Waterfalls are magnificent works of nature. All over the world, they are known to attract visitors for the quiet and sense of purity one becomes filled with. Several of them can be found in Nigeria which include Gurara Falls in Niger state, Farin Ruwa Falls in Nasarawa state, Owu waterfalls in Kwara state, Assop in Plateau, and a host of others. Olumirin waterfall, popularly known as Erin-Ijesha waterfall, is known for many things.

There are many fascinating places one can visit in Nigeria. Like Olumirin waterfalls, some other tourist sites in Southwest are: Ikogosi warm spring and Arinta waterfalls in Ekiti state, Idanre Hills in Ondo state. But if you are planning to make a visit to Olumirin waterfall, these are the major things you need to know.

Olumirin Waterfall Location

Olumirin is located in Erin-Ijesha, Oriade local government, Osun state. Towering high, the cliff can be found within the community axis of Erin-Oke, Erin-Ijesha, and Erinmo

History of Olumirin Waterfall

Olumirin, which means “another deity” was discovered in 1140 AD by Akinla, a granddaughter of Oduduwa, when the people of Ife were migrating to Erin-Ijesha. Akinla was also known to have founded the Erin-Ijesha town. The natives regard the waterfall as a sacred site and a means of purifying their souls. They also believe that the waterfall flows from a big pot located at the top of rock.

Seven Falls

Olumirin waterfalls has seven falls, each one providing a new and different perspective. The waterfall forms a large pool of water on the ground, surrounded by vegetation. The steps needed to reach a next level are not specified. Climbing them may be a daunting task, but it is a rewarding one as it gives an awe-inspiring experience. One can make going beyond the third step a quest as most people are unable to, or maybe they just don’t try. As most people begin to climb the waterfalls, they begin the numbering from the base to the top, whereas it’s the other way round. The first waterfall is the one at the top. The second is the largest, with waters gushing down from a 40m rock.

Statistics of Visits to Olumirin Waterfall

It is one of the most visited tourist sites in Nigeria. In 2014, between January to November, Olumirin Falls recorded over 50,000 visitors, the tourist site with the highest visits that year. During the celebration of the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival and Culture, Olumirin waterfall attracts more visitors from all over the globe. A tour around other tourist sites that does not include a visit to Erin-Ijesha waterfall is incomplete.

The level of water is constant all through the year. The crisp air and fresh atmosphere, the serenity and calm, the adventure of climbing, seeing and discovering, are only some of the reasons that make Olumirin waterfall an ideal tourist site. There are hotels situated near the waterfall, so one can spend as much time as they want, basking in the presence of nature.