My Solo Trip to Osun State. Interesting Things To Do in Osun State

Are you planning to take a trip to Osun State, Nigeria? This is the comprehensive guide you need on things to do in Osun State.

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Have you ever planned to do something that looked impossible, but you decided to do it anyway?

Well, here is how it all began for me.

I have always wanted to travel around the world, but I knew I needed to start from somewhere.

I decided to start with Osun State because I had visited other states, like Ogun State, Oyo State, and Enugu State, randomly in the past for one reason or another.

I plan to see all 195 countries in the world and the 36+1 states in Nigeria, so visiting Osun State alone was the start of a new dawn and the beginning of my travel dream coming to life. Read all about how I planned my trip to 3 Nigerian states in one month.

Catch Up:  My Trip To Ondo State. The Mystery of Idanre Hills. Things To Do in Ondo State

Ikogosi Warm Spring, Fajuyi Park, Arinta – My Solo Trip To Ekiti

Well, I did! And here’s my story!

Why I Went on a Solo Trip to Osun State

If you know me, you will know I am a big fan of solo life (Solo living, solo travel, etc.), and I have always wanted to see new places and travel to many beautiful places.

One day, while I was stuck in a rut, I decided on a whim to leave home and travel to states in my country alone.

I knew I had to do this because you only live once, right? Lol.

And the first state I chose for my solo trip was Osun State.

I visited five tourist attractions in Osun State. They were the most popular places in Osun State, and I had the best experience there. TripAdvisor was really helpful in suggesting the best places to go, and they also provided real-time reviews on their site.

Also read: My Top Ten Travel Wish List for 2022 + one

My Osun State Expenses

Update: From 2024 onwards, you should budget double the amount below because things have changed, and prices are on the rise.

Here is a brief breakdown of some expenses I incurred in case you decide to take a solo trip of your choice. (The Prices of tourist attractions will be disclosed later.)

Accommodation: I got a hotel where I paid 4000 naira per day to stay. I went from this hotel to all the tourist attractions. 

If you have a friend or relative in the state, it will also be helpful for you. 

It is quite hard to get a 4k naira per day hotel, so budget from 4k-5k naira.

Transportation: For Transportation in Osun, you will get a bike to take you to and fro for 150 naira to 300 naira. Ensure you can haggle very well. 

Also, ask around for buses going your way. Buses are cheaper. 

The cost is mostly 100 naira within the city and 600-800 naira outside the city (that is, if you’re going from Ile Ife to Oshogbo).

Places I Visited on My Trip To Osun State

Here are the 6 locations I visited on my trip to Osun State.

Osun State Sacred Grove

The first place I visited was the Osun Sacred Grove, and the entry fee was 200 naira, but because I was going to make a video, they collected 1000 naira extra. I was not happy about it at all. Lol 

The funny part is that nobody even followed me, so I could have avoided the question and not paid the extra money.

But, well, I did.

The only part I enjoyed about the sacred grove was the river and the suspended bridge. 

Apart from that, there was really nothing much to enjoy. 

The place seemed quite diabolical, and I know you’re rolling your eyes like, “What were you expecting?”

But apart from those things, there was nothing else to see.

But I am glad I went.

So, make your choice.

I stayed in Osogbo, so it took me like 400 naira to go to and fro.

Erin Ijesha Olumirin waterfall, Osun State.

This was my favorite part of the journey.

Erin Ijesha Olumirin has a 7-step mountain, and it’s a serious hassle to climb.

Only the 1st and 2nd step has stairs, the rest are stones or trees joined together creating paths for you to place your leg and walk through. 

It is really scary.

Especially if you’ve never done something like that before.

I’m so glad I went prepared: Boots, a bucket hat, shorts, headphones for music, and all. LOL

They made the hike easy for me.

And because I went alone, it was both terrifying and interesting for me.

There were times I got scared of trying to do something that scary on my own, but by the time I got to the sixth step, I was glad I went alone because if I had gone with someone, they would have dissuaded me from climbing to the end.

It took me about 3 hours to go up and down the mountain. From the 6th step to the 7th step, it is about a one-hour walk.

And when I was done, I went for a swim in the waterfall on the 2nd and 1st steps.

I had some minor injuries, too, and I want to believe it’s because I was extra careful (It could have been worse). I was literally crawling on my hands and legs (all fours), to avoid falling or hitting my leg.

I also put away everything—my phone, handband, and handkerchief—which were all in my backpack. It was raining, and the rocky floor was wet and slippery.

PS: When I got home, I had a strange feeling each time I tried to close my eyes as if I were climbing and almost falling. Even while sleeping, I kept dreaming of the experience. This traumatized me so much that I couldn’t climb the mountain at Arinta Waterfall, Ekiti State.

For the expenses, there is a gate fee of 1000 naira. 

Some guards will try to guide you and extort you. I say ignore them; the money is not worth it at all.

