Akure & Idanre

The capital of Ondo State, with over 600 stone steps up Idanre Hill to an ancient royal town, plus the warm and cold springs of Ikogosi and Arinta Waterfall nearby.

Akure is the capital of Ondo State in southwestern Nigeria, a Yoruba city surrounded by granite inselbergs and rainforest-covered hills, with the palace of its traditional ruler, the Deji, still at the city's heart. The main attraction is Idanre Hill, about 20 km southwest: climb more than 660 stone steps to the abandoned hilltop town to see the old palace, ancient courts and sweeping views of granite domes; the site is on the World Heritage Tentative List. To the north in neighbouring Ekiti State are the Ikogosi Warm Springs resort, where warm and cold springs meet, and Arinta Waterfall; they are close together and make a good day out. About 45 km east, Owo has ancient terracotta sculptures at its National Museum and the Olowo's palace. The climate is tropical: the Nov–Mar dry season is best for climbing and travel (the harmattan in Dec–Feb brings dry air and reduced visibility), while Apr–Oct is the rainy season, when waterfalls are full but mountain trails are slippery. Getting there: Akure has a small airport, but most visitors drive about 5–6 hours on the expressway from Lagos; hire a car and a local guide for travelling between sights. Plan to stay 2–3 days. Check your government's travel advice for Nigeria before you go, avoid long-distance driving at night, and respect local customs when visiting palaces and ritual sites.

Top sights

• Idanre Hills & Oke Idanre – A group of giant granite domes surrounding an ancient Yoruba town. Climb more than 600 stone steps to the old town on the summit, where you…
• Ikogosi Warm Springs – Cold and hot springs in a forested valley in Ekiti State. The hot and cold waters meet in the same spot yet keep their own temperatures, an…
• Arinta Waterfall – A multi-tiered waterfall in Ipetu-Ilorin village, reached by forest trails and stone steps, often visited alongside Ikogosi Springs.
• Old Palace of the Deji of Akure – The former royal palace of Deji, the traditional ruler of Akure, a national monument with multiple courtyards, carved wooden pillars and a…
• National Museum, Owo – The national museum of the ancient Owo kingdom, famed for its 12th to 15th century Owo terracotta sculptures and court objects, next to the…
• Olosunta Hill – A massive granite standalone hill beside the town of Ikere-Ekiti, regarded locally as a sacred mountain, with views over the Ekiti hills.

Where to eat

• Pounded Yam Village – Akure's best-known pounded yam specialist, serving scoops of pounded yam with egusi soup. Lunchtime queues are common.

Itineraries

• Idanre Hills & Warm Springs – Explore the southwestern inland highlands: climb the ancient Idanre Hills, soak in the Ikogosi Warm Springs, and see wa…