Adventure lights up the soul and heals the body.

It’s another holiday, and guess what? We decided to camp again thanks to the most adventurous human tribe I belong to.

Initially, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go. Then the adventurous part of me shouted Italawa (we outside with nature for me) during the rainy season? Maybe not the brightest idea, but totally worth it. The plan was to meet at 4:45 p.m. and ascend the mountain together. We had previously agreed to cook red oil rice with smoked fish everyone contributed their quota, and that was sorted. We were also told to come along with a drink and whatever else we needed for ourselves.

I got ready, fed my royal highness (yes, my cat), left her more food, and begged her to behave. She simply went to her spot and watched me leave like, “Human, be safe out there.”

Climb Time & Preps

When I got to the meeting point, I met our ever-blazing Mr. Solomon (the man behind the lens), Abdul (his assistant don’t argue), and Dami, who had already claimed a corner shop like it was her second home. We exchanged pleasantries, threw respectful banter at the trail-setters for not keeping time (classic behavior), and I low-key still wanted to catch the sunset.

Shortly after, Peruzzi, Mr. Josie, and Miss Ifi arrived. It was already 5:40 p.m. at this point, so we began our ascent while waiting for others to catch up. This majestic mountain did a good job of warming both our hearts and our legs and our hands too, because we were carrying lodges. We rested a bit and then proceeded.

At this point, adrenaline kicked in and I wanted to move faster. Mr. Solomon said, “Hey young lady, calm down, let’s all walk together,” and I did until Abdul flew past like his legs had fire underneath them. He clearly just wanted to get it over with.

Finally, we reached the summit. It was just a 20-minute climb, but the view? Breathtaking! From the top, we could see Zuma Rock, Aso Rock, and basically all of Abuja. The photoshoot began. I pleaded with Abdul to help capture moments with my phone, and he kindly did thank you, sir!

While we were rounding off our photos, our elder arrived with some young men who also came to enjoy the view. Miss Claudia and Selfiey were trying to catch the sun before it dipped. And then... the weather switched up on us o!

Abuja Weather & Trail Jokers

Elder shared bananas with us. Sweet gesture. And then came the rain. Not the drizzle-your-face-type o! this one flogged us properly! I’ve always watched Peruzzi set tents like a pro, so I helped Miss Claudia with hers since I didn’t pay for a tent I planned to stay outside all night (don't try this, folks).

Mr. Emma, Peruzzi, Francis, and Vivian arrived while the rain intensified, Asa and Hercule also arrived.  Meanwhile, I was lost in my thoughts, imagining angel Gabriel descending from the clouds with his 600 wings, adorned in pearls and precious gems. I even saw wing-shaped patterns in the grey clouds and got all mushy. Was it Gabriel? Probably not. Just me fantasizing... again.

Back to the reality of rain. I finally got into the tent with Ms. Claudia, but water was already sipping in from the ground bikini weather activated by force! That tiny voice before I left home whispered “carry extra clothes,” but I ignored it. Now, I regretted it.

After the rain stopped, others started setting up their tents. Then, boom round two of rain! Elder began contemplating heading home. By the way, this same elder had prayed during our first two campings that “rain should beat us,” and here we were in his prayer with him inside it. We all agreed the rain came because of him.

Once the rain eased again, it was time to cook and dry off. More campers were still arriving.  Then I volunteered to descend the mountain again to help Ms. Sandra climb up. Sandra was my sweet company for the night. She is full of life and love. Ms. Claudia gave me hot, no-sugar coffee (just the way I love it), and shared with others.

Peruzzi bought Indomie from the mai shayi. I said my prayers while Abdul did the same. Ifi watched a movie, Mr. Solomon and Abdul kept capturing the beauty of Abuja, and Dami and Asa crawled into their tents to stay warm.

Descending and ascending again

Blazier arrived, and we had to go back down because he needed something with Banga. I borrowed Miss Ifi’s Crocs my shoes were soaked. Thank you, girl, for your kindness. Adventure lord, Moh, Debbie and her friend, Monic, Montana, and Duni. Ms. Sandra (my pretty!) arrived too. Selfiey and Mr. Josie sorted out firewood, and everyone helped carry what their strength could manage.

