Tourist Attractions 7 Hidden Water Sanctuaries in Nigeria Deborah Russell-A.August 2, 202501K views Away from the hustle of Nigeria’s busy cities and the usual tourist stops are hidden springs and lakes within forests or perched on remote hills. These quiet water sanctuaries are wrapped in stories passed down through generations. Some are known for their healing properties, while others are renowned for the salt that sustained ancient communities. One thing to note is that all offer a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with something profound. Here are seven hidden water sanctuaries in Nigeria you’ve probably never heard of. What are the 7 Hidden Water Sanctuaries in Nigeria? Iyake Lake, Ado-Awaye (Oyo State) High on the Ado-Awaye hills sits a small suspended crater lake, one of only two such lakes in the world. Perched about 433 metres above sea level, Iyake Lake’s placid blue-green waters never dry up. Yoruba tradition says the name “Iyake” means “crying woman”, legend has it that a barren woman drowned here centuries ago, endowing the waters with fertility powers. Image Source Pilgrims still climb the 369-step path to reach the summit, often camping for a yearly festival in November. The result is an eerie, sacred oasis, with clear, spring-fed pools ringed by a tropical forest and towering boulders. Few tourists come (only a few thousand annually), so the site remains serenely undeveloped. A simple shed sells refreshments, but otherwise, you’ll find only nature’s quiet. Access is by car via Ado-Awaye town, and the best time to visit is during the dry season when misty views open up. This “crying woman” lake is a photographer’s dream, a natural mirror that reflects an endless sky. Ampidong Crater Lake (Plateau State) Deep in the Jos Plateau is Ampidong, Nigeria’s only known volcanic crater lake. This tiny, perfectly round lake (about 0.5 hectares in area) fills an extinct volcano’s crater. Remarkably, locals say it never drains, even in drought, its waters remain level. Image Source Folklore swirls around Ampidong, an ancient olive tree on the rim. it is sacred, before picking its fruit, you must throw seven of the darkest seeds into the lake, or risk being abducted by its spirit. (Guidebooks warn that villagers believe the lake may swallow disrespectful visitors.) Today, you’ll find only silence, no road signs or gates. Rough tracks from Jos (approximately 100 km away) lead to a trek down into the crater. However, the reward is breathtaking, a deep blue-green pool ringed by steep forested slopes, with sunlight dancing on the water’s surface. Few footprints mar its red volcanic soil. Beyond legend, the lake’s uniqueness (no outlet, perennial water) makes it a natural wonder for adventurous travellers. Hunki Ox-bow Lake, Awe (Nasarawa State) In central Nigeria’s Nasarawa State lies the curving Hunki Lake, a classic ox-bow formed by an old bend of the Awe River. Located about 30 km from Awe town (130 km from Lafia), Hunki’s serpentine arms stretch 6–7 kilometres in length. The lake’s clear, shallow waters hide hippos and even West African manatees. Locals say you can often spot these gentle giants in the reeds. The immediate setting is a flat savanna, tall grasses border the water, and scattered woodland provides shade. There is no development here, just a sandy shore and a few thatch shelters. Visitors must bring supplies but can swim or launch a canoe with ease (the site is regarded as very safe by locals). Image Source The best time to visit is during the dry season (November–March), when the lake is calm and the grasses turn golden. In recent years, some have floated the idea of an annual fishing festival, suggesting that this tranquil spot may one day attract more visitors. For now, it remains mostly unknown, a peaceful natural parkland where one can picnic amid the sounds of birdsong and the gentle lapping of water. Wikki Warm Springs, Yankari (Bauchi State) Hidden deep in the forest of Yankari Game Reserve (Bauchi State) lies Nigeria’s most famous thermal spring. Wikki Warm Spring is a stream of hot water flowing from the base of a sandstone cliff. The spring water emerges at a constant 31°C and fills a wide, rock-lined basin with snow-white sand. The effect is almost Caribbean blue, bathers float in shallow, warm water under a canopy of tall trees. The source of the spring is still a mystery, but hundreds of thousands of litres gush out each day from chambers beneath the rock. Image Source Legend here is more about nature than spirits, the local Gurgwa people long ago came to believe the water had healing properties. Wikki’s pure water is bottled commercially as the Yankari brand of mineral water. Besides the soothing water, the setting makes Wikki a special place. A broad jungle river feeds into the pool, and sunlight filters through leaves onto the sand. However, wild baboons are notorious for dropping in on swimmers. Guides advise watching your belongings, as these clever monkeys are known to