The first time I visited Oyo State, it was for a 3-day trip to Ibadan. I had boarded the morning train at Agege Train Station, and after a little over two hours, I arrived in Ibadan around 10:30 AM. I remember thinking Ado Awaye was located in Ibadan and added it to my list of places to visit.
But Ado Awaye is actually a town in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. It’s best known for Oke Ado hill, atop which sits Iyake Lake, one of only two suspended lakes in the world.
Ado Awaye is just over three hours from Lagos, making it an ideal day trip destination from Lagos. If you’re planning a visit, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step by step.
Why Should You Visit Ado Awaye?
Ado Awaye is home to Iyake Lake, the only naturally suspended lake in the world. While there are two suspended lakes globally, the other, located in Colorado, USA, is man-made. This makes Iyake Lake in Ado Awaye a truly rare natural wonder, right here in Nigeria.
If you’re a nature lover or adventure seeker looking for exciting places to explore in Nigeria, Ado Awaye is a fantastic choice. It offers a mix of adventure, culture, and scenic views, all in one trip.
The hike up Oke Ado, the hill where the lake sits, involves climbing over 350 steps. It’s not the easiest trek, but for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge, the view and the experience at the top are absolutely worth it.
Cultural and Historical Significance of Ado Awaye
On the hike up Ado Hill, you will see a series of fascinating landmarks, each steeped in myth and local belief. These are symbols of the town’s spiritual history and offer a glimpse into how the people of Ado Awaye connect with nature and the divine. Here are a few you’ll encounter on your way up.
Iyake Suspended Lake (Lake of the Gods)
This lake, perched atop the Ado Hill, is one of only two suspended lakes in the world. Local legends say it’s bottomless and has spiritual powers. It’s believed to be a sacred site where the spirits of ancestors reside, and people once performed rituals here to seek blessings or justice.
Visitors are strongly advised not to swim in the lake. During my last visit, our tour guide shared a chilling story: some years ago, a group of foreigners tried to test the lake’s depth by diving in. They were never seen again. You don’t want to become part of this strange statistic.
Mythological Landmarks
Along the hike, you’ll encounter sites like
The Elephant Tree: A naturally formed tree resembling an elephant, considered a symbol of strength and a spiritual guardian of the hill.
Footprint of the Ancestors (Ese kan Aiye): Believed to be the literal footprint of a powerful ancient being, adding to the area’s mythic importance.
Oke Ishage (The Shaking Rock): A sacred rock that locals say never falls, no matter how it’s pushed. It was used in the past to predict rainfall and make decisions during droughts.
Royal Roots
Ado Awaye was once a powerful kingdom with its own monarchy and chieftaincy system. The town’s traditional ruler, the Alado of Ado Awaye, still holds ceremonial importance today.
Fusion of Nature and Belief
The hike itself is seen as a spiritual journey. Many locals believe that ascending the mountain is symbolic of seeking divine connection or clarity. The area serves as a cultural pilgrimage site during certain festivals and spiritual observances.
Best Time to Visit Ado Awaye
As someone who has hosted multiple group trips to Ado Awaye, I’d strongly advise against visiting during the peak rainy season. The weather can be unpredictable, and trust me, you don’t want to get caught halfway through the hike when it suddenly starts to pour. I’ve been there, done that, and I do not recommend it.
If you absolutely must visit during the rainy season, make sure to check the weather forecast ahead of time and choose the clearest day possible for your hike.
Opening Days and Hours
The Ado Awaye site is open every day from 8 AM, including public holidays. While there’s no official administration, you’ll find tour guides and site managers on ground who are available to assist visitors.
Suggested Departure and Return Times for a Day Trip
Ado Awaye is a little over 3 hours from Lagos by road. I recommend leaving Lagos by 7 AM at the latest, so you can begin the hike before the sun gets too intense. Trust me, once the sun is out, the climb becomes twice as exhausting.
Plan to leave Ado Awaye by 4 PM so you can make it back to Lagos before nightfall. That way, you’ll avoid driving in the dark and beat the late-evening traffic.
