Idanre Hill: Sometimes Nature Can't Resist Showing Off

Picture this: a green town 3000 feet above sea level boasting of a unique ecosystem which the cultural landscape has integrated with a large welcoming tree (Igi Iyare) to usher you up the 667 stairs to the grounds above.

Welcome to Idanre hills, one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Nigeria, it is a community housing lots of rich and cultural sites such as the Owa’s palace, Agboogun’s footprints, thunder water*(Omi Apara)*, shrines, burial grounds and mounds and so on, it also serves as venues to several festivals and traditional occasions such as the Amazing Mare climbing festivals, Orosun peak and cultural festival and others.

The Idanre Hills, or Oke Idanre, said to be over 800 years old, is located in Idanre town in Ondo State of south-western Nigeria in the ancient town of Idanre, this destination is so strategically located at about 15km southwest of Akure, the state capital.

The historic Idanre hills represent one of the wonders of nature and a marvellous tourist attraction.

There is the ancient town, which is at the hill top and the new settlement at the hill, The Idanre hills, which are steep-sided, smooth and dome-shape in nature, present an awe- inspiring sight. The different hills were named after some historical figures in the socio-cultural evolution of Idanre land some of these are the Olofin and Orosun hills named after Olofin, the pioneer Oba of Oke-Idanre and his queen respectively. The Aghagha hill is very peculiar because it has a very wonderful footprint named Agboogun into which visitors put their feet, It is believed that anybody whose feet do not exactly fit into the footprint is considered to be a witch or wizard.

There is also Carter Hills named after a former Colonial Governor who signed a peace treaty with the Oba of Idanre in 1891. The Ajimoba Hill was named after a gateman, while the Orosun Hill was named after an ill-fated daughter of a great warrior who killed his daughter in fulfilment of his promise to sacrifice the first living thing that comes his way if he should be victorious in his war exploit (reminds one of ). The girl was buried near the Ilesun Hill and every year, there is a commemoration ceremony on the hill by children of her age.

Idanre Hills in the past offered protection against invaders and are worshipped annually. The cultural relics in terms of gods, goddesses and traditional arts crafts can still be seen in addition to the old palace built around the 17th century. To get to the top of the hill, tourists will have to climb 667 steps with five resting posts along the steps where tourists can take a rest. The steps and resting places had been reconstructed while the notable historical monuments such as the old primary school, native court, the mausoleum, the Owa’s secretary’s office, the Oloris’ quarters and the ancient palace had all been restored.

There is also the mysterious Arun river in a serene corner of the hill. The water is so clear, clean and even drinkable, one can even see the stones and plants inside it. People come to pray and fetch the water for spiritual cleansing, the river is said to derive its source from the hot confines of one of the hills.. The wonderful mat rock, the Owa cave, the Idanre hilltop waterfall are other exciting fun spots the hills feature.

Idanre Hill contains very important bio-physical and land form features whose interaction with the physical features created an enduring cultural landscape. The panoramic view of the town that the hills offer is one to take your breath away.

The ancient Idanre Hills had been a home to the Idanre community for almost 100 years. As a natural and cultural landscape, Idanre Hills stands out well amongst its peers. It is a cluster of intimidating and imposing hills housing some wonderful things which confound the senses. The hills surround the town, envelope it and dominate life in the town. From any angle, one sees the hills and virtually every activity revolves round this collection of hills.

Apart from that cultural role, the town pulls the wealthy and the commoner, basically due to its perceived mystical aura and the giddy excitement lovers of nature get when they surmount the steep, daunting climb to the top, to witness a spectacular view of the new town and adjoining hills in a breath-taking manner. Apart from its touristic value, the flora and fauna of the place had been under scientific study for several decades, hence it’s not surprising that the Idanre hills is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.