Legends of the South West – A trip to Osogbo & Ife

I’ve been meaning to visit Osun Osogbo Grove for a while now. When I visited Erin Ijesha, Ikogosi and Arinta Waterfalls about two years ago, the grove had been part of the original itinerary. I left it out then due to logistic issues. I had also missed opportunities to go with Unravelling Nigeria and Diusor, but this past weekend, the trip finally happened.

Osogbo Grove

Getting to Osun Osogbo Grove from Lagos

Sienna Car Lagos to Osogbo

I had the option of getting a car from Ojota but my colleague suggested that I get one at Ajah instead since it was closer to me. We both arrived at the bus park at about 6:30 am and caught the first car going out. It took a few minutes to get filled up and once it was 7:15 am, we were out of the park and on our way to Osogbo.

The journey wasn’t so bad. The roads were but the driver drove carefully and the car was quite comfortable. I suffered from motion sickness for nearly half of it and I was very glad when we arrived at Osogbo about 4hours later.

Osun State

There were bikes waiting outside the park when we arrived. We asked one of the riders to take us to the grove but he didn’t seem to know where it was. When I asked if he knew where the Osun-Osogbo festival takes place, he said he did and off we went.

The ride was quite short (about 10 minutes or less). The rider dropped us off at the entrance of the grove and we made our way to pay the entrance fee to begin the tour.

UNESCO Osun Grove

A little about the Osun Osogbo Grove…

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a sacred forest along the banks of the Osun River in Osun State. Listed in 2005, it is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nigeria.

Most of what we see in the grove today is attributed to the Austrian artist, Sussane Wenger (Adunni Olorisa) and her followers. In the 1950s, she moved with her husband to Nigeria when he was offered a position at the University of Ibadan.

Sussane stayed back after falling in love with the Yoruba culture and religion and eventually became a priestess and custodian of the grove. She died in 2009 at the age of 93.

The tour was short and interesting. The guide spoke about the different sculptures and what each of them represented. She also talked about the annual Osun-Osogbo festival that brought hundreds of devotees to the grove from far and wide. How the worshippers of Osun believed the river had healing powers.

I also asked her about the Legend of Osun (who was one of Sango’s wives) and if the story about the violent rapids in the tributaries of the River Osun and Oba was true. She said it was.

Osun Osogbo Grove Bridge

Once we were done, we planned to head on to Susanne Wenger’s house – which the guide informed us was now a museum. It began to rain so we had to wait that out. After the rain had stopped, we decided to cut the trip short and head on to Ife instead. We got a minibus heading there and dropped off in front of the Obafemi Awolowo University, and then spent the night in one of their guesthouses.

Visiting the Moremi Statue of Liberty…

The next morning, we made our way to the city centre to see the Statue of Moremi Ajasoro. If you’re familiar with Yoruba folklore, then you must have heard the story about the brave Queen of Ile-Ife who single-handedly secured the victory of her people. It’s quite an interesting read.

When we arrived at the complex that housed the statue, the gate was locked. A quick search on google told me that the place was closed on Saturdays. I was a bit disappointed, to say the least, but I decided to make lemonades out of lemons by having a fun mini-photo session outside the gate.

Once that was over, I packed my stuff to leave but just as we were about to do so, a woman came riding on a bike. She stopped and opened the gate, so we could go in. I was ecstatic!

She told us that the place is always opened all days of the week, usually after 8 am. Gaining entrance into the complex is free at the time of this writing but a tip to staff who clean and man the place is appreciated.

Inside Moremi Inside MoremiWith that, our visit to Osun State came to an end after that. We left the complex and went looking for a car to go to Lagos. Our goal was to find one like the Sienna we travelled in before but we weren’t able to do so. Eventually, we hopped on a bus going to Ibadan and then another going to Ajah.

…And how much did this trip cost?

Here’s a cost breakdown of what the trip cost me. All prices are correct at the time of this writing. They are subject to change without notice.

Costs Lagos to Osun Osogbo Grove

A few points to note…

Foreigners are required to pay an entrance fee of ₦500 and phone cameras have a ₦1,000 fee attached to them. I used both my phone and DSLR but only paid for the DSLR. Tips to tour guides were not included in this breakdown as they were voluntary amounts paid.

