Located in Nigeria, the other hanging lake in the world is in Colorado, United States of America. This gem offers tourists excellent hiking and camping opportunities for groups or individuals.
There is something about the environment – the thrill of hiking, the calmness, the cool breeze, the mountain-top view, and the general mysteries around the place. Iyake Lake is said to have spiritual significance, and there are stories woven around this. The stories vary and how they are told, depending on the tour guide. Generally, members of the community believe that water from the lake heals all sorts of ailments. It is common to find people (especially the indigenes) fetching water from the lake. I once used the water to wash my face and even cooked with it while camping with some friends. This was four years ago.
Then there is the Ishagi Rock, which is said to answer prayers. Almost every time I visit, there is usually a white cloth tied around the rock. Some accounts say the cloth is brought by anyone whose prayer has been answered by the rock. Another story claims that the priest ties the white cloth to attract rain. Anyway, almost all tourist sites have interesting stories around them. What is a natural destination without a myth around it?
Another fascinating story about the lake is that nobody enters the lake and makes it out. It is forbidden to swim in the lake. Now, if you cannot swim in the lake, what else can you do?
Journey to Ado Awaye
The journey to Ado Awaye from Ibadan is close to three hours but if you drive from Lagos and the Ibadan Expressway is not clogged, then it’s about four-five hours. Prepare to encounter a number of potholes on the road, especially before getting to Iseyin in Oyo State. After Iseyin, the road is pretty smooth until you get to the turn in Ado Awaye towards the Iyake Mountain, on which the lake sits. There is, however, an alternative and better route through Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Google Map can also help in finding the fastest route to the place.
On getting there, you would likely meet a tour guide in the building or a tree close to the foot of the mountain. Gate fee is ₦500 and another ₦1,000 to the tour guide. It helps if you speak Yoruba as most of the local tour guides don’t have a good command of the Queen’s language. For a fluent English-speaking tour guide, I recommend Atabo, the founder of ComeMakeWeGo, who has taken several people on a tour to Ado Awaye. At the tourist site, you will likely be given sticks to aid with the hike up the mountain, which welcomes you with forested, jagged stairs.
What to see?
Oke Ishage
Ishage Rock is a large, elongated boulder of rock, standing upright on one of its small edges. It is still a mystery that this boulder has not fallen off the steep mountainside. There is a story of its being the harbinger of rain for Ado Awaye residents. It is also said to answer prayers. So, you may pray for your heart’s desire to come true when you visit this landmark.
Esè àwon Àgbà (the footprint of the elders)
This encompasses a cluster of large “footprints” that you will see all over the mountain top. The locals claim that the gods once walked over the mountain in order to protect residents when they were staying up the mountain. Like me, you can place your feet in them for the fun of it.
Ìyá-Aláró Lake
There is another lake, aside from the famous Iyake Lake. This other lake is called Ìyá-Aláró, named after an old woman in the Ado-Awaye village, who specialised in cloth dyes. According to legend, the old woman, known as “Iya Alaro”, worshipped the lake and sacrificed to it at various times during the year. This other lake looks greenish-dirty, unlike the Iyake Lake which looks green-clean. When you visit, you will most likely be shown only the Iyake Lake. However, you can ask to see Ìyá-Aláró Lake.
Agbómofúnyàké
Agbómofúnyàké loosely translates to “the collector of a child on behalf of Iyake”. This little hole is beside the Iyake Lake. The locals believe that whenever there is water in the hole, whoever steps into it ends up drowning in Iyake Lake. When you get here, you will find a wooden construction over it. This is to prevent dare-devils from attempting to put the myth to test.
The Elephant Tree
There is a fallen tree with a tangled trunk that creates the shape of an elephant’s head and trunk. In fact, the eyes of the elephant are also apparent in the formation. It is a pretty fascinating sight. I usually climb it for pictures anytime I visit. You may climb the fallen tree to sit on the “elephant’s head” for the fun of it.
Esè kan Aiyé Esè kan Òrun
This loosely translates to one foot on earth and one foot in heaven. It is a wide and deep chasm on the mountain separating one part from another that hosts the peak of the mountain. Only brave hikers or mountain climbers are advised to cross this valley as it is very steep. I have been this far on the vast mountain only once when I camped close to the lake with some friends. Except you ask to be taken here, you may not get to reach this point.
Beyond hiking, there are lots of other activities that the rural town offers. Here are a few suggestions.
Go Hiking
When going to Ado Awaye, you should prepare to stretch your muscles by hiking. Wear good hiking shoes and hold at least a bottle of water to stay hydrated. If you are not used to hiking, you may find the over 360 steps tiring to climb and you may end up with aching thighs. However, if you love hiking, then consider Ado Awaye. In fact, there have been over 5,000 hikers in the last two years as the tourist site becomes more popular.
Have a Picnic
Imagine sitting in the serene atmosphere of the mountain for a picnic? It is simply heavenly. It is a lovely scene for a picnic with the gentle breeze teasing you. Consider going on a picnic at Ado Awaye. Carry your picnic baskets alongside everything you think you may need to have a great time. A Bluetooth speaker? The more people you go with, the more fun.
Try the local delicacy
Alternatively, you could go on a foodie especially if you are interested in the town’s local delicacy, amala. You will have to stop on your way to Ado Awaye to gain access to the slew of canteens. My favourite spot is the canteen opposite the car park to Ado Awaye from Iseyin. In any case, if you are confused, you may simply ask around for a good amala spot, and the friendly locals will give you directions.
Night(s) out in the open
You might have watched horror movies with terrible things happening to campers. This may make you afraid of camping, especially at Ado Awaye with all its mysteries. However, you don’t need to worry about your safety. I once camped there with some friends. You can give it a shot too. Get your camping tent and go with friends to have a great time.
Ado Awaye is a quiet town with people who are generally nice and receptive. A resort at the foot of the mountain or somewhere in the town will likely attract more tourists, particularly those who plan to stay longer than a day. Still, you can spend the night in very simple hotels like Treasure Hotel & Event Centre and Hotel de Infinity.
What is it about this lake? First, you should know that there are only two known suspended lakes in the world. While one is in Nigeria, the other is in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado. This means that by visiting this lake, you are, in a sense, making history. If you are interested in nature in its unspoilt state, you will likely be fascinated by this tourist destination. You can take the most beautiful pictures here. Your collage of breath-taking pictures will get a boost by visiting Iyake Lake.
Sami Tunji is a freelance writer and editor. He lives in Ibadan, Oyo State. This article was first published by Four Points Communications in NCDMB’s Local Content Digest magazine.
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.