Go by yourself or haggle a lesser price with them.

I met 2 children who were experts at climbing the mountain. They guided me on the paths to climb, and when they left me at the sixth step, I gave them a token of 500 naira each.

You can do the same, too.

The seventh step leads to a village, and when you see the river, you are there.

For transportation, budget 2000 naira to and fro, and remember to always haggle prices, especially with bikes. Those people inflate prices.

Lastly, if you climb those mountains, prepare for a week of body aches and leg cramps. 

Also, get drugs for body pain in handy (It is serious).

Nike art gallery + Nike guest house, Osun State.

I saw on Google that the art gallery was on Old Ede Road (take note), but it was wrong.

It led me to the guest house. 

I was then directed to Estate, opposite Gaza Hotel.

Just keep looking around and stay alert. 

A lot of the locals don’t know about these tourist attractions (It is sad).

You might have to ask a lot of bikes and buses before you can get someone who knows the place.

When I got to the art gallery (Entry is free), I was told not to make videos or take pictures (fair enough).

So, I couldn’t do much there.

I could only take a picture of myself in the gallery.

But I also noticed the art gallery was not well taken care of. 

Yes, it has beautiful artworks, but most were dusty and not well presented.

I looked around for some minutes before I left.

I spent about 500 naira for transport to the art gallery, and this was because I mistook the address. 

I went to Osun Mall from here.

Osun mall, Osun State.

Osun Mall is just one of your normal malls. 

It was small, of course, but it was beautiful and gave the vibe you will get at Ibadan Shoprite (If you’ve been there before).

I had ice cream (2 scoops – 1,150 naira and snacks) at the famous ice cream place in the mall, and then I left for Ile-Ife.

I took a 150/200 naira bike to the mall (Can’t really remember).

From the mall, I walked to the garage, where I took a 600-naira bus to Ile Ife.

Ile Ife National Museum beside Ile Ife palace.

When I got to Ile Ife, I took a 200 naira bike to Enuwa (Thank God for Google and a Lady’s help).

There was an entry fee of 500 naira.

The museum was really neat, and there were knowledgeable guides who were passionate about their job. 

One of them guided me through the museum and gave me detailed information about it and the artifacts, as you will see in my YouTube video.

The Ile Oduduwa palace was right beside the museum, but time had gone, and the guards were asking for ridiculous amounts of money I didn’t plan for like (5k, 10k, or 1k and alcohol); I was too tired to haggle, so I just took a bus back to Oshogbo.

I got back home tired but fulfilled. 

Osun state has been eventful.

My Final Thought on My Trip to Osun State

Osun state is peaceful, but I wish I had stayed in a rural area. 

The place I stayed in Osogbo gave me a Lagos vibe, and it didn’t feel like I was in a different state.

I really wanted something that felt like I was in the village, but it wasn’t bad at all.

I also didn’t get really nice food. There were not many places to get food, and the shops closed too early.

However, I never had any issues with security, which was a priority for me.

Should You Go On a Solo Trip?

Hell yes!

Like I believe, “You can do anything or be anything you want.”

So, yes, go for it. 

It’s not as hard as it seems, and it’s a great time to enjoy some ‘me time’ and be your own person while exploring new people, cultures, and environments.

What I Learned On My Solo Trip To Osun State

Here is what I learned traveling solo for the first time across Nigeria:

Everything you want is on the other side of fear

When I was about to climb to the 7th step of the Olumirin waterfall, I felt all sorts of fear flash across my eyes, but I decided to keep going.

Something strengthened my heart: Knowing there were people who had done it before me.

Let that strengthen you, too. 

If you want to do it, go for it.

What’s the worst that could happen? Lol

There’s evil everywhere, but there’s no evil where you are.

Someone asked me how I managed to go on such a journey alone, given the country’s current insecurities, and I answered, “There’s evil everywhere, but there’s no evil where I am.”

And the simple meaning is that whether you are at home or outside, there’s evil everywhere.

But whether I am at home or outside, there’s no evil anywhere I am.

Most of the insecurities we hear about are largely rumors (Yes, some are true), but will you really let ‘what ifs’ stop you from doing what you really want to do?

I bet not!

Take a risk. If you win, you will be happy.

That’s a quote I hold dear to me (author unknown). 

Life is a game of risks, so don’t be afraid to take one and some more. 

If you win, you will be happy… and fulfilled.

Never ever accept ‘Because You Are A Woman’ as a reason for doing or not doing anything.

This is a quote by my best woman, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and yes, I believe this strongly.

Climbing the walls of the Olumirin waterfall alone and going on a trip to other states alone will cause people to say, “Don’t do it because you are a woman,” but God forbid that I deny myself fulfillment just because “I am a woman.”

Quick Question:

Have you ever gone on a solo trip? If not, do you see yourself ever going on one?

What are your thoughts on a solo trip?

What are your thoughts on Osun State?

Let me know your answers in the comments.

Love,

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