Chasing the Western Nigeria Waterfalls – Day II

 

We began day two with a hike up the hills of Erio Ekiti. This particular town is predominant for religious tourism and at the very top of the hills is a place called ‘The New Jerusalem’. It was established by Joseph Ayo Babalola, the founder of the Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C) who promoted Christianity within the town in the early fifties.

Erio%2BEkitiErio EkitiErio%2BEkiti

We descended the hills after a few hours and made our way to the famous Ikogosi Warm Spring. Before this visit, I had been led to believe that Ikogosi was a waterfall with the warm and cold parts flowing side by side, I somehow ignored the ‘spring’ part…

DSC 0212

So, yeah, It’s not a waterfall but it is pretty fascinating. The image below is where the cold and warm springs meet…

Ikogosi%2Bmeeting%2BpointIkogosi%2BWarm%2BSpringIkogosi

But seeing Ikogosi alone was a tad bit underwhelming, so taking a 20 minutes drive from Ikogosi to Arinta Waterfalls was exciting for me. I realized as soon as I got there that I have never really seen an actual waterfall and this was so beautiful to watch.

I stayed here only a couple of minutes because it started to rain as soon as we arrived but I was promised a more magnificent waterfall at Erin Ijesha.

Arinta+Waterfall

WeΒ  left Arinta and headed for our hotel at Erio Ekiti, stopping by at a local restaurant to get Ekiti’s staple meal – Iyan (Pounded yam) and Efo Riro. They proceeded to make the food right there and then and invited me to pound my own dinner.

I have to say, I have met only the friendliest people in Ekiti. Everyone I interacted with was so happy and so full of smiles. I got teased about my yam pounding skills but hey, it turned out good enough to eat!

IMG 20160702 193238

I also got offered palm wine, which tasted better than I expected. All in all, it was a day well spent!

Palmwine

Other articles in this series;

Chasing the Western Nigeria Waterfalls – Day I

Chasing the Western Nigeria Waterfalls – Day III

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Clear views of Mount Fuji, a beautiful lake and swans... what more could I possibly ask for? πŸ₯°
_____________________

If you visit the area, here are some places you'll find the swans + a perfect view of Mount Fuji πŸ”πŸ¦’

πŸ“Œ Hirano Beach η™½ι³₯桜: There's an elderly gentleman who comes to feed the swans from around 8:30am to 4pm, so you're likely to see flocks of swans here
πŸ“Œ In front of Koyu Club Hotel (コーユー倢ζ₯½ιƒ¨ε±±δΈ­ζΉ–畔ァロン)
πŸ“Œ A little further down the road from the last location is a dock where you can also rent swan boats.

For clear views of Mount Fuji, winter, spring and autumn have the most days with clear visibility. You can always look up the weather forecast to see what the day's going to be like before you visit. 

Early mornings and evenings give you the best chance of seeing the gorgeous mountain without any cloud coverings 🀍 On this particular day, Mount Fuji was clearly visible throughout the day!

#lakeyamanaka #fujifivelakes #swanlake #japan
Clear views of Mount Fuji, a beautiful lake and swans... what more could I possibly ask for? πŸ₯° _____________________ If you visit the area, here are some places you'll find the swans + a perfect view of Mount Fuji πŸ”πŸ¦’ πŸ“Œ Hirano Beach η™½ι³₯桜: There's an elderly gentleman who comes to feed the swans from around 8:30am to 4pm, so you're likely to see flocks of swans here πŸ“Œ In front of Koyu Club Hotel (コーユー倢ζ₯½ιƒ¨ε±±δΈ­ζΉ–畔ァロン) πŸ“Œ A little further down the road from the last location is a dock where you can also rent swan boats. For clear views of Mount Fuji, winter, spring and autumn have the most days with clear visibility. You can always look up the weather forecast to see what the day's going to be like before you visit. Early mornings and evenings give you the best chance of seeing the gorgeous mountain without any cloud coverings 🀍 On this particular day, Mount Fuji was clearly visible throughout the day! #lakeyamanaka #fujifivelakes #swanlake #japan
2 days ago
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1/9
This town was a beautiful surprise in Japan 😍

To get here, we travelled from Kyoto to Nagoya and from there to Nakatsugawa. From Nakatsugawa Station, we had to take another bus to Magome-Juku but the commute was so worth it!

