Top 10 Greatest Waterfalls in Nigeria

What are some of the greatest waterfalls in Nigeria? This article has all the answers you need.

A waterfall is a body of river water that naturally cascades down a cliff. It is a massive freshwater waterfall that cascades off of steep cliffs and into a larger river or body of water. You should be aware that waterfalls are wonderful locations for social activities like gatherings, picnics, picture and video shoots, academic research, and so on.

Fortunately, Nigeria is home to several beautiful waterfalls which are ideal for relaxation, meditation, or excursion. Here is our top pick of the top ten waterfalls in Nigeria and where they are located.

1. Erin-Ijesha Waterfall

Olumirin waterfall, which translates to “another deity,” is another name for Erin-Ijesha waterfall. In southwest Nigeria’s Osun State, in the town of Erin-Ijesha, is where you may find this waterfall. The waterfall is located inside the community axes of Erin-Oke, Erin-Ijesha, and Erinmo along the Efon Ridge along the Ilesha-Akure motorway. The breathtaking feature of this waterfall is that it is a conglomeration of seven separate waterfalls that tumble down in close proximity from the rock’s upper cliffs and into a river pool that empties into a canopy of lush greenery.

It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Osun State. Located in the Oriade local government area of Osun State, The Waterfall which is said to have been discovered around 1140 AD is an ideal spot for lovers of tourism.

2. Gurara Waterfalls, Niger State

The most well-known waterfall in Niger State is Gurara, which is in Gurara LGA. it is one of the greatest waterfalls Nigeria, It is 30 meters high which is about about 99 feet tall, and 200 meters wide.

During the rainy season, the waterfall rushes down a decline of 30 meters and has a width of almost 200 meters. However, during the dry season, when all rainfall has stopped, the intensity of the waterfall decreases. The waterfall is believed to be a branch of the Gurara River, which is a tributary of the well-known River Niger.

The Gurara waterfall’s origin tale is an intriguing one. It was given the names Gura and Rara, two African gods. This waterfall is about 100 feet tall, and when it flows, it creates two significant streams. Only during the dry season, which runs from November to March, are these streams accessible. The waterfall is just about an hour from Nigeria’s federal capital territory Abuja.

The waterfall is a great location for academic studies, group picnics, photo and video shoots, and bird viewing.

3. Owu Waterfalls, Kwara State

The Owu Waterfall is next on the list of greatest waterfalls in Nigeria; it is located in Nigeria’s Kwara State’s Ifelodun LGA. One of the most lovely waterfalls in the South-Western region of Nigeria is this one. By the way, this waterfall is famous for its almost 330-foot waterfall, which cascades down a rugged hillside covered in lush flora. The cool splash of the water that is streaming is a great area to take a bath.

The ice-cold pool of cascading water is delightful to soak in and will make for excellent photo opportunities for artists and other interested parties.

It is now one of Nigeria’s major tourist destinations, drawing visitors from all over the world.

4. Matsirga Waterfalls Kaduna State

One of Nigeria’s Greatest waterfalls is the Matsirga waterfall situated in Kafanchan, Kaduna State. The water springs atop the Kagoro hills are the waterfall’s source. About 25 meters high, the Matsirga Waterfalls descend into a sizable plunge pool.

The waterfall receives its water from springs located atop the Kagoro Hills, and it cascades down the cliffs to a pool about 25 meters below, where it empties into the hills beyond. The waterfall, which is actually a combination of four distinct waterfalls cascading down in a spectacular manner, never ceases to fascinate visitors.

It plunges down into a gorge that is lined with gorgeous greenery and boulders. Due to its stunning views, people refer to it as the River Wonderful. Madakiya Town, in Kaduna, North Central, Nigeria, is where you can find the Matsirga waterfall.

The Kagoro hills are the waterfall’s source, and it descends roughly 25 meters from the top to a pool of water below, where it becomes a river that empties into a large body of water.

5. The Obudu Waterfall

Although the Obudu waterfall is not as enormous or large as the other waterfalls in Nigeria, it is one of the greatest waterfalls in Nigeria.

It offers tourists visiting the Obudu Mountain near the Obudu Cattle Ranch resort in eastern Nigeria a fascinating sight. Being a natural resort, gorillas, monkeys, and uncommon birds frequent the waterfall for a drink, which adds to its allure for tourists who enjoy having picture shoots while picnicking nearby.

6. The Kwa Waterfall Calabar, Cross River State

The Kwa Falls is one of the greatest waterfalls in Nigeria, it is an outgrowth of the Kwa River, situated in Anegeje village in the Akamkpa LGA of Cross River State.

Its lovely rivers tumble down basement rocks at the Cross River National Park’s Oban side.

The Kwa Falls are accessible via 234 steps, and the waterfall cascades into a canopy of tropical rainforest and mangrove vegetation that is abundant in mahogany, ebony, and spruce trees.

According to legend, the river rises in the Oban Hills in Cross River National Park and flows south to the estuary of the same name.

The Great Kwa River, also known as the Kwa Ibo River or the Kwa River, flows gracefully through Cross River State in southeast Nigeria, draining the east side of the lovely city of Calabar. The impressive Kwa Falls descend through a wide vertical gash on a cliff cutting across the Great Kwa River channel.

The Kwa Falls in Calabar is a popular destination for tourists and locals throughout the year because of its breathtaking scenery.

7. Arinta Waterfall Ekiti State

One of Nigeria’s most underappreciated waterfalls is Arinta. It is located in Ekiti State, in the southwest of Nigeria, and is simply breathtaking to behold. Ikogosi Warm Spring may be reached in less than fifteen minutes by car. It has seven layers, just like the waterfall at Erin Ijesha. Arinta waterfall is situated in a tranquil setting with picnic areas and access to motorized roads.

8. Agbokim Waterfall

Another Greatest waterfall in Nigeria is the Agbokim waterfall. It is also found in the state of Cross River. It is one of the easiest to get to because it can be reached without scaling a mountain or a steep rock. The Agbokim waterfall is situated in Cross River State’s Etung Local Government Area. A border town is where Agbokim is situated. The border between Nigeria and Cameroon is not that far away.
Nearly 315 kilometers separate Calabar and the Agbokim Waterfall in Nigeria’s Cross-River State. The closest community in Etung LGA, Ikom, is around 17 kilometers away. It is also extremely close to the Nigeria–Cameroon border. Visitors from surrounding states frequently choose to visit the waterfall because of its appealing and entrancing tranquility, and many of them have been fortunate enough to see a rainbow traverse its aura at particular periods of the year.

9. Awhum Waterfall Enugu State

The Awhum Waterfall is located in the Eastern section of Nigeria, along the Enugu-9th Mile route, about 30 minutes drive from Enugu State. A local Catholic monastery guards this spot to prevent vandals from destroying its beauty. This waterfall is fed by an unbroken river stream that cascades from a jagged cliff and passes through stunning woodland. The best area in Enugu to go for both social and tourist attractions is this one.
A steady trickle of river flows from a sizable rock formation and feeds the waterfall, much to the delight of the local flora and fauna. For the greatest in tourist and social joys, go to this location in Enugu.

10. Farin ruwa

The Bokkos LGA in Plateau State and the Wamba LGA in Nigeria’s Nassarawa State share a boundary where the Farin Ruwa Waterfall is located. In Hausa, Farin Ruwa essentially means “white waters.” Some table-water firms come to this location to obtain water to bottle for marketing purposes. This waterfall, which cascades from a 150-meter-high rock, embodies the lovely majesty of the region’s natural beauty and amazes all visitors. The region is ideal for climbing and study, among other social endeavors, due to its volcanic rocks and granite topography.
Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa, is located about 120 kilometers from the Waterfall. One of Nigeria’s most popular waterfalls, Farin Ruwa is breathtaking.

Read Also: Top 10 Richest Female Musicians in Nigeria (2022)

Summary

Here is a summary of the top 10 Greatest Waterfalls in Nigeria:

1. Erin-Ijesha Waterfall
2. Gurara Waterfalls, Niger State
3.  Owu Waterfalls, Kwara State
4.  Matsirga Waterfalls Kaduna State
5.  The Obudu Waterfall
6. The Kwa Waterfall Calabar, Cross River State
7. Arinta Waterfall Ekiti State
8.  Agbokim Waterfall
9. Awhum Waterfall Enugu State
10. Farin ruwa