Zuma Rock is a huge rock formation in central Nigeria. It stands about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. Zuma Rock rises sharply 2,379 feet (725 meters) above the surrounding savanna (grasslands with scattered trees). The rock is about 2/3 mile (1.1 kilometers) long and measures nearly 2 miles (3.1 kilometers) around its base. A national landmark, the rock is often called the “Gateway to Abuja.”
Zuma Rock is a granite inselberg. An inselberg is a core of an ancient mountain that has been eroded (gradually worn away) by wind. The rock’s sheer cliffs soar to a sloping dome, where small amounts of grass grow in strips. On one side, the rock’s cliffs resemble the image of a crouching elephant. From another side, the illusion of a white face with hollowed-out eyes appears.
Local people once believed Zuma Rock was home to powerful spirits. People carried out rituals to satisfy the spirits and ensure the well-being of the community. Some people believed the rock could make enemies powerless. Another legend held that anyone venturing near the rock would never return.
Zuma Rock is a symbol of Nigeria and a popular tourist destination. The rock appears on Nigeria’s 100-naira bill. (The naira is Nigeria’s basic unit of currency.) Various firms have worked to develop the area around the rock to promote tourism. Plans include a resort, an amusement park, and a cable-car transport system.
