Sobi Hill, the highest point in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, provides a scenic view of the city. It is also an excellent destination for hikers and campers.
By Vanessa Nelson
Taking this trip on a hot Sunday afternoon was a decision off the cuff, not with the blazing sun and the heavy traffic occasioned by many vehicles and commuters returning from church and others who were out visiting. But, on this trip, I was not alone; an old friend, who loves hiking was with me.
Our journey began from Tanke Junction, Ilorin, Kwara State, where we ordered a Bolt ride, and from there, headed towards Sobi Village which has one of Nigeria’s finest tourist attractions that provides hiking and camping opportunities. Sobi Village, unlike other rural communities, is a bit urbanised. The first thing that will strike you is the Mountain View Estate project. Siting the estate near the hills will certainly give the future residents a sight to behold when they wake up every morning.
As soon as we arrived, the first thing we did was to fill our bottles with cold water in readiness for the hiking task ahead. From the hill base, you can see the imposing visual of the hills. Bracing up to the challenge, I led the way as my friend sauntered behind me. A few steps up the hills, we noticed a lot of clothes spread on the hillside by the residents – we later gathered that the locals dry their clothes on the hills and that the surface was previously used for blending pepper and melon.
Not accosted by anyone, we wondered if Sobi Hills was a free zone -free entry and exit. There were no hindrances or checks. We weren’t surprised when we didn’t see a tour guide and we badly needed one. What amazed us is the orderliness and coordination of the surrounding, despite its being free. But, we later got to know that the locals make it a point of duty to clean the place.
Locating the stairs inside the rock became a puzzle but didn’t take long before we figured this out and this is where the hiking began. As we ascend the hilltop, fatigue began to set in and I almost gave up the task at a point. As we proceeded, we noticed some white markings that provide directional clues, and white stones inscribed with, “Welcome to Shilo ground,” which suggests that the spot is used as prayer ground. As we edged further towards the hilltop, we began to hear voices, and later found that, finally, we had companies.
The climb seems endless as the hill continues to expand. We summoned courage and forged ahead. On the other side, we saw clusters of hikers heading toward the zenith. My friend suggested we take a break as we were exhausted. We sweated! I think at a point my bones began to feel the impact of the climb up the hill. We used the opportunity to take pictures. They were amazing. Even at that point, we could get a glimpse of the city. After a while, we moved on and got to a point where the hill base look so steep and I must confess I was scared because I felt I was going to slide. It was like a rollercoaster experience. At this point, I began to long for the company of a guide.
Finally, we made it to the apex, forgetting our fears and the hurdles we had to pass through to get to our most anticipated destination. What greeted us is better experienced than told. It is an amazing aerial view of the landscape of Ilorin. It was nature at work. It seems so close to the clouds. I must confess that was the highest point I’ve ever been to in my life.
I saw birds picking up twigs to build and they didn’t seem so far up that I could stretch my hands and touch them. Right at the apex, we saw four other Mosques scattered around. We also saw a church on the mountain from where we stood.
Apparently lost in the ecstasy of our new hiking conquest, there suddenly appeared a loner. We, at first thought he was a hiker too until he introduced himself as Al-Kandayas, one of the caretakers of Sobi Hills. In desperate need of company, it didn’t take long before we became attuned to some of the unwritten rules of Sobi Hills. Al-Kandayas told us the locals and Magaji family, who are the original owners of the hills, frown at immorality. He said that apart from the tourist attraction of Sobi Hills, people also visit to commune with God. He explained that the location is free and open to everyone.
After being schooled on the rules of hiking in Sobi hills, we thanked him and searched out a perfect spot to set up and camp. As stay atop Sobi Hill looking down at the entire city, while also savouring the freshness of the breeze, I was swept by the beauty of nature and I felt close to paradise. We took lots of selfies and aerial shots of the hill without missing anything. When we had had our fill, my friend lazily stood up, pulling me by the hand, for the return leg of our descent to the hill base, and then to the welcoming hands of the accommodating people of the Sobi community.
Vanessa Ugorji, an avid reader who enjoys cooking, writes from Ilorin, Kwara State.
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.
