Hiking Experience in Ado-Awaye

On Saturday, 24th August 2024, members of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) at the University of Ibadan gathered in the early hours for an exciting adventure to Ado Awaye, a historic town in Oyo State, Nigeria. The destination? The only naturally suspended lake in Africa, one of just two in the world—the other being in Colorado, USA.

The adventure was not limited to JCI members; the general public could also join the tour for a fee of ₦6000, while members enjoyed a subsidized rate.

The journey kicked off at 9:53 am, slightly delayed due to a minor bus breakdown. After a three-hour drive, we arrived at our destination at 1:15 pm, where we were welcomed by the tour guide. He provided us with essential information about the lake and other noteworthy details before we began our ascent.

Ado-Awaye boasts a stunning landscape, with Iyake Lake as its most prominent feature. The hike to the lake involved climbing over 1000 steps, which took about 45 minutes. Discovered in 1500 AD, Iyake Lake is bottomless and semi-circular in shape, making swimming strictly prohibited for safety reasons.

Our guide shared the story behind the lake’s name, which dates back to the tragic tale of a barren woman who died at the spot where the lake now exists.

Though the lake predated her demise, its depth significantly increased afterward, according to local lore.

Another highlight of the tour was the Elephant Tree, a fallen tree trunk that remarkably resembles an elephant, complete with a trunk and eyes. Some hikers couldn’t resist climbing the tree for photos, adding to the fun of the experience.

After three hours of exploring the natural wonders of Ado Awaye, we took some final photos before descending the hill. Once back at the base, we enjoyed some much-needed refreshments, a perfect way to recharge after the hike.

The day wrapped up as we departed the tourist center at 5:45 pm, arriving back at the University of Ibadan shortly after 8 pm. Everyone then headed to their respective hostels, content and fulfilled.

Sa’ad, the Director of Travels and Tours, deserves accolades for the success of this initiative. He ensured that all participants were safely accounted for after the trip, making it a truly remarkable experience.