A trip to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, without a detour to the Karu community would be incomplete if you don’t experience the city’s timeless natural spring, Karu Waterfalls.

By Adeyi Ochogu

Honking from the horns of cars as they went by in slow motion made me quicken my steps as I crossed the road. It had been quite a ride sitting at the back of a station wagon watching trees and houses speed past. The driver had driven like one who didn’t have anything to do at the end of the journey. I was excited, yes, but I also wasn’t in a hurry to see the famed “Hiker’s Haven”, the Karu Waterfalls. I wanted to enjoy every bit of the journey just staring out the window and dreaming of freedom as much as I would the hike.

My journey had come to an end under the Karu Bridge. I ran from the car horns right to where biking men gather to transport passengers. Karu, like a beautiful maiden, is surrounded by hills, which keeps her cool all through the day. A local government area in Nasarawa State, Karu is home to the Karu Waterfalls and elevations that beckon to hikers.

Soon enough, my guide joined me. I had spoken with him earlier when a search on the internet popped up his number. I didn’t know he would be young, an entertainer, and a lover of nature to boot. He had come in from New Nyanya, which is close to Karu.

We haggled fares with the bike men before finally settling for ₦400. It would have been cheaper if there was no fuel scarcity. Off we went through beautifully tarred streets, with malls, supermarkets, banks, and relaxation spots, dotting both sides of the road. The air too was cold and smelled nice fresh, and clean.

Soon the bike slowed down in front of Bristol Academy, the landmark, and hence, the beginning of our hike. I disembarked from the bike together with my guide. The hills that greeted us took my breath away. I couldn’t wait to get to the foot of the hill and begin to make my way to the top. But first, I had to see the Karu Waterfalls, which is reportedly one of the best places to visit in Nigeria. Its path lies beneath the hill that Bristow Academy sat on.

It was a short walk before my guide veered off the road, and started moving towards a cleared path. I followed him. Then he cleared his voice and pointed: “There, in that groove is the waterfall. You aren’t hearing the splashes from here because the current by this time of the year is low. During the rains, or when the current of the river feeding the spring is high, the splashes, as the water hits the rocks, is like music.”

Then off he went to tell me how the waterfall was as a result of volcanic eruptions and ground movement many years back. And also how the water had sustained the people of Karu for many generations. The waterfall also attracts young hikers and others, who just want to watch and listen to nature, and birds, fishes, and monkeys who find the groove cool and accommodating.

We turned into another path. This one was steeper than the first one. It led us straight to the bank of a river, where two boys washed in the morning sun. The water was clear, and fishes, little ones, swam around and to the surface to gobble insects. My guide pointed. I followed the finger to see finely cut stones, some with jagged edges, and others huge, affixed to a spot. The stones were arranged like a path with clear water collecting at some points.

I waited for him to move before joining him. The cut rocks led to the groove. The closer we came, the louder the sound of falling water! The effect was satisfying, coupled with the coolness that the groove welcomed us with.

“Your hiking starts from that part of the foot of the hill, and ends (here) where this refreshing spring waits,” said my guide.

I like to think that my guide will sound like this in many years to come. I need a feel of the experience. I had been skipping ropes and doing squats for this. I told my guide we could climb. He nodded, and led me towards a point, gave me safety tips, and led the way up the hill. Through rocky paths, we went, sometimes walking upright, other times, walking on all fours. For every distance covered, I felt the wind hitting my face cooler. It was the feeling of wanting to be free.

The climb was slow, but it was worth it. In the end, like Mount Everest, the hill surrounding Karu Waterfalls lay at my feet, a perfect hiking picture! From where I stood, as far as my eyes could see, the vast expanse of serenity waiting to be tapped. Then, there was the feeling of pride swelling my chest as I saw the source of the waterfall, a river snaking its way through rocks!

As we climbed down, I told myself to visit again. Who wouldn’t? If the sound of water playing music doesn’t excite you, the feel of conquering one more mountain in the Hiker’s Haven will. And come along with a camera.

Adeyi Ochogu is a photographer and creative writer based in Nasarawa State.