Dipo Olowookere
By Adeniyi Ogunfowoke
It was a Friday evening and I was walking home with a close female friend when she mentioned in passing that she was visiting Osun State on Saturday. My façade asked the follow-up question rather than my tongue. She said her boyfriend wants to take her on an all-expense paid trip to Erin Ijesha Waterfall in Osun State.
I weighed the option of going with both of them on this trip because I love exploring new destinations. I pleaded with her to inform John that I will love to go with them. He agreed, but I had to sponsor myself. Of course, I didn’t expect him to bankroll my trip.
We left Lagos for Ilesa (you cannot get a direct bus to Erin Ijesa) at about 11:05 am. I paid N1,800. I was alone. At that moment I resolved I will not travel with two lovers without my bae! Wetin sef! Lol!
We got to Ilesa at about 2:30pm. We went straight to our hotel to drop our things. Luckily for us, we had already booked Gold City Hotel on Jumia Travel. So, we had no worries about where to sleep.
Afterwards, we had another 40 minutes journey in a cab to Erin Ijesha. Immediately we stepped out of the cab, I felt the warmth of the waterfall. We decided to walk the untarred road for a few minutes to the waterfall in order to experience the sight and sound of the host community. It was largely rural, serene, quiet and cycled by rocks.
At the waterfall, we paid the N500 entry fee. Depending on what you want, you can navigate the waterfall on your own or pay a tour guide. We found our way.
It was quite stressful because climbing the waterfall is not for the feeble-minded. It was worth it. I felt the temperateness in my whole being as I gazed at the water cascading beautifully from the top. The sight of people playing in their swimsuit in the water with reckless abandon. I was woken from my trance when my friend asked me if I would enter into the water. They were already cuddling in the water. I just looked away before John thinks I am jealous.
I was satisfied with the magnificence of the waterfall. When John and my friend were done. We attempted to move to the next step (the waterfall has 7 steps and very few people get to the 7th). We only managed to get to the second step at which point we were worn out, hungry and it was late.
We returned to Ilesa and had a delicious plate of eba and egusi soup at the African restaurant. Subsequently, we left for our hotel. I was fulfilled and thrilled that if given the chance I will sit staring at the waterfall appreciating this nature’s gift to Nigeria.
Adeniyi Ogunfowoke is a PR Associate at Jumia Travel.
