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If you are ever in the Western part of Nigeria, ensure you pay a visit to Olumirin waterfalls, one of the most exotic tourist centres in Osun State. The age-long waterfall is believed to have been discovered by the granddaughter of Oduduwa (progenitor of the Yoruba race) around 1140AD. The waterfall is just two kilometres into Erin Ijesha town in Osun state.
Going with a group of tourists, we were welcomed with an impeccable view of nature at its best. Thick green mountainous forests and natures serenity overwhelmed us. Getting to the entrance there was a fee to be paid which was #500 (an equivalent of $1.39 per adult).
We were welcomed by a mobile DJ who actually did a remarkable job. In less than five minutes from the entrance, the 7-level waterfall adventure began. A well-constructed stair-way leads to the first layer of the waterfall. As we ascended, we had an epic view of the dense forest to the right-hand side which starts from the valley and covers the mountain at the other end. Rocks covered in spirogyra and mould immersed in clear flowing water welcomed us and splashed over our feet as we walked by. The breeze was fresh and definitely felt good as it slid softly across us.
As we approached the first level, I was in awe of the view. It was priceless and looked like nothing I had ever seen before. The water snaked through the creeks and obstructions, pouring straight down as it splashed against the unleveled base. Some tourists, myself included, had a good waterfall bath. The water was crystal clear and our tour guide mentioned how the water never runs dry. What beat my imagination was the thought of a waterfall that pours down year in, year out and has never run dry since its discovery.
Just when we thought we had seen the best of Olumirin waterfall, we continued our adventure to the second level which required us climbing a fleet of over 200 stairs. This was tiresome for those who weren’t used to such long walks. Many automatically made them quit, thus ending their trip on the second level.
The second level was magical. I almost forgot I was still in Nigeria as it looks like an entirely different world. This was when I came to the conclusion that tourism if taken more seriously is a multi-million naira gold mine which is yet to be tapped. The third level required some form of mountain climbing and, honestly, a lot of courage. Now I had the Tarzan feeling as I supported my climbing with old tangled tree vines, which were extremely firm. It is a steep climb which requires a lot of caution. We successfully made it to the fourth level and it was from one level of beauty to a higher level of extreme beauty.
The tranquillity of the mountaintop was only disrupted by the high velocity of the waterfall splashing against the rocks and making its way from the uppermost layer to lower layers.
It was too much beauty to behold in one location and honestly, I wanted to pitch a tent and call it home. |
