Aside from the ancient locations in Nigeria and the different cultural centres located in almost all the states in the country, waterfalls are also a side attraction that beautifies the country. Some of these waterfalls were discovered by tourists and, although they are not common, they have been in existence as far back as before the states they are located in were created.
Many people are not familiar with these waterfalls because the people in charge do not talk about the natural beauty of the waterfalls except when tourists visit them. In addition, most of these centres are not properly managed and maintained, thereby leaving them dilapitated or abandoned.
Some of the most visited waterfall centres in Nigeria include Erin Ijesha, Arinta waterfalls, Ekiti, Kwa Falls, Cross River, Gurara Falls, Niger, and Ezeagu and Ngwo waterfalls, among others.
However, there are a lot of waterfalls in Nigeria, so many that some might not have been discovered. Thus, water flowing vertically from a cliff, slope, valley, or rock is known as a cascade or waterfall. It can form a river or stream or flow into one.
In this piece, Naijaiography unveils some of the waterfalls in Nigeria, including their history and their locations.
Erin-Ijesha Waterfall
The Olumirin Waterfalls, also known as Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls, is one of Osun State’s most popular tourist centres. The waterfall, which is supposed to have been found around the year 1140 AD and is situated in the Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, is a popular destination for tourists. Water cascades down a seven-level waterfall from a height of more than 20 meters. One unique feature of the Erin Ijesha waterfall is that, while Osun State is indicated at level 1 of the waterfall, Ekiti State is indicated at level 7, which is where the cascade originates. The climbing of the seven-level voyage is not for the weak.
Agbokim Waterfall
Agbokim Waterfall is located in the Etung local government area, Cross River State in southern Nigeria. Agbokimne is one of the most well-known waterfalls in Nigeria, which is within a short distance from the Cameroonian border (15 km from Ikom and 320 km from Calabar). The waterfall is among the easiest to access because it cannot be reached by scaling a mountain or a steep rock.
Gurara waterfall
One of the most well-known waterfalls in Nigeria is Gurara. It is situated in Northern Nigeria, specifically in the state of Niger. The Gurara waterfall’s origin tale is an intriguing one. It was given the names Gura and Rara, after two African gods. This waterfall is about 100 feet tall, and when it flows, it creates two significant streams. Only during the dry season, which runs from November to March, are these streams accessible.
From April to November, it is hard to swim in the waterfall current because the two streams combine to generate a strong cascade. Abuja, the federal capital of Nigeria, is only around an hour’s drive from Gurara waterfall.
Owu Waterfall, Kwara State
Another well-known waterfall in Nigeria is Owu. It’s in the Kwara State region of Owa Onire and Ifelodun Local Government. With a height of 120 meters, or roughly 374 feet, Owu Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Nigeria and West Africa. It creates a pool of cold water at the base of the rock. It is now one of Nigeria’s top tourist destinations, drawing visitors from all over the world.
Awhum waterfall
Among all the waterfalls in Enugu State, the Awhum(Ohum) Waterfall is the most visited. Awhum Town, Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State, is home to Amaugwe village. The Awhum Cascade is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Enugu State. It is made up of a large outcrop of granite rock, with a stream of water flowing from the top. While portions of the waterfall are chilly, it is typically warm in other areas.
Matsirga Waterfall Kaduna State
Another waterfall can be seen in Nigeria’s Notehrm region. In the village of Madakiya Ward, Zangin Kataf, Kafancha, South Kaduna, is where you may find Matsirga. The drop is approximately 30 meters high. It plunges down into a gorge that is lined with gorgeous greenery and boulders. Due to its stunning views, people refer to it as the River Wonderful. Madakiya Town, in Kaduna, North Central, Nigeria, is where you can find the Matsirga waterfall.
Owerre Ezukala Waterfall
One of the tallest waterfalls in South-Eastern Nigeria is the Owerre Ezukala Waterfall, also known as the Ogba Ukwu Waterfall. The Ogbaukwu Waterfall, one of Anambra State’s top natural tourist attractions, is in the Owerre Ezeukala village and borders the states of Abia, Enugu, and Imo. It is situated about 75 kilometres east of Onitsha. The Kagoro hills are the waterfall’s source, and it descends roughly 25 meters from the top to a pool of water below, where it becomes a river that empties into a large body of water.
