THE WONDERS OF IDANRE HILL

Nigeria is a great country with abundant natural resources. There are several ancient places in Nigeria which tell stories of how rich a country we are and those places can be tourist sites if well-known and properly taken care of. Here are places in Nigeria which are not known for people to visit, yet they have great potentials for tourism.  Let’s take a look at these places and you will be marvelled.

Idanre Hill – Oke Idanre, Ondo State

Idanre Hill is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Nigeria.  It houses a unique ecosystem upon which the cultural landscape has integrated. On getting to the entrance of the hill you will see a great tree at the entrance of the ancient city of Idanre called the IRAYE TREE, before you can now take the steps to the great city beyond the hills of Idanre.  Added to Idanre Hill is the fact that the entire people of Idanre lived on these boulders for almost a millennium. Located in Idanre Town, about 24 kilometres southwest of Akure, Ondo State capital, the ancient Idanre Hills had been a home for the Idanre community for almost 1000 years.

Idanre Hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

As a natural and cultural landscape, Idanre Hills stands out well among all other places that have been listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a cluster of intimidating and imposing hills housing some wonderful things which confound the senses. The hills surround the town, envelope it and dominate life in the town. From any angle, one sees the hills and virtually every activity that revolves round this collection of hills.

Idanre Hill flora and fauna

Apart from that cultural role, the town pulls the wealthy and the commoner, basically due to its perceived mystical aura and the giddy excitement lovers of nature get when they surmount the steep, daunting climb to the top, to witness a spectacular view of the new town and adjoining hills in a breath-taking manner. The flora and fauna of the place have been under scientific study for several decades. The topography of the place will be of great value to mankind.  Its physical attributes include Owa’s Palace, Shrines, Old Court, Belfry, Agbooogun foot print etc.

The ancient palace

The ancient palace which has an intimidating courtyard where the Oba used to hold court is located on top of the hill where the old settlement used to be. The palace houses some historical monuments about the establishment of Idanre town. It’s a deserted ancient town on top of the hill where abandoned buildings, including the palace and courtyard of the Oba can be found. The old town also has a shrine of the High Chiefs and residential quarters of many inhabitants. The guides are available to tell visitors about interesting ancient histories of the community.

Beautiful landscape

Idanre Hill is a cluster of intimidating and imposing hills that surrounds the town of Idanre. The hills house some wonderful things which confound the senses. It contains very important bio-physical and landform features whose interaction with the physical features created an enduring cultural landscape. The panoramic view of the town from top of the Aghagha Hill is a view that takes one’s breath away.

Aghagha hill, Orosun peak and cultural festival

Aghagha Hill emits smoke throughout the year; it offers beautiful scenery for nature lovers. The famous Orosun festival is one of the major factors for Idanre’s consideration for upgrading to the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, there is an annual Mare Festival (“MARE” meaning “don’t fall”) – An international mountain climbing festival, which celebrates the land, the people and its rich culture.

Arun River

Arun River is a mysterious river in a serene corner of the hill. It’s said that the river derive its source from the hot confines of Aghagha Hill. The water is so clear, clean and even drinkable. One can even see the stones and plants inside it. People come here to pray and fetch the water for spiritual cleansing. Those who venture mid-stream claim that they experience dizziness and the presence of a supernatural being, an eerie feeling which makes the head swell. The experience is definitely not for the lily-livered

There are “Nine Wonders” on the hills. And it begins with “The Great Steps” (Ibi Akasu) that lead up into the hills: 660 steps with five resting points set at least 100 metres apart. A climb on the hills requires a regimen against fatigue and imbalance. With a rich and robust ecosystem, the hilltop is a mid-way world between the sky and the ground, consisting of great heights and yawning gorges, frightening chasms and suicidal slopes. At the pinnacle of the hills, nature is benevolent: a balmy weather, clear, sunless azure sky, and a quasi-Jurassic jungle. The hills’ flora is a matrix of tropical rainforest and savannah biomes. The vegetation, luxurious and densely variegated vegetation include tall Obeche and leafy Afara and Acacia intertwined with shrubs; contrasting morphs of cacti, cashew, and coconuts palms sprout here and there. Bananas grow among bamboos under big baobabs. Sporadic cassava cultivation indicates an agrarian occupation. The hills have a fauna of snakes so if you want to climb, be mindful of them.