About Owu Falls, The Tallest Waterfall in West Africa

Owu falls, also known as Oowu by the locals, is one of West Africa’s tallest waterfalls.

Waterfalls are typically generated as lakes flow into valleys in high mountains in the upper course of a river.

Many waterfalls originate over bedrock with the minimal contributing area because of their landscape location, hence they may be ephemeral and flow only during rainstorms or considerable snowmelt. A waterfall might be more perennial the further downstream it is. Waterfalls come in a variety of sizes and depths.

The Owu waterfall is in Owa Onire, Kwara state, and is part of the Ifelodun local government area.

As a result of its breathtaking beauty, the Owu Waterfall has been dubbed Nigeria’s most stunning waterfall and also called “wonder in the wilderness.” It is equally one of the top family vacations spots in Nigeria.

According to research, the waterfall flows 330 feet down the rock, providing a beautiful view for visitors. It also has a lovely setting for people to take photographs.

The waterfall is also said to respond to voices when you scream “Oowu,” the louder you yell, the greater the loudness of the water and the crazier the outpour becomes.

Research also states that the Owu Waterfall features a 10-meter-high smaller waterfall near to the main waterfall, where you can swim and relax before seeing the main waterfall. The main waterfall is 120 meters high above sea level.

How to Get to Owu Waterfalls from LAGOS, IBADAN, OSUN, OR KWARA

The journey from Lagos to Owu Waterfall is approximately about 5 hours.

While coming from Lagos, you drive to Ibadan, Osogbo, and then to Offa, Kwara State, and finally to Omu Aran. After passing through Omu Aran (where Landmark University is located), you will drive down to Owa Onire, where the signage stands on the roadside and leads directly to the Waterfall.

As a result of the distance between Owa Onire and Owu Waterfall which is 7 kilometers, it is generally suggested for first-time visitors to visit the king’s palace before embarking on the tour so that they can hire a tour guide for you to accompany you on your journey.

Things to Take Along On Your Owu Fall Trip

• Comfortable shoes; which can be training or hiking boots
• Money; although admission to the fall is free, you may need to donate to the community
• Bottled water; enough water, because the journey to the fall is long
• Gum
• Handkerchiefs

Notable Information about the Owu Waterfall

1. It is one among Nigeria’s top ten natural wonders
2. The Journey from the village to the waterfall is about 1hour-45minutes, which you have to trek to
3. During missionary work for the Sudan Interior Mission, now known as the Evangelical Church of West Africa, a missionary, Rev. Plafare Dui, discovered Owu Fall 40 years ago. (ECWA)
4. It is one of West Africa’s steepest types of falls.
5. It is encircled by a thicket of lush rainforest.
6. When you get to the waterfall, there is no network or phone signal.
7. It has a freezing pool.
8. Owu Falls is bordered by mountains that span into the states of Ekiti and Kogi.
9. According to legend, Owu Falls was formerly home to a gigantic snake and birds that threatened the people’ communal life. This condition remained until about 1940, when “God, in His immense mercies and love for His people, smote the snake with thunder, and miraculously sent the hazardous birds away,” according to the story.
10. The true history and presence of Owu Waterfall, are unknown.
11. History claims that the founding fathers of Owu, Owa-Kajola, and Owa Onire were Owa family siblings. Then, until the settlers moved to the current location (Owa-Kajola) in 1940, they lived on the hills above the falls, unaware of the existence of the waterfalls below., due to the lack of social amenities and the rough terrain, which made farming extremely difficult. One of the brothers, Owa Kajola, constructed his residence near the falls as a result of this shift, while Owa Onire relocated to the city border near Isanlu, in what is now Kogi State.
12. The coolness of Owu Falls is one of its most appealing features, which can be felt even from a distance of roughly 10 kilometers away, especially during the rainy season. Though the fall is difficult to find because to the poor state of the road, the complication of the site added to the excitement.
13. Owu Waterfall was named the top tourism destination in Nigeria in 2020.

• For the first time, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed paid a visit to Owu Falls in 2017.

Source: Guardian

This attraction was featured on Twinkl in their blog Top Nigeria Tourist Attractions to Visit.