Erin Ijesha Waterfall, also called Olumirin Waterfall, is one of the most popular nature spots in south-west Nigeria. Water tumbles down a forested hillside in seven levels, and every level you climb rewards you with a cooler pool and a better view.
If you are planning a visit, this guide explains the Erin Ijesha Waterfall entrance fee, where it is, how to get there, what each level is like and how to stay safe on the climb.
Price check: The gate fee is collected on site and has risen over the years. Older reviews mention ₦500, while 2025 visitor reports put it at about ₦1,000 – ₦2,000 per adult. Carry cash and confirm the current rate at the gate.
Erin Ijesha Waterfall at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Other name | Olumirin Waterfall |
| Location | Erin-Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area, Osun State |
| Number of levels | Seven |
| From Osogbo | About 45 minutes by road |
| From Ibadan | About 2 hours by road |
| Best for | Hiking, swimming in the lower pools, photography, school and group trips |
Erin Ijesha Waterfall entrance fee and other costs
| Cost | Reported amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gate fee (adult) | About ₦1,000 – ₦2,000 | Older reviews mention ₦500, so prices have gone up |
| Parking | Small fee, often a few hundred naira | Paid at the car park |
| Guide | Tip or agreed fee | Agree the amount before you start climbing |
| Snacks and drinks | Varies | Vendors sell near the entrance, but options are limited |
Children and school groups are sometimes charged lower rates, so ask at the gate if you are travelling with a group.
The history behind Olumirin
Local tradition says the waterfall was discovered by Akinla, a granddaughter of Oduduwa and the founder of Erin-Ijesa town. She named it Olumirin, which roughly means “another god” in Yoruba.
The people of Erin-Ijesa have long regarded the falls as a sacred site, a place for purification, festivals and offerings. Today it is also a favourite destination for school excursions, church groups and weekend travellers from across the south-west.
What to expect at each level
There are seven levels in total, with the village of Abake sitting near the top. Most visitors stop somewhere between the first and fourth levels.
Levels 1 and 2: easy and family-friendly
The first level is a short walk from the entrance and has the classic view most people photograph. The plunge pool is popular for wading and splashing, and it is suitable for children with supervision. Level 2 needs a short climb up steps and rocks.
Levels 3 and 4: a proper climb
From here the path gets steeper and rockier. You will need decent fitness, good shoes and both hands free. The reward is fewer crowds and quieter, clearer pools.
Levels 5 to 7: for experienced hikers
The upper levels involve steep, sometimes slippery paths through the forest. Only attempt them with a guide, enough time and plenty of water. The views back over the hills are the best on the whole climb.
Best time to visit Erin Ijesha Waterfall
Rainy season (around April to October): The falls are at their fullest and most dramatic, but the rocks are wetter and the climb is more slippery.
Dry season (around November to March): The water flow is lighter, but the paths are safer and drier, making it a better time to reach the higher levels.
Weekday mornings are the quietest. Weekends and public holidays can get crowded, especially with school and church groups.
How to get to Erin Ijesha Waterfall
From Lagos: Take the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, then continue towards Ilesa. Erin-Ijesa is a short drive from Ilesa. Depending on traffic, expect around four hours.
From Osogbo: Drive towards Ilesa and on to Erin-Ijesa — about 45 minutes.
From Akure or Ekiti: The falls are close to the Osun–Ekiti border, so it is easy to combine a visit with Ikogosi Warm Springs in Ekiti State on the same trip.
By public transport: Get a bus to Ilesa, then a taxi or motorbike to the waterfall. If you are going with a group, chartering a bus is usually cheaper and easier.
What to wear and bring
- Shoes with a good grip — sports sandals or trainers, not slippers.
- Swimwear or quick-dry clothes, plus a change of clothes.
- A waterproof pouch or plastic bag for your phone.
- Drinking water and snacks.
- Cash in small notes for the gate, parking and guides.
- Insect repellent and a small towel.
Safety tips
- Hire a guide if you plan to go beyond the second level.
- Do not climb wet rocks in a hurry, and avoid the upper levels after heavy rain.
- Supervise children closely around the pools.
- Do not swim if you are not confident in the water — the pools vary in depth.
- Start your climb early so you are back down well before dark.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Erin Ijesha Waterfall entrance fee?
Recent visitors report about ₦1,000 to ₦2,000 per adult, plus a small parking fee and a tip or fee for your guide. Prices change, so carry extra cash.
How many levels does Erin Ijesha Waterfall have?
Seven. Most visitors reach between the first and fourth levels. The higher levels need good fitness and a guide.
Can children visit?
Yes. The first level is easy to reach and great for children, as long as an adult supervises them in and around the water.
How long should I spend there?
Allow two to four hours, depending on how high you want to climb and how long you want to relax at the pools.
Can I visit Erin Ijesha and Ikogosi on the same day?
Yes, if you start early. The two sites are close to each other, on either side of the Osun–Ekiti border.
Final word
Erin Ijesha Waterfall is an easy weekend escape from Lagos, Ibadan, Osogbo and Akure. Go with good shoes, cash and a sense of adventure, and decide on the day how many of the seven levels you want to conquer.
While you are in Osun State, don’t miss the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site less than an hour away.
Last checked: October 2026. Sources: Wikipedia, Tripadvisor and recent visitor reports. Fees change, so confirm at the gate.
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