-------‐‐‐--‐

Magome forms part of the Nakasendo Trail, a historic route that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period in Japan. It traverses the mountainous heart of Japan, offering breathtaking views of forests, rivers, and traditional villages.

The trail is known for its 69 post towns where people would rest along the way. Today, parts of the Nakasendo are well-preserved, allowing hikers to experience a mix of nature and history as they walk through charming old towns like Magome and Tsumago, where time seems to stand still amidst the preserved traditional architecture.

#travelinspiration #japantrip #magome #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
This town was a beautiful surprise in Japan 😍 To get here, we travelled from Kyoto to Nagoya and from there to Nakatsugawa. From Nakatsugawa Station, we had to take another bus to Magome-Juku but the commute was so worth it! -------‐‐‐--‐ Magome forms part of the Nakasendo Trail, a historic route that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period in Japan. It traverses the mountainous heart of Japan, offering breathtaking views of forests, rivers, and traditional villages. The trail is known for its 69 post towns where people would rest along the way. Today, parts of the Nakasendo are well-preserved, allowing hikers to experience a mix of nature and history as they walk through charming old towns like Magome and Tsumago, where time seems to stand still amidst the preserved traditional architecture. #travelinspiration #japantrip #magome #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
3 days ago
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2/9
Black Crow Castle, standing strong since the 1500s β€” a true Japanese gem!
Black Crow Castle, standing strong since the 1500s β€” a true Japanese gem!
4 days ago
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3/9
Travel Amarachi is VERY different from Home Amarachi! Am I living a fake life?πŸ˜­πŸ˜‚

Because,my ideal day will start at 10 or 11am and end at 2am. I'm a night owl πŸ¦‰, not an early bird 🐦 - a complete opposite of who I become when I travel!

Tea or Coffee? No, thanks! I'll take a glass of orange juice please! 🍹 But "Travel-Amarachi" will take that matcha 🍡, with the beautiful cafe to matcha! See what I did there? πŸ˜‰ #thefunniestgirlinNigeria #MFGNπŸ‘‘

I only hike for love ❀️ and my Love can faint if he goes on a trip that doesn't include any bit of hiking. So here we are!

+1: I am also a big home buddy. If you catch me outside, I must really love you! But Travel-Amarachi can't stay put in the hotel!
_____________________________

Over to you! What are some ways travel-you differs from home-you? Let me know in the comment section below!

#travelinspiration #japantrip #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
Travel Amarachi is VERY different from Home Amarachi! Am I living a fake life?πŸ˜­πŸ˜‚ Because,my ideal day will start at 10 or 11am and end at 2am. I'm a night owl πŸ¦‰, not an early bird 🐦 - a complete opposite of who I become when I travel! Tea or Coffee? No, thanks! I'll take a glass of orange juice please! 🍹 But "Travel-Amarachi" will take that matcha 🍡, with the beautiful cafe to matcha! See what I did there? πŸ˜‰ #thefunniestgirlinNigeria #MFGNπŸ‘‘ I only hike for love ❀️ and my Love can faint if he goes on a trip that doesn't include any bit of hiking. So here we are! +1: I am also a big home buddy. If you catch me outside, I must really love you! But Travel-Amarachi can't stay put in the hotel! _____________________________ Over to you! What are some ways travel-you differs from home-you? Let me know in the comment section below! #travelinspiration #japantrip #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
5 days ago
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4/9
An absolutely wonderful time in the most stunning country! 😍😍

#japantrip2025πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅πŸŒΈβ›©οΈ
An absolutely wonderful time in the most stunning country! 😍😍 #japantrip2025πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅πŸŒΈβ›©οΈ
5 days ago
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5/9
Public holidays should be your best friend if you work full time and love to travel. Eid and Easter fall between the months of March and June.

If you plan out your vacation time properly, you can:

🌸: get 24 vacation days ✈️ by taking only 12 days off! 🀯. Perfect for your Asian odyssey or West African road trip from Nigeria to Cote D'Ivoire 🚌

You can also split this time, taking shorter breaks in addition to the public holidays.

