Idere Hills is located in Ibarapa Central of Oyo State, South Western Nigeria. The hill of Idere is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Nigeria, recently commissioned as a tourist attraction site in Oyo in the year 2020. It is a historical mountain surrounded by a beautiful green landscape. This mountain has an interesting story dating back as far as over 600 years. It is located in a quiet town known as Idere in Oyo State.
It includes such cultural sites as “Onidere Old Palace, Fish Lake, Aroye Hill, Atapa Water, 600 Old Defence Wall, Iyara Wall, Natural Swimming Pool and many more. At the entrance of hill is Ape Tree, it’s been reported that the Tree is over 300 years. The Hills is characterized by beautiful landscapes, rocks, caves, hills, and the ruins of ancient civilization which is still there till date, these qualities have made Idere Hills one of the top tourist destinations to visit.
THINGS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER
- Go in a team, exploring this place could be boring and uninspiring as a solo traveller.
- Wearing the right shoes and clothes is very much essential. Wear sneakers, trekkers or boots with good grip.
- Go with water to stay properly hydrated, glucose and some snacks wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
- It is advisable to let your Tour Guide lead before entering the cave.
- At no point should you try dipping your foot in any of the suspended lakes to avoid stories that touch, lol
- Make sure your phone is fully charged to take some beautiful pictures of the amazing scenery. Getting a power bank for backup wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
Below are different Attractions you can Explore at Idere Hills
Iyara Wall: Iyara in the Yoruba language means room. This is a large wall of two vertical mountains measuring about 18 feet in height and 40 feet in length with a space of 7 feet apart which serves as a natural passage in and out of the community. It served as the city gate and it is managed by the city guards. And on the top right side of the hill is the station for the snippers back in the days.
Aroye Hill: A three-layered rock made up of cylindrical shaped rocks laying horizontally on each other. Aroye Hill used to be one of the security posts at Idere. Locals claimed it is usually the spot where the city spies stay to have a vantage position of everything happening within the community. From the top of this rock, the king’s guard can easily see anyone going in and out of the community. It also aids communication between the guards at the entrance of Idere.
Atapa Spring: This is a spring on the mountain that serves as the major source of water to the whole community. Locals claimed it is highly medicinal and cures different kinds of diseases and ailments.
Eeyore Natural Pool: This is a large water reservoir on top of the hill. It serves as a natural water pool which holds over 12,000 litres of water which is enough to supply the community during the dry season. This water is not for drinking rather for household and farming purposes.
Kosomonu: This is a cave-like section with interconnecting tunnels on the mountain which gives you a good view of the entire community. It is one of the highest points of the mountain. From this place, you can see every part of the community. The name Kosomonu mean can’t lose a child in Yoruba. This is usually used by parents when searching for a missing child, rather than aimlessly searching everywhere, you can easily come to Kosomonu which gives you a better view of the community. It also has a tunnel that is used as a hideout.
Isoku Iruku: All members of the royal families are buried on this mountain. This is a point at the top of the mountain where the corpse must be kept before embarking on the journey to the burial site. It is a custom for the corpse to be placed on this part of the mountain.
Olorogun Meji: These are two large potholes with water formed inside the rock. It is =believed to have been formed by two rival wives. The tale behind it is they had a disagreement and the two of them turned to the two narrow pools of water.
Odi Ilu – The 600 Years Old Defence Wall: Thes are defence walls that have been in existence for over 600 years, they were mounted to serve as a shield against attack on the community. It also has holes where the warrior can use as a viewpoint and for shooting.
Ape Tree: This tree is located at the entrance of the rock, it has been in existence for over 300 years and it is still standing till date. The tree is said to be as old as the town. It goes way back in history.
The Old Palace: Two caves served as the palace for the kings who both rule and reside up the hill. These palaces are still in existence to date.
Oja: Oja is the Yoruba word for market. Oja is Idere market square where food, clothes, agricultural and household goods are sold.
Iho Eja: This can be translated to mean hole of fish, it is an opening on the rock with water that looks like the shape of a fish. The water is used mainly for laundry purposes.