Kwa Waterfall, Calabar, Cross River State
About 25 kilometres from Calabar, the state’s capital, the Kwa waterfall is situated in the Cross River National Park in the Anegeje Village of the Akamkpa Local Government Area. From the plane, there is a 234-step stairway that is thoughtfully laid out that leads to the rest area by the hazy waters. Given its proximity to the state capital, the Kwa fall is the waterfall in Cross River State that receives the most visitors and attention.
Ezeagu Waterfall
One of the most well-known waterfalls in Enugu is the Ogbagada waterfall, also known as the Ezeagu waterfall. It is part of the Ezeagu tourist complex in Obinofia Ndiuno and is situated at the base of the Okpoku Spring, a chilly area where the Ogbagada river meets. The waterfall is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and picnics.
Agbokim Waterfall Cross River State
Another well-liked waterfall in Nigeria is the Agbokim waterfall. It is also found in the state of Cross River. It is one of the easiest to get to because it can be reached without scaling a mountain or a steep rock. The Agbokim waterfall is situated in Cross River State’s Etung Local Government Area. A border town is where Agbokim is situated. The border between Nigeria and Cameroon is not that far away.
Ngwo Waterfall
The Ngwo Waterfall is situated in the Enugu State town of Ngwo. Over the years, this charming waterfall that cascades from a tiny aperture in the Ngwo cave’s roof, forms a shallow pool on the cave floor, and then emerges as a small stream, has become a top tourist attraction in Enugu as people go from far and wide to witness the natural beauty.
Mayanka Waterfall Suleja Niger State
Despite the fact that Mayanka Waterfalls might not seem like a well-known waterfall in Nigeria, its significance dates back a long way in time. In Hausa, the word for Mayanka is “slaughter place.” The place of execution in the traditional pre-colonial government was Mayanka. Before the time of colonial authority, this is where the traditional leaders executed criminals. Even after hundreds of years, this location has remained important.
Arinta Waterfall
One of the numerous things Ekiti State is proud of is the Arinta Waterfall. Ipole-Iloro settlement, which is adjacent to Ikogosi, is home to the Arinta Waterfalls, which can be reached by car in 10 to 15 minutes. Arinta Falls contains seven unique step-like falls and is encircled by little pebbles.
Assop WaterFall
About 70 miles along the Jos-Kagoro route, at the foot of Plateau State, is where you’ll find Assop Falls. The Assop River provides the water used by the falls and rapids. It provides food for the native grasses that stretch into the gallery woods. The location is in a region called Guinea Savanna, and there are trees and grasslands all around it. At the base of the renowned Hawan Kibo, there is a waterfall that forms naturally.
Farin Ruwa Falls
At the border of Nigeria’s Bokkos LGA in Plateau State and Wamba LGA in Nassarawa State lies a place called Farin Ruwa, which means “white waters” in Hausa. The waterfall is around 160 kilometres from Abuja and about 120 kilometres from Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State. One of Nigeria’s most popular waterfalls, Farin Ruwa, is breathtaking.
Barup waterfall
The most well-known and most visited waterfall and attraction in Taraba State is the Barup Waterfall, which is situated in the Gashaka-Gumti National Park in the Gembu region of the state. Barup waterfall, which welcomes hundreds of people each year, is a sight to behold. The Barup Waterfall and its surroundings are ideal places to unwind and take in the scenery.
Karishi Waterfall
Karishi, a satellite town in the Federal Capital Territory, is home to Karishi Waterfall, one of Abuja’s waterfalls. A great place for outdoor adventure is the waterfall that is situated along Nyanya Karishi Road.
Obudu fall
Although Obudu Falls may not be as attractive as some of Nigeria’s other waterfalls, it is nevertheless worthwhile to visit. The Grotto waterfalls are another name for the Obudu waterfall. It is now one of the most visited tourist destinations in Obudu Mountain Resort. It is situated in the Obudu Mountain resort, which has grown to be one of Nigeria’s most popular tourist destinations. When combined with the Obudu mountain resort, which was formerly known as the Obudu cattle ranch, Obudu Falls may not be worth a visit on its own.
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