Take 12 days off from March 31 to April 21 to get 24 vacation days (including weekend and public holidays)! πŸ˜€ 

Mar 31 - Apr 01: Likely Eid Al Fitr
Apr 18 - Apr 21: Easter

Send this post to your manager immediately! πŸš€
Public holidays should be your best friend if you work full time and love to travel. Eid and Easter fall between the months of March and June. If you plan out your vacation time properly, you can: 🌸: get 24 vacation days ✈️ by taking only 12 days off! 🀯. Perfect for your Asian odyssey or West African road trip from Nigeria to Cote D'Ivoire 🚌 You can also split this time, taking shorter breaks in addition to the public holidays. Take 12 days off from March 31 to April 21 to get 24 vacation days (including weekend and public holidays)! πŸ˜€ Mar 31 - Apr 01: Likely Eid Al Fitr Apr 18 - Apr 21: Easter Send this post to your manager immediately! πŸš€
1 month ago
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6/9
Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan!

Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!
Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan!

Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!
Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan!

Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!
Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan!

Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!
Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan!

Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!
Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan!

Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!
Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan!

Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!
Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan! Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below! Happy Travels!
1 month ago
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7/9
This lodge is the perfect place to start or end your trip to Namibia. It was certainly a highlight of ours! πŸ’™

πŸ“Voigtland Guesthouse πŸ‡³πŸ‡¦ Would you stay here?
This lodge is the perfect place to start or end your trip to Namibia. It was certainly a highlight of ours! πŸ’™ πŸ“Voigtland Guesthouse πŸ‡³πŸ‡¦ Would you stay here?
2 months ago
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8/9
Dreaming of visiting Hong Kong? πŸ‡­πŸ‡° If so, you're in luck because the visa application is one of the easiest (and cheapest) out there for Nigerian passport holders.⁣
⁣
πŸ’¬ π‚π¨π¦π¦πžπ§π­ "π•π’π¬πš 𝐋𝐒𝐧𝐀" for a step-by-step guide, and I'll share all the details with you via DM! πŸ›«πŸ“¨β£
⁣
π—ͺ𝐑𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠?: I first learned how easy the application process was via @travelletters_ ⁣
⁣
Then I found out that I could save πŸ’ΈπŸ’ΈπŸ’Έ if I rerouted my flights to East Asia through HK. Plus, this is a new destination for me anyway, so win-win! πŸ†β£
⁣
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐩𝐩π₯𝐲: Visit the Gov.HK - comment "Hong Kong" and I'll share this directly to your DM πŸ“©β£
⁣
𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐒𝐬𝐒𝐭 π•π’π¬πš 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐒𝐧𝐠 π“π’π¦πž: 4-6 weeks. So apply early!⁣
⁣
𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐒𝐬𝐒𝐭 π•π’π¬πš π…πžπžπ¬: Ordinary visa $230 HKD, which = ~$30 USD. For a transit visa, it's only $120 HKD⁣
⁣
Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below!
Dreaming of visiting Hong Kong? πŸ‡­πŸ‡° If so, you're in luck because the visa application is one of the easiest (and cheapest) out there for Nigerian passport holders.⁣ ⁣ πŸ’¬ π‚π¨π¦π¦πžπ§π­ "π•π’π¬πš 𝐋𝐒𝐧𝐀" for a step-by-step guide, and I'll share all the details with you via DM! πŸ›«πŸ“¨β£ ⁣ π—ͺ𝐑𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠?: I first learned how easy the application process was via @travelletters_ ⁣ ⁣ Then I found out that I could save πŸ’ΈπŸ’ΈπŸ’Έ if I rerouted my flights to East Asia through HK. Plus, this is a new destination for me anyway, so win-win! πŸ†β£ ⁣ 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐩𝐩π₯𝐲: Visit the Gov.HK - comment "Hong Kong" and I'll share this directly to your DM πŸ“©β£ ⁣ 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐒𝐬𝐒𝐭 π•π’π¬πš 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐒𝐧𝐠 π“π’π¦πž: 4-6 weeks. So apply early!⁣ ⁣ 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐒𝐬𝐒𝐭 π•π’π¬πš π…πžπžπ¬: Ordinary visa $230 HKD, which = ~$30 USD. For a transit visa, it's only $120 HKD⁣ ⁣ Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below!
2 months ago
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9/9
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