Ado Ekiti Travel Guide

A comprehensive guide to Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, including places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and transportation options.


Introduction to Ado Ekiti

Ado Ekiti is a city located in Ekiti State, in South-West Nigeria. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, unique culture, historical landmarks, and warm hospitality. Ado Ekiti is surrounded by rolling hills, dense forest reserves, and cascading waterfalls, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

The city is also vibrant and bustling, with a lively food and drink scene, vibrant markets, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you are an adventurer, history buff, or culture enthusiast, Ado Ekiti offers a variety of exciting experiences.

List of Places to Visit in Ado Ekiti

Ado Ekiti is a city that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some of the top places to visit in Ado Ekiti:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ewi’s Palace: This ancient palace is the residence of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, who is the traditional ruler of the city. It is famous for its intricate architecture, beautiful art collections, and cultural significance.
  • Owa-Obokun Adimula’s Palace: This is another beautiful palace that is steeped in history and culture. It is located in Ijeshaland, which is about an hour’s drive from Ado Ekiti.
  • Arinta Waterfall: This beautiful waterfall is located in Ipole Iloro-Ekiti, about an hour’s drive from Ado Ekiti. It is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.
  • Ikogosi Warm Springs: The Ikogosi Warm Springs is a natural wonder that is located about an hour’s drive from Ado Ekiti. It is famous for its warm and cold springs that converge at a point to form a confluence.

Natural Attractions of Ado Ekiti: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ado Ekiti Hills: Ado Ekiti is surrounded by rolling hills that offer spectacular views of the city and the surrounding countryside. These hills are perfect for adventurous hikers and bikers who are looking for a physical challenge.
  • Oye Ekiti Forest Reserve: This is a beautiful forest reserve that is located about an hour’s drive from Ado Ekiti. It is famous for its diverse bird species, unique plant life, and beautiful wildlife.
  • Idanre Hill: This is another spectacular hill that is located about an hour’s drive from Ado Ekiti. It is famous for its breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and its rich cultural and historical significance.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ado Ekiti

Ado Ekiti is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who love to hike and bike. Here are some of the best hiking/biking routes in Ado Ekiti:

  • Ado Ekiti hills: These hills offer a challenging hiking and biking experience for adventurous visitors.
  • Iyin Ekiti Trail: This is a beautiful trail that passes through lush forests, rolling hills, and breathtaking waterfalls.
  • Oye Ekiti Forest Reserve Trail: This is a popular hiking trail that passes through diverse ecosystems and scenic views.

Best Things to Do in Ado Ekiti: Activities and Tours

  • Cultural tours: Ado Ekiti is known for its rich cultural heritage, and visitors can take a tour of the city to explore its unique architecture, art, and cultural landmarks.
  • Outdoor adventures: Ado Ekiti is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and visitors can indulge in activities like hiking, biking, and rock climbing.
  • Food tours: Ado Ekiti is famous for its delicious local cuisine, and visitors can take a food tour to explore the city’s vibrant food and drink scene.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ado Ekiti

Day 1: Visit the Ewi’s Palace and explore the city’s art galleries and museums.

Day 2: Enjoy a hike or bike ride on Ado Ekiti Hills.

Day 3: Take a tour of the Oye Ekiti Forest Reserve and enjoy bird-watching.

Day 4: Visit the Ikogosi Warm Springs and enjoy a relaxing swim in the warm and cold springs.

Day 5: Explore the city’s vibrant food and drink scene on a food tour.

Day 6: Take a cultural tour of the city and visit historical landmarks like Owa-Obokun Adimula’s Palace.

Day 7: Explore the Idanre Hill and enjoy its breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Food and Drink Scene of Ado Ekiti

Ado Ekiti is famous for its delicious local cuisine and vibrant food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ekiti pounded yam and vegetable soup
  • Amala and ewedu soup
  • Ekiti-style suya

Local Beverages

  • Palm wine
  • Zobo
  • Kunu

Where to Stay in Ado Ekiti: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ado Ekiti has a variety of accommodation options for visitors of all budgets. Here are some popular hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Ado Ekiti:

What to Buy in Ado Ekiti: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ado Ekiti is known for its unique arts and crafts, and visitors can buy a variety of souvenirs and local products to bring back home. Some popular items to buy include:

  • Adire fabrics
  • Beaded jewelry
  • Carved wooden sculptures

Local Culture and Customs of Ado Ekiti

Ado Ekiti is a city that is rich in culture and customs. Visitors are advised to respect and observe local customs, such as dressing modestly and removing shoes when entering some buildings.

Best Time to Visit Ado Ekiti

The best time to visit Ado Ekiti is between October and April when the weather is cooler and drier. The rainy season lasts from May to September, and the roads may become difficult to navigate.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ado Ekiti

Do:

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Respect and observe local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter
  • Don’t take photographs without permission of people, especially at religious sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ado Ekiti

Ado Ekiti is generally safe for visitors, but visitors are advised to take precautions and be aware of their surroundings, especially at night.

Health in Ado Ekiti

Visitors are advised to take precautions to avoid common illnesses, such as malaria, which is prevalent in the region. It is recommended to consult a travel doctor before travelling to Ado Ekiti.

Getting to Ado Ekiti: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ado Ekiti is accessible by different modes of transportation.

Airports Near Ado Ekiti

The nearest airport to Ado Ekiti is Akure Airport, which is located about an hour’s drive away.

Bus Stations Near Ado Ekiti

Ado Ekiti has a major bus station, which is serviced by different transport companies, including Peace Mass Transit and ABC Transport.

Other Options

Car rentals and private taxis are available in Ado Ekiti, but visitors are advised to take precautions when hiring private taxis.

How to Get Around in Ado Ekiti

Visitors can get around Ado Ekiti by private taxis, car rentals, and public transport, including minibuses and motorcycles, popularly called ‘okada.’ Taxis and car rentals are more expensive options.

Where to Go Next from Ado Ekiti: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Ado Ekiti is well connected to nearby destinations, including:

  • Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Erin-Ijesha Waterfall
  • Oshun River

Conclusion

Ado Ekiti is a beautiful city that offers a variety of experiences for visitors, from adventure sports to cultural tours, and much more. With this comprehensive travel guide, you are equipped with all the information you need to explore and enjoy this enchanting city to its fullest.