Do you know Nigeria homes some of the most mystical and beautiful waterfalls in the world? This is because of the cultural richness, legendary tales, natural beauty, and the enchanting features many of them possess.
These enchanting features make Nigeria Waterfalls one of Nigeria’s most patronised tourist sites and travel destinations, inviting people from home and abroad to visit for recreation, adventure, spiritual, and cultural exploration.
Nigerian Waterfalls are found in almost every region, created by rivers and plateaus, especially in areas with rocks and ancient mountains.
What Are the Most Famous Waterfalls in Nigeria?
There are over 30 known waterfalls in Nigeria, spread across the various states and regions of the country. However, not all are famous for their natural beauty or tourist attractions.
Here are some of the most famous and best waterfalls in Nigeria:
The Erin Ijesha Waterfall
This is also called Olumirin and is arguably the most famous in Nigeria. It is located in Oriade Local Government Area in Osun State, Nigeria.
It was said to be discovered either by the daughters of the founding father of the Yoruba Kingdom, Oduduwa, or by Ein-Odo local hunters in 1140 AD. Outside of its cultural significance, it is also one of the most structurally beautiful waterfalls in Nigeria that flows through seven layers of rocks, like a stairway-esque design.
Guara Water
The Guara Waterfalls is located in Guara Local Government in Niger State. It is one of the major tourist sites in Nigeria as it is heavily used as a recreational centre for neighbouring villages and foreigners.
History has it that the waterfall was named after two deities called Guara and Rara. It attracts tourist pull because of its cave structure, warm water, and its spiritual breath, making it one of the natural wonders in Nigeria
Awhum Waterfall
The Awhum has a rich history around it, it was recorded to be a hiding place during the time of war because bombs could not destroy it. It is located in the Amaugwe village of Awhum town, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, near a Catholic Monastery.
The waterfall is a 30-meter-high cascade of rocks that creates a stream of water. It is also best visited during the dry season to enjoy the ambience and the spiritual serenity.
Other waterfalls worthy of mention here include Owu Waterfall, Farin Ruwa Falls, and Assop Waterfall.
What Is the Largest Waterfall in Nigeria?
The Owu Waterfall is regarded as the largest and highest waterfall in Nigeria and also in West Africa. This waterfall is the most spectacular in West Africa, given its height of 120m (394 feet) above water level and a cascade of 330 feet for its long cliff.
The waterfall is located at Owa Kajola Community of Ifelodun Local Government in Kwara State, just about a 2-3 hours’ drive from Ilorin, which is the state capital
Another thing that makes this waterfall such a marvel is that it is hardly touched or developed. The natural ambience, peace, and serenity of the fall are still maintained today. It is not surrounded by busy markets or road traffic, but a load of quiet and green nature’s beauty.
The best time to enjoy the waterfall is when it is most powerful in the rainy season from May to October. The Owu waterfall is also considered sacred, as the local elders believe the fall was inhabited by ancestral spirits and it is still guarded by a goddess.
Therefore, the waters are spiritually blessed and believed to wash away spiritual curses and barriers. This cultural significance makes locals and tourists approach it with humility, neatness, and reverence.
Why Are Waterfalls in Nigeria So Special?
The specialty of Waterfalls in Nigeria can be viewed from three 3 main perspectives, namely, Natural Beauty, Recreation/Adventures, and Cultural or Spiritual affiliation. And this is very consistent across every Waterfall in Nigeria.
The Erin-Ijesha waterfall has an oral history that the name “Olumirin,” which means “Another god,” was given to the waterfall by the granddaughter of Oduduwa because of the god-like sacredness it emits.
This water is also said to be used for spiritual cleansing to purify the soul, connect with one’s spirit, and seek guidance. Apart from this, the waterfall also possesses unique structural features with its seven layers of waterfalls, creating a stair-like structure, and it is also surrounded by lush forest and rocks.
This same spiritual significance is shared by the Amhum waterfalls in Enugu. The water is associated with healing and miracles. And given its proximity to a Catholic monastery, it also attracts Christian Pilgrims.
Apart from these two other Nigerian waterfalls, there are others that have also been used for traditional rites, ritual of peace offering, and well-being.
The Owu Waterfall and the Farin Ruwa Falls, in Nasarawa State, lead the way in terms of Natural Beauty, with the former being the highest in Nigeria and West Africa, where it is about 120 meters high, and the latter, known for its crystal-clear white water.