How to Get to Ado Awaye from Lagos
Getting to Ado Awaye is fairly straightforward, especially if you’re traveling by private or rented vehicle. With Google Maps and access to the internet, navigation is easy.
Getting There by Private or Rented Vehicle
Traveling by private or rented car is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Ado Awaye. If you’re going with a group or have a friend with a car, I highly recommend this option. You won’t need to detour through Ibadan, you can get to Ado Awaye in less than 3 hours and 30 minutes through Abeokuta.
Getting There By Public Transport
Public transport to Ado Awaye can be tricky since there are no direct buses from Lagos to Ado Awaye or even to Iseyin Local Government Area, where Ado Awaye is located. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Take a bus from any interstate park in Lagos, such as Ojota, Ogba, Oshodi, or Ajah, to Ibadan.
- From Ibadan, find a bus heading to Iseyin. You can catch this bus either at the last bus stop in Ibadan or at Ojoo Park, which is a major transport hub.
- Once you arrive in Iseyin, take a bike to Oke Ado.
Pro Tip: Taking the train to Ibadan is not ideal; it will only delay you.
What to Pack
Since it’s a day trip, you won’t need to carry too much. Dress comfortably and wear good hiking shoes. Here are a few essentials to bring along:
- Water in a thermal flask to keep it cool
- Snacks to keep your energy up
- Sunscreen to protect your skin
- A hat for shade
- Sunglasses to shield your eyes
- Powerbank and charger to keep your devices charged
- And if you want to keep the vibes up, maybe a Bluetooth speaker.
What to Expect on the Hike
If you’ve been to Olumo Rock, imagine the difficulty level multiplied by ten, that’s what Oke Ado feels like. As I mentioned earlier, this hike is definitely for the adventurous. If you’re just coming for the photos, it’s important to have clear expectations about the effort involved.
The climb up Oke Ado involves over 350 steps, and about half of the hike is on steep staircases, which can be pretty exhausting. But once you get past that part, the rest of the hike becomes easier.
Along the way, you’ll encounter the key landmarks I mentioned earlier: first Ishage Rock, then the Footprints of the Gods, Iyake Lake, the Elephant Tree, and finally the Verge of Life and Death. Your tour guide will share the history and significance of each as you go.
From my experience leading hikes, the entire trek typically takes around 4 hours, so be sure to mentally prepare for that.
Where to Eat in Ado Awaye
On the times I’ve been there, we usually brought our own food from Lagos, except for one time when we stopped at a Bukka in Iseyin to eat. I’m not very familiar with Bukka options there, but I’m sure if you ask the locals, you’ll find some good recommendations. Just don’t expect anything fancy. Some vendors also sell snacks and drinks at the foot of the hill, which can come in handy during the hike. That said, I always recommend packing your own meals and snacks to be safe and ensure you have enough energy for the day.
Lagos to Ado Awaye Day Trip Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost (₦) |
| Transportation | ~20,000 for a round trip |
| Entry Fees | 1000 per person |
| Tour Guide Fees | Negotiable |
Bonus Tips
- Go with a group, it’s more fun and definitely safer. Honestly, I can’t imagine doing this hike alone!
- There are no standard rates or official documentation, so go with what you know and be prepared to negotiate.
- Network coverage is usually poor, especially MTN. From my experience, Airtel tends to work better there.
- Be respectful. Ado Awaye is a sacred site for the locals, and you’ll often see people praying and worshipping.
- Don’t litter, please. Help keep this beautiful place clean for everyone to enjoy.
Conclusion
A day trip to Oke Ado is truly one for the books. Speaking from experience as someone who has successfully led group trips to this amazing location, I can tell you it’s well worth the effort. Just be sure you’re physically fit and mentally prepared for the challenge. Once you reach the top, all the hard work will feel completely worthwhile.
Have you ever visited Ado Awaye? I’d love to hear about your experience. Drop me a comment below.
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