Waterfalls of Nigeria

The cool mist from the water is often rainbow-coloured.

Main image (Flickr Credit: markhillary)

Powerful, majestic, stunning and awe-inspiring are just some of the words you could use to describe one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena: the waterfall. Add in the exotic and tropical landscapes of western Africa, and you have a recipe for world-class natural beauty, not to mention great photo opportunities.

Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa and is also home to a number of remarkable and enchanting waterfalls, along with national parks and wildlife. Here are just some of its waterfalls:

Matsirga Waterfalls

Situated in Madakiya, right in the heart of the country, the Matsirga Waterfalls are a picturesque attraction. You’ll be treated to the sight of four different waterfalls, each falling 30 metres to reach a large pool below. The cool mist from the water is often rainbow-coloured and there is plenty of shade, so you can easily relax beside the waterfalls and take in the beauty and serenity of the area.  

Awhum Waterfall

To get to the Awhum Waterfall, you’ll need to travel to the town of Awhum in southern Nigeria, about half an hour’s drive from Enugu. The waterfall is formed by a stream flowing over the edge of a large rock formation and dropping about 30 metres. The locals believe that the water has healing properties and nearby is the Awhum monastery. Don’t forget to check out the caves that populate the area.

Farin Ruwa Falls

This natural wonder can be found in Farin Ruwa in Nasarawa State, north Nigeria. At 150 metres long, the Farin Ruwa Falls are the highest in the country and are in fact, on par with some of the world’s highest waterfalls. The water runs from the top of the large Jos Plateau and then cascades down in a tremendous show of beauty.

Image by Jeremy Weate

Agbokim Waterfalls

This time you’ll need to head south-west to Cross River State, right near Nigeria’s border with Cameroon. The Agbokim Waterfalls actually involve seven different streams of different widths all cascading over a cliff edge. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be treated to the sight of a rainbow! The entire area surrounding the waterfalls is filled with luscious, green landscapes and is popular for trekking and hiking. You’ll definitely be at one with nature in no time when you visit.

Kwa Falls, Cross River State

The Kwa Falls are located in the Cross River National Park, not too far from the city of Calabar. The waterfall’s source is the Kwa River, a lengthy river that is largely untouched by people. Indeed, you’ll no doubt feel like an intrepid explorer in a tropical location as you trek through the vegetation and rainforests of the natural park and gaze upon the churning waters of the river and its waterfall.

Image by markhillary

Gurara Waterfalls

About two and a half hours drive from Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, the Gurara Waterfalls is a popular tourist attraction. The falls boast a width of about 200 metres and a drop of 30 metres, meaning that it is one wide waterfall! The power of the waterfall is best seen in the rainy season, although there is still water streaming down in the dry season. To reach the waterfall, you will need to complete a trek on a rough path, but the sight that awaits you will be more than worth the effort!

So there you have some of the wonderful waterfalls of Nigeria and what a list it is. From all shapes and sizes and with locations all around the country, Nigeria’s collection of waterfalls is diverse, although there is definitely one thing in common: they are all spectacularly beautiful.  

Video Credit Youtube : Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries