Ekiti can be viewed from two distinct perspectives when planning a trip: the Arinta Waterfalls offer a natural setting, while in Ikere Ekiti, residents’ beliefs center on the hills of Olosunta and Orole.
The Arinta Waterfalls in Ipole-Iloro Ekiti
The Arinta Waterfalls cascade down a rocky slope amid natural forest, forming a pool. They are located in Ipole-Iloro Ekiti, in the Ekiti West administrative area of Ekiti State. The rocky slope, forest, and pool are all part of the same landscape: the natural surroundings, as well as the waterfall itself, shape the character of the place.
If you plan to visit the waterfalls, check in advance whether access is available.
Olosunta and Orole in Ikere Ekiti
According to the beliefs of Ikere Ekiti residents, the deities Olosunta and Orole each dwell in the hill that bears their name. For travelers interested in culture, the distinctive connection here is the local interpretation of two specifically named hills.
If you are looking for a hotel for your stay in Ekiti, first decide what matters most to you: the waterfall as a natural attraction or the beliefs surrounding Olosunta and Orole. Then check whether the location of your accommodation suits the places you plan to visit.
Nigeria: more cultural and historical topics
In the wider destination of Nigeria, Sukur offers a distinct historical perspective. The ancient settlement has a documented history of iron smelting, flourishing trade, and strong political institutions dating back to the 16th century. Its landscape features terraced fields, dry-stone structures, and paved stone paths.
The Hidi of Sukur is the political and spiritual leader of the community. His palace is a dry-stone structure surrounded by numerous shrines, including some made of ceramic. Many disused iron-smelting shaft furnaces have been preserved. They were operated with bellows and were usually located near their owners’ homes.
Traditional terraced farming and its associated ritual systems continue in Sukur. Regularly observed festivals and ceremonies are considered signs of cultural continuity there.
The annual procession festival at the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is also part of Nigeria’s cultural landscape. It lasts twelve days in July and August, renews the connection between the goddess and the people of the town, and helps preserve living Yoruba cultural traditions.
The Sango Festival of Oyo marks the beginning of the Yoruba Traditional New Year in August and is a festival honoring ancestors in Sango near the ancient Koso Temple. On the eve of the Yoruba New Year in August, followers and devotees of Sango share and eat roasted new yams and palm oil.
Discover more destinations: Ijero, Oye, Igbara Odo, Ado Ekiti
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