If you choose to have dinner at the OAU guest house, you should budget up to ₦3,000.

Final thoughts…

I would certainly recommend a visit to both the Osun-Osogbo Grove and to the Moremi Statue (of Liberty). You may need to manage your expectations to be able to appreciate the places properly. But generally, if you love Yoruba folklore, you’ll definitely enjoy your visit.

Osun Osogbo Grove

47 comments

  1. Thanks for sharing your experience. I am planning a trip and I’m curious to know how did you find the buses and different transportation options. Do you mind sharing?

  2. Yay! I got to tick this off my list this week!
    I remember that I commented earlier in March but come May, I visited.
    It was lovely, I paid half the price for a visit and my phone (got the discount because I mentioned I’m a corper)
    I’m really considering writing about this on my blog.
    Thanks for the motivation. Next stop, Moremi Statue or Ife Museum.

    1. That’s great to hear. I’d love to read about your trip, so please write about it. And thanks for sharing the cost saving tip here. It would help other corp members thinking of visiting the grove and the statue.

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

Close
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️

Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
An Osaka & Himeji photo story ☁️✨️ Details on www.travelwithapen.com this coming Tuesday 💙
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Help! Why are we losing home and away! 😭🤣 God abeg!

I will resume my complaining once we fix our visa process/make it more accessible for other African travellers!

Side bar: if you have connections in Vietnam, please DM me! 😭😂 I still want to go!
Help! Why are we losing home and away! 😭🤣 God abeg! I will resume my complaining once we fix our visa process/make it more accessible for other African travellers! Side bar: if you have connections in Vietnam, please DM me! 😭😂 I still want to go!
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
It was a rainy morning in Nairobi and we went on a walk with the pup 🐶
It was a rainy morning in Nairobi and we went on a walk with the pup 🐶
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Oh please, add Gyeongju to your South Korean itinerary! 🇰🇷

It's a charming, beautiful and walkable city that I think is worth visiting. 

When I visited the country for the first time, I picked Jeonju over Gyeongju. Not much thought went into that decision. I just did it - no regrets.

Luckily I got to revisit and what a joy! It's magical in every way! ✨️
Oh please, add Gyeongju to your South Korean itinerary! 🇰🇷 It's a charming, beautiful and walkable city that I think is worth visiting. When I visited the country for the first time, I picked Jeonju over Gyeongju. Not much thought went into that decision. I just did it - no regrets. Luckily I got to revisit and what a joy! It's magical in every way! ✨️
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Natural, Unfiltered Beauty! 🌸💙

The cherry blossoms were late but that itself was a blessing. I was happy to get clear, gorgeous views of Mount Fuji!

Oh, this trip - this country! Some places leave a permanent mark. This was one of them!
Natural, Unfiltered Beauty! 🌸💙 The cherry blossoms were late but that itself was a blessing. I was happy to get clear, gorgeous views of Mount Fuji! Oh, this trip - this country! Some places leave a permanent mark. This was one of them!
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Oh, this charming town! 💙

Beautiful cobbled-stone streets, a gorgeous trail that leads to yet another beautiful well-preserved Edo-period post town, temples and shrines... this is Magome-Juku 

If you plan to visit, I recommend staying a night or two. Accommodation is quite limited and everything shuts down by 5pm.

We stayed at Magomechaya for 2 nights. This place has both hostels and private rooms and our stay was absolutely wonderful. I'd definitely revisit!
Oh, this charming town! 💙 Beautiful cobbled-stone streets, a gorgeous trail that leads to yet another beautiful well-preserved Edo-period post town, temples and shrines... this is Magome-Juku If you plan to visit, I recommend staying a night or two. Accommodation is quite limited and everything shuts down by 5pm. We stayed at Magomechaya for 2 nights. This place has both hostels and private rooms and our stay was absolutely wonderful. I'd definitely revisit!
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
The Kenyan Coast is always a good idea! 😍 Can't wait to return!
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
48 hours in Amboseli and I've never felt more rested!

