By Amadin Ogbewe

Come to an even spread of natural wonders like the deep blue ocean, that cover the steep, cooling waterfalls breathing freshness, and then serenity to Nigeria’s residents or guests. Wherever on earth they may be, the rushing sounds of cascading waters down a slope is so loud that curious tourists, be it local or foreign, just cannot resist. This is why they pack their bags, then fold a retractable canopy and soon start to head out to answer the calls of friendly wild monkeys living among forest terrains.

Off to the remote caves that have been standing unchanged for decades and across the vast crannies of remarkably green Nigeria, a visit to previously unknown mysterious waterfalls holds significant promises. In the minds of the young and agile, it is the chance to uncover past myths that continue to shape beliefs in the present. They go through long hikes that are strenuous at first but at the end, the mist shielding their rewards from view start to blow away. We invite you here to retrace their steps until the final trip to a wondrous place of tranquility has been reached.

The best place to start is at the top with the Owu Waterfall, which has a height of over 120 metres, plunging down about 330 feet into a gentle pool of cold, clear water, said to be the tallest in Nigeria and West Africa. The Owu Waterfall is located at the Ifelodun Local Government Area in Kwara State. It is ensconced within beautiful greenery, forests and mountains, which spill into Kogi and Ekiti states, so it often has the look of water surrounded by leaves and trees as it finds its way to the rocky bottoms where it gathers to the delight of visitors. The Owu Waterfall is great for swimming, having a picnic by its side with friends and family, feeling a sense of spiritual healing as the waters are said in folklore to listen to the voices of people. Perhaps working a wish at the pools could come true; you never know. It is also believed that the Owu falls were once the habitat of a giant snake and dangerous birds which brought terror to dwellers of the region. The tales say that God had saved the villagers by striking the snake and sending the birds flying. This is one of Owu’s allures, the beautiful stories and rich lore. 

A distinctive part of the falls is the characteristic coolness, which permeates the surroundings. The coolness and sounds of the falls are often signs of one’s closeness to the serenity of the waters. The roads leading up to the waterfall are not in the best of condition. Accessibility is not its bestselling point, but the journey is worth it nonetheless. The waterfall is free to access and it would be wise to ask lots of questions from the indigenes to avoid missing one’s steps. The people are welcoming and do not restrict entrance for any reason as the waterfall is seen as belonging to all.

North East – Barup Waterfall 

The Gembu area where the waterfall is located can be found on the famous Mambila Plateau, which has a deep history and is home to some of the best home grown coffee in Nigeria. The locals have a wealth of history steeped in relics of extinct volcanoes and thin air of the mountainous regions. The waters of the Barop falls form a part of the tales and can serve as noble stops in a glorious journey. Ensure you equip yourself with required materials, including food, water, change of clothing and seek a guide to make your journey more pleasurable and enlightening. Do not forget to tip generously for better experiences and story-telling.  The region is prone to some interesting wildlife, including some friendly monkeys, which often greet curious tourists and visitors. The hike up to the waterfalls is also a part of the affair.

 North West – Matsirga Waterfall 

The Matsirga Waterfall is picturesque and provides a great place for that impromptu birthday photo shoot; don’t forget to go with cameras or phones with good cameras. The immediate environs could do with some intervention – public or private. But this does not diminish the event. Be sure to wear hard boots and perhaps some shorts for the path is bushy with high-level weeds. According to the local lingo, the waterfall gets its source from the “River wonderful”. As always, these experiences are much richer when one can locate a guide from among the locals who can be found settling about these attractions. Be sure to tip accordingly.

South South – Agbokim Waterfall 

As with some waterfalls, the location offers the opportunity for adventurous hikes wherein the forest and its inhabitants provide the mind with wondrous stimuli. Another special feature of the waterfall is the pocket of space underneath the rocks over which the water flows. It gives visitors a chance for some privacy with the waters shielding one from view. The cosy pockets are prime spots for relaxing and meditating after taking a dip. It is also a place suitable for story-telling and bonding for couples and friends. A picnic is never off the table, when nature provides such a stellar backdrop.

South East – Awhum Waterfall 

As the water tickles the soles of your feet and the birds chirp in the forest cover, a tranquil air comes upon you, beckoning you to refreshing waters and holy shelter. When you reach the caves, which display natural strata on clay-like rocks, from years of weathering, you will notice the writings and messages on the wall. The monuments to the Virgin Mary can also be found nearby. It is said that the caves were a refuge for residents during the Civil War. Further into the cave, you are struck by the beautiful contrast of light streaming down into the chasms and the dark cool edges, which is where the brightness fails to reach. If the sights do not mesmerise you enough, the waterfall itself, a cascade of water intent on finding its way to nooks and crannies, is a majestic sight. At that moment, you might understand the reason you are asked not to speak or clap though you would be tempted to be in awe of the sight. You are not meant to speak, perhaps because words are not necessary. Breathe it in, meditate in the waters and leave at peace with yourself and nature.

South West – Erin-Ijesha Waterfall 

The first and second floors are said to be for casual tourists as the climb gets tougher as you approach the top where a beautiful view worth the hassle awaits the visitor at the seventh and final level. The Abake village is located atop the seventh level and shares a boundary with Ekiti State. The waterfall is seen as a cleansing ground where festivals have been held and excursions also occur. Like with all waterfalls on the list, be prepared with change of clothing, food, games and some change as the need arises. The waterfall is open seven days of the week from 7a.m to 6p.m.

Amadin Ogbewe is a writer and journalist based in Abuja. This article was originally published in Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board’s Local Content Digest.  

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.