Hidden Gems: Underrated Waterfalls Worth Visiting
Due to Nigeria’s unique geography of highlands, plateaus, and abundant river systems, and its climate, it is blessed with quite numbers of waterfalls. According to local reports and mapping, the number of waterfalls in the country might amount to somewhere around 50 to 70.
These make Nigeria have many other waterfalls that are not popular due to their mapping or size, but they are still worthy of visiting. Some of them include:
Mayanka Waterfall
This waterfall is located in the outer city of Suleja, Niger State. Despite in Niger state, it is not as popular as Guara, this is said to be the result of a long age perception of Mayanka in the region, as it is regarded as a place of slaughter.
This is because it was the centre where justice was being carried out on criminals during precolonial times, but it didn’t take away from the loveliness of the fall.
Arinta Waterfall
This fall is also called the Erinta Fall, located in the Ipole Iloro, Ekiti State, and a 45-minute drive from the famous Erin Ijesha water fall. The unpopularity of this waterfall is due to a big lack of familiarity even within the community, but it still remains a marvel of nature’s beauty.
Kura Falls
The Kura Falls are located in the southern region of Plateau State, just 30 minutes away from the state capital, Jos. The fall is a perfect serenade atmosphere to escape the busyness of everyday life. With adventurous hiking, sightseeing, and picnicking.
Travel Guide: Planning Your Nigeria Waterfall Adventure
With the number of waterfalls on the Nigerian map, it is somewhat impossible to visit all at once. While factors like location and access, entry fee, and recreation facilities may influence your planning, you can make use of this as a mini-guide to plan your waterfalls adventure.
The rainy season, around the months of May to October (or ideally June to September), is the best time to experience the Nigeria Waterfalls at their fullest and most spectacular.
The Dry Season is also a good time to visit these waterfalls, as it is easier to travel and access them, due to the reduction in their lushness. November to March is the best time to visit these waterfalls if you love to travel in the dry season, but with reduced volume of water.
In any case, for these two seasons, a packing list must be consistent of hiking shoes, a backpack, a camera or phones, journals, sunscreen, jackets, a water bottle, snacks, and maps for easy navigations.
It is also best to travel in groups and with local guides to enjoy the experience and cultural richness, to respect the traditions of the locals, and also to travel with cash to rent a nearby stay near the falls.
Top States in Nigeria Known for Waterfalls
No region has a monopoly on the best waterfalls in Nigeria. As it spreads across all six geo-political zones, from the South, East, West, and the North regions of the country.
Though no region has the monopoly on these natural wonders, there are still some states well known for waterfalls, given the numbers, visits, and rich cultural significance.
- Osun State: Apart from the Erin-Ijesha waterfalls, the state also has the Ayikunugba Waterfall in Oke-Ila Orangun.
- Enugu State: The south-west state houses some notable waterfalls like Awhum Waterfalls, Ngwo Waterfalls, and Ezeagu Waterfall.
- Kwara State: The state boasts one of the most iconic and majestic waterfalls in Nigeria and West Africa, and much of it is still untapped.
- Plateau State: This state has notable waterfalls like Assop Falls and Kurra Falls
- Ekiti State: Known for the popular and historic Ikogosi town, this state houses the warm and cold spring convergence, which is made possible by the richness of the water body in the state, which includes Arinta Waterfall and the Ipole-Iloro falls
Beyond the Falls: Nearby Attractions to Explore
Aside from waterfalls in these states. There are other nearby attractions worth visiting.
The Erin-Ijesha is also near a UNESCO World Heritage site called the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, which is about an hour’s drive from the Erin-Ijesha. The OAU Museum of Natural History, the Osun Festival Grounds, in August, and also the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife
There is also the Nike Art Gallery, which is a branch of the famous Nike Art Centre in Lagos, founded by Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye
The Awka in Enugu is also a tourist attraction that surrounds other interesting parts, like the monastery for spiritual meditation and cleansing. It also has the Ngwo Pine Forest & Cave, and the national museum of unity.
While visiting the Owu Waterfalls in Kwara, it must be noted that it also has nearby attractions to explore. Like the Esei Museum, which was established in 1945, it is an archaeological site with several soapstone pieces, the Imoleboja Cave, and the Emir of Ilorin’s Palace & Central Mosque.
Conclusion
Exploring Nigeria’s waterfalls has highlighted the natural beauty and the importance of its waterfalls.
How it attracts thousands of visitors as a point of tourism, cultural integration, and a sense of spiritual seeking. And no matter how we describe this beauty, they are best experienced personally and physically.
While enjoying these facts about Nigeria Waterfalls, also share this article with your friends to pick out the closest waterfalls site to visit in the coming holidays or hangout.
