I have always loved staying home because it has always been my comfort zone but on this day, I was so excited about the proposition of stepping out for a change. So much to explore and inside is not going anywhere (pun intended).
This is the gist of my great adventure when I made up my mind to brave the outside world!
My NYSC (National Youth Service Corp) year was coming to an end, and to wrap it up, my friend suggested a group trip. Vikky has always been the boldest of the group. I had lots of fear, but I shook it off because as they say, ‘YOLO’ (You Only Live Once). So, ‘Girl, what’s the plan?’
The day came with lots of good vibes and I was super excited. This was my first group trip with friends and I anticipated so much fun. Our destination was the Erin-ijesha waterfall. I had heard so much about it from people and read about it in books. I couldn’t wait!
At about noon we arrived at the destination. The trip took some two and a half hours from Ibadan. Alas!!! What beauty to behold…
The Erin-ijesha waterfall is a 7-step waterfall on the Olumirin located in Erin Oke, Erin-ijesha, Osun State, and at the top of the mountain lies the source of the water, an ancient village, Abake. Erin-ijesha, is a famous tourist attraction with gigantic mountains, tall trees and a very scenic view. I couldn’t wait to start the climb to the top.
We were entertained by the local drummers singing and beating their talking drums as we walked up the steps to the first level. I sha gave them some moves before proceeding. Lol.
The first floor of the waterfall was shallow with no one there. It was easy to tell that this was not where the fun was.
We continued to ascend on the steep rocks, my heart beating ’Kikum Kikum’. I wanted to have fun but not without falling from this height. I had to ‘ginger’ myself, my money cannot go to waste, and I needed to get the maximum enjoyment I signed up for.
We got to the second level. Finally! It had a private and pool feel to it with a small number of people there. The view was breathtaking, such a wonderful sight to behold. If you are a nature lover, you will definitely love the second level.
Changed into my swimwear for some water games. The thrill, the laughs, the jokes, the fun, this was what I signed up for. It was time to proceed to the third level. This bit had no stairs and we had to go through the path the locals carved out for themselves using just hands and feet, supporting ourselves by holding and pulling on roots and stems of trees. ‘I know I subscribed for maximum enjoyment but there was absolutely no way I was doing that… ‘What if I fall?’
The third level, I hear, is usually the hardest to climb and with no access to the waterfall, just a dried path leading to the fourth and then on and on to the final level – the seventh. I really wanted to get to the final level, Abake village, which amazingly is in Ekiti State. Well, I leave that to those with a more adventurous spirit.
Erin-ijesha waterfall is a fun place to visit with mountains, rocks and valleys. Nature lovers will find this relaxing and if you are an adventurer, you can take a swing at getting to the top.
Items to bring when going on the trip
- Change of clothes- You need this, except you want to wear drenched clothes back home.
- Swimwear – Very essential, because the water won’t swim itself.
- Shower caps – Ladies you need these, good thing I was on low cut.
- Lots and lots of food, water and drinks – What’s a road trip without these? Trust a foodie like me to have these in large quantities.
You should definitely add Erin-ijesha waterfall to your list of places to visit, and you will come back to thank me. I am back to base and refreshed enough to accept what life offers. I hope it brings peace, security, and lots of money so I can go on even more adventurous trips.
On this note, I’m signing out and will be sure to keep you posted on my next trip. I’m thinking about doing it solo. Let’s see how that goes.
