some crocodiles. I was not scared as the tour guide was with me, but that’s the closest I came to a scary moment.
Did you find any sights or activities a bit off the beaten track ie beyond the tourist traps?
LMAO! All the activities…even if it was just watching the mannerism of the horses. LOL. Okay seriously, you can go fishing on the River Ethiope.
What are two interesting things about where you went that the average person doesn’t know?
It is a perfect place for a romantic getaway or for filming. There are also multiple activities that take place there including quad bikes, polo tournaments and body massages, all in one place.
Did you meet any locals? If yes, what were they like?
Well, if we consider the workers at the resort to be locals (which they are), then Yes. My favorite being Mr Phillip. A charismatic, gentle man who is passionate about his job.
Mr Phillip
What was the funniest/strangest/most insightful thing a local said?
I was told the resort almost shut down. Sadly, I can’t remember the exact reason, but I remember I felt so heartbroken and downcast from knowing the exquisite resort could have been closed.
What was the hardest or most frustrating part of the trip?
Leaving.
Did anything go wrong that seems funny now?
No
Did you eat anything locally, if yes, what was your favorite?
Yes. Starch, banga and fresh fish
If you ate locally, what was the strangest thing you ate
Nothing. Delta State is home and nothing I eat can be strange, be it kpekere, edible worms or ‘kpo-kpo’ garri. That is some yummy stuff. Bliss!.
What were the cost implications of this trip?
From Sapele to Abraka (all cost inclusive) cost me less than N10,000
Now that you’ve been there yourself, when you think of your trip what’s the first image that comes to your head?
Everything at once but maybe more specifically, will be the tour guide, Mr Philip. Personally, good hospitality and customized service leaves me with a good taste about a place.
Would you revisit or ever move there?
Move there?!….’ko toh be’ but revisit, YES.
What additional fun activity did you do within the vicinity?
I went to McCarthy beach. The beach is located on the famous River Ethiope of Abraka. It is about 10mins ride from the Abraka turf and country. The pictures do the place no justice. It is really a beautiful sight to behold. I hear there is usually a lot of sports competition at the beach, but unfortunately I didn’t witness any.
Have you ever been to Abraka Turf, what were your thoughts on it?
*Reviews are based on opinions and personal experiences, and may differ from person to person
*prices written are based on the time the visit was made and is subject to change by the owners.
*pictures are provided by the ‘horse’ interviewed.