Arinta Waterfalls — Attraction in Ekiti State

A foremost tourist destination in Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Arinta Waterfalls is a natural wonder to behold in the ancient city of Ipole Iloro.

The community harbouring the waterfalls, Ipole Iloro is a rural settlement surrounded by undulating mountains, thick evergreen forest and flowing rivers. The waterfall is a favourable destination for holidaymakers and local tourism. According to the Oba (king), the Olupole of Ipole Iloro, Oba Babatola Oladele, the waterfall has been in existence before Oba Alapa-Ajalorun, one of the grandchildren of Oduduwa, founded the town in the 14th century. The waterfall influenced the decision to settle in Ipole Iloro as it is a good source of water for domestic use and drinking.

Features of Arinta Waterfalls

A long steep valley, undulating ridges and tall deciduous trees characterize the waterfall. It has lush green vegetation around it and various insects, bird colonies and large water mass flowing against the rocks. Arinta Waterfalls is made up of seven different layers (cascades) each with unique features.

There is a cobblestone of about 25cm in diameter in one of the seven cascades of the waterfall. It is often referred to as the ‘Wonderful Stone’. This stone is believed to be a rare mystery. It is heavy to the extent that up till today, nobody has been able to lift it. You might just create a Guinness book of record by becoming the first person to lift the cobblestone.

Also, water from the fall is believed to have medicinal value. It is said that it has the power to cure skin diseases. However, the waterfall is not regarded as a deity...

We went there as a couple. We were actually surprised to see that the long road from ipole-Ekiti was constructed solely because of Arinta Waterfalls as the road ended in that mountain though equally beneficial to people around that region. For this I must salute the effort of the State government

We had to wait for a few minutes at the gate as one of the staff (not sure if there were more) had led a few visitors up the hill.

Much work still needed to be done but I see that furnitures, stairs are being put up to make people enjoy the serene environment even though the sound of the water was like that of many waters.

The investment in tourism could bring a lot more reward, if government would also encourage private partnership along that line.

As it is just about 15-20 minutes drive from Ikogosi, a visit to Arinta can as well double the joy of visiting such natural endowments the state has been...

This is a location that could do with some 'encouragement' there is absolutely nothing being done to showcase or expose this as a tourist location or attraction.

It shouldn't just be the money collected at the entrance. The money should be utilized to make the visit an experience. There is a need to talk visitors through all the exciting elements along the way as well as the origin of the waterfalls and sooooo much more BUT there was nothing of such and there hasn't been.

I would recommend the place BUT with a caveat. First you would have to get there and just experience it as best as you can. We were fortunate, we came with a tour guide who knew some of the elements (some) and he also helped with pictures.

A lot more could be done with this...