👉🏽 Save this spot for your next weekend escape! 🇰🇪🐘✨️

📍Tawi Lodge, Amboseli
48 hours in Amboseli and I've never felt more rested! 👉🏽 Save this spot for your next weekend escape! 🇰🇪🐘✨️ 📍Tawi Lodge, Amboseli
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡? Why not?! Without the crowds? Absolutely! 🌸🌱⁣
⁣
I've now been to Japan in 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 – the Hakone Torii is from my fall trip – and I’ve had amazing crowd-free experiences in both seasons! 🍂🌸⁣
⁣
Yes, I woke up early to visit some places, but I also found places that were calm even in the middle of the day, including in cities like Shizuoka and Nagoya, not just rural Japan. 👀⁣
⁣
✨ Here are my go-to tips to explore Japan without the crowds:⁣
---⁣
⁣
1. 🐦 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 (𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞!)⁣
Mornings and evenings are your best friend. Cooler, quieter, and often more beautiful.⁣
⁣
2. 🏨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭⁣
Instead of day-tripping, book a stay. I did this in Hakone and around Fuji. Result? No lines. No crowds. Pure magic! 🌤✨️⁣
⁣
3. 🚆 𝐆𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐲𝐨, 𝐊𝐲𝐨𝐭𝐨 & 𝐎𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐚⁣
They’re iconic, yes and you should certainly visit. But if you're looking for places with fewer people, you need to venture outside these cities.⁣
⁣
4. 🛕 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐩 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ⁣
I haven't been to Kinkaku-ji Temple yet. Why? It opens 'late' and is often packed. I think I'll get to it one day though 🥰⁣
⁣
5. ❄️ 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐞𝐭? 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫
An underrated time to visit, so you can expect fewer people.⁣
⁣
6. 🚴‍♀️ 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞⁣
Hike the Kumano Kodo, walk the Nakasendo Trail, or cycle the Shimanami Kaido. It’s serenity + scenery 💯⁣
---⁣
⁣
📍Save this for your trip planning⁣
📸 Share with someone dreaming of Japan⁣
👇🏾Got questions? Drop them in the comments!⁣
⁣
Happy travels 🇯🇵✨
𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡? Why not?! Without the crowds? Absolutely! 🌸🌱⁣ ⁣ I've now been to Japan in 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 – the Hakone Torii is from my fall trip – and I’ve had amazing crowd-free experiences in both seasons! 🍂🌸⁣ ⁣ Yes, I woke up early to visit some places, but I also found places that were calm even in the middle of the day, including in cities like Shizuoka and Nagoya, not just rural Japan. 👀⁣ ⁣ ✨ Here are my go-to tips to explore Japan without the crowds:⁣ ---⁣ ⁣ 1. 🐦 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 (𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞!)⁣ Mornings and evenings are your best friend. Cooler, quieter, and often more beautiful.⁣ ⁣ 2. 🏨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭⁣ Instead of day-tripping, book a stay. I did this in Hakone and around Fuji. Result? No lines. No crowds. Pure magic! 🌤✨️⁣ ⁣ 3. 🚆 𝐆𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐲𝐨, 𝐊𝐲𝐨𝐭𝐨 & 𝐎𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐚⁣ They’re iconic, yes and you should certainly visit. But if you're looking for places with fewer people, you need to venture outside these cities.⁣ ⁣ 4. 🛕 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐩 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ⁣ I haven't been to Kinkaku-ji Temple yet. Why? It opens 'late' and is often packed. I think I'll get to it one day though 🥰⁣ ⁣ 5. ❄️ 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐞𝐭? 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 An underrated time to visit, so you can expect fewer people.⁣ ⁣ 6. 🚴‍♀️ 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞⁣ Hike the Kumano Kodo, walk the Nakasendo Trail, or cycle the Shimanami Kaido. It’s serenity + scenery 💯⁣ ---⁣ ⁣ 📍Save this for your trip planning⁣ 📸 Share with someone dreaming of Japan⁣ 👇🏾Got questions? Drop them in the comments!⁣ ⁣ Happy travels 🇯🇵✨
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
Latest Posts
  • Springtime in Osaka

  • 2 Weeks South Korea Travel Itinerary for First Time Visitors

  • Slow Days in Fast-Paced Tokyo

  • A Serene Weekend at Tawi Lodge, Amboseli

  • Top 10 Easiest Countries for Nigerians to Visit (Visa-Free or Easy Visa)

Translate
Become an Insider!
Archives
Close

Travel with a Pen

Seek out New Adventures, Travel Differently

Travel with a Pen © Copyright 2025
Close