Fire-Cooked Rice & Mountain Feast

We climbed back up. Peruzzi and Mr. Josie, fire experts, started the flames. I nearly roasted myself to dry my trousers zero shame in survival! Then came the cooking of our red oil rice. Mr. Josie and Peruzzi led the effort. Abdul made sure the fire didn’t die. I helped to ensure the rice didn’t burn while the guys went for more firewood.

Elder doubted the fire would cook the rice we proved him wrong. Vivian shared her local chicken meat, Zee shared her drinks. The men ate bread to “hold belle” first. Once the rice was ready, we tasted it straight from the pot. Debbie made Indomie too, in case the rice wasn’t enough.

Mothana found a small tortoise! Yes o wildlife was part of the adventure.

By 11 p.m., we planned to play games, but nobody was interested. Instead, we debated the Burkinabe president how come it’s Nigerians hyping him instead of his own people? Pretty Sandra wisely said, “That’s PR. Something Nigeria lacks.” Touché.

Some drank, some danced, some observed. Good old-school music played in the background. I didn’t sleep at all neither did most of the crew: Sandra, Mr. Josie, Hercule, Banga, Mothana, Abdul, and Moh. Some slept past 4 a.m. Asa was awake on and off. I walked Ms. Claudia to her tent to catch some sleep before dawn.

Early morning wisdom 

Elder joined us by the fire. We had a deep convo about relationships. According to him, honesty with a woman’s feelings is key. He encourages good men and women to find like minds and settle down. The number of successful, single folks these days is scary. God help us.

I performed my Fajr prayer so did, Abdul and Moh too. Others started emerging from their tents, stretching. Mr. Solomon brought out his camera to catch the sunrise but it didn’t show. Still, he captured unforgettable moments.

Another tortoise was found but seemed lifeless, and a CPR was performed yes, on a tortoise by Mr. Josie, Asa. Heroes of wildlife!

Elder shared more bananas. If you see the size of these bananas! I have never seen such big ones before.

Then it was time to return to our humble abodes. But first, we cleaned the summit responsible campers we are.

As we were winding down and getting ready to descend, Emeka showed up in the morning, all wide-eyed like, “Ehn?! You guys did this without us?” Insert dramatic side-eye and crossed arms.

Well, sorry o this one was for the trail-setters and media team only. No hard feelings!

Another hiking group arrived too and looked at us like we were aliens. “Wait... you people camped here overnight?” Yes o, we did. In the rain. In soaked clothes. And we’re going back home alive, joyful, and full of memories.

That morning, something quietly hit me: never bottle up unwanted emotions, especially for someone who doesn’t see you or reciprocate your energy. Preserve your joy. Your mental health depends on it. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Do away with energy drainers and let peace be your portion.

Massive gratitude to:

Mr. Josie – a pure soul with amazing leadership skills. More strength to you.

Peruzzi – our tent guy and low-key chef/firemaster. Respect.

Mr Solomon- more creativity to you, we can't thank you enough for capturing this memories for. More strength to you.

Hercule – thank you for bringing your pot and vibe.

Mr. Emma and Moh – for ensuring our safety always, there is no camping without you guys. Mugode sosai!

Ms. Sandra – you lit up the night (and my heart); that spicy plantain helped me warm up.

Asa – nice seeing you again.

Blazier – more blessings coming your way.

Banga – we missed our usual cheese-up time; never a dull moment with you.

Selfiey the Great – you didn’t redeem your name, but next time is yours!

Cool Francis, Prince of Garki – keep being cool.

Mr Bala- the guy with the vibes, always nice to have you amongst us. 

Miss Dami, Vivian, and everyone else – you made camping easy and memorable.

I am grateful to every single one of you. Let’s do more of this.

Back to Base

I got home, cooked for myself and Her Royal Highness again, then bathed and rested.

Moori (my cat) was stretching like, “Oh, you’re back from the wilderness?”

Despite tiredness and the wet clothes, my heart is full.

Camping in the rain? 10/10. Would do it again with dry clothes this time.

I’m grateful. I’m glowing. And I’m going back. Soon.

Photos credit goes to our amazing Dabelle_2018.

Love and light.