Idanre Hills Travel Guide: 660 Steps to Glory and Jaw-Dropping Views

By Ayomipo Akorede

Forget Eiffel Tower. Toss out Machu Picchu. Nigeria’s very own wonderland—Idanre Hills—is here to snatch your edges and your breath (literally). Nestled in Ondo State, just a short drive from Akure, this magical rock formation is not just a pile of boulders—it’s a full-blown Yoruba epic waiting to be climbed.

Before you start dreaming of Instagram selfies and “adventurous babe” captions, brace yourself: it’s 660 steps to the top. Don’t worry, there are resting huts every 100 steps (aka certified spots to catch your breath and rethink your life choices). This hike isn’t for the faint-hearted or flat-footed. Wear sneakers. Or be that guy climbing in church sandals. Your knees, your choice. Once you reach the top (and recover your soul), you’ll discover an abandoned city in the sky: the old Idanre town. We’re talking ancient palaces built from red earth and stone, shrines where spirits reportedly still clock in for night duty, schools that once echoed with the voices of hilltop students, and courtyards where disputes were settled without police sirens.

There’s also Agboogun’s footprint, a mystical imprint in the rock that’s said to fit every foot, no cap. Cinderella’s glass slipper could never. Lol. Then there’s the Wonderful Mat, a giant slab of rock shaped like a woven mat just lying there casually like it paid rent. And of course, the famous Thunder Water (Omi Aopara), a stream allegedly created by a dramatic lightning bolt like gbooaaa! Just thinking. Then climbing these hills is like stepping into a real-life folktale. But just when you think you’ve seen it all, the summit slaps you with views so fine, your phone’s camera will file for a raise. You’ll see Idanre town below, surrounded by green rainforest, giant boulders balancing like they’re auditioning for an Aba movie, and sunsets that could humble even the most stubborn Lagos traffic survivor.

What to Pack for Idanre Hills

■  Comfortable walking shoes (read: not                      bathroom slippers)

■  Water bottle (hydration before elevation)

■  Sunscreen and sunshade glasses. Omo,                 Ondo sun and Northern sun dey compete. 

■  Camera or phone with space because your          shots might be countless.

■  Small snacks for when hunger meets                      altitude moment. 

Best Time to Visit

The dry season (November to March) is your best bet unless you enjoy sliding on wet rocks like Nollywood stuntmen. Visit during the Orosun Festival (usually in June) if you want to witness the full cultural experience with drumming, dancing, and highly-rated Yoruba juju atmosphere.

Entry Fee & Guide Cost

■  Entry Fee: ₦1,000 – ₦2,000 per person

■  Tour guide (optional but worth it): ₦3,000 –            ₦5,000

■  Souvenirs & local snacks (mandatory for                  bragging rights): Budget at least ₦1,000

Where to Stay

You can stay in nearby Akure (20–30 mins away), which offers hotels ranging from budget rooms to mid-range comfort. Or for a truly local experience, book a homestay in Idanre town if you’re not scared of stories by moonlight.

Idanre Hills is not just a hike, it’s a whole experience. It’s where nature meets history, where juju chills on mountaintops, and where your calves get the workout they didn’t ask for. So pack your bag, charge your phone, and go touch the sky.