wander down from the trees to see who’s visiting. Visitors to Yankari typically combine a dip with a wildlife safari, keep an eye out for elephants, hippos and antelopes in the neighbouring park. The spring is easily accessible on foot within Yankari Reserve. Park entries and simple shelters provide support for tourists. Visit during the dry season (around October–March) for the clearest water and fewer bugs. Swimming in the ever-warm Wikki spring feels surreal, the water’s mineral taste and gentle heat make even a brief soak feel good. Abakaliki Green Lake, Ebonyi State It is located inside the grounds of Ebonyi State’s Government House in Abakaliki and is a small hidden oasis known as the Abakaliki Green Lake. True to its name, the lake’s calm waters often have a dark emerald sheen, framed by manicured lawns and shady trees. Image Source During colonial times, it was a retreat for British officials, and today the quiet spot still feels like a private garden. Visitors stroll along boardwalks and under thatch-roofed gazebos (small huts have been built around the water) to admire the view. Local guides explain that Abakaliki Green Lake has existed for over a century; by legend, its spring never dries up, even in the driest weather. While it lacks dramatic cascades, it possesses a gentle and relaxing charm. The Government House grounds are open to the public by day, so anyone can walk in to see the lake’s lilies and snapping turtles. Early morning or late afternoon light makes the lake photogenic, with reflections of the white colonial mansion and towering palms in the water. Thanks to its central location, it’s easy to combine a visit here with other Abakaliki sights. However, please note that it’s still technically located within a government compound, so kindly ask for permission at the gate before proceeding. READ: 6 Sacred and Spiritual Tourism Destinations in Nigeria Okposi Salt Lake, Ebonyi State Not far from Abakaliki, in Ebonyi’s Ohaozara region, lies another saline wonder, the Okposi Salt Lake. Gentle hills and dense forest surround this inland saltwater lake. Unlike a brackish lagoon, Okposi’s saltiness is apparent, visitors often find salt-encrusted rocks at the shore. For centuries, Okposi Lake has been revered by local communities for its rich salt deposits. Even today, many rural women in the area collect brine from the lake to boil into edible salt, a practice passed down through generations. The state tourism board notes that Okposi’s salt extraction served as the economic foundation for most rural women in the area. Folklore claims the lake was a gift from the ancestors, meant to sustain their people in hard times. Due to this history, the lake has an almost mystical atmosphere. In some Igbo traditions, salt is purifying, and the waters here were sometimes used in cleansing rituals. Visitors describe the still lake as unusually clear and quiet, its brine-heavy water seeming to slow the wind. A walking path leads around part of the lake, where one can pause at simple wooden platforms overlooking the water. In the right light, the salt crystals on the shoreline sparkle like diamonds. Okposi is easiest to reach by road from the town of Ohaozara, the final turnoff is unmarked, so a local guide or careful map reading is advisable. Pair a visit here with the nearby Uburu Salt Lake for a whole afternoon of exploring Ebonyi’s salt springs. Uburu Salt Lake, Ebonyi State Finally, we return to Ebonyi State for one more saltwater spring, the Uburu Salt Lake, in the town of Uburu (Ohaozara LGA). This lake is historically entwined with Okposi, both produce white salt, but Uburu’s is often called one of the oldest salt lakes in Africa. In fact, during the late 1960s civil war, Uburu’s salt was a strategic resource for Biafran communities cut off from external supplies. Today, the lake is still active, large mounds of salt often crust the surface during the dry season, and women harvest it much as their ancestors did. “The lake has been there for many generations,” reports one local chronicle, noting that Uburu was once a regional salt-trading hub. Despite its industrial role, Uburu Salt Lake also possesses a magical quality at certain moments. As dusk falls, steam may rise from the warm spring channels, and the white salt flats around the lake glow pink. A gentle salt breeze can be smelt in the air. Visitors today can walk along the unpaved road that skirts the lake, watching local artisans scoop brine and boil it in earthen pots. Signs of faith remain, small shrines near the shore mark spots where people once prayed for prosperity and good health. To reach Uburu, continue past Okposi into the next valley, a network of dirt tracks ties the two lakes. The nearby town of Uburu is rustic but welcoming, and you can often find villagers willing to explain the salt-making rituals. In many ways, a visit here is like stepping into an open-air museum of traditional industry. The people, the lake, and even the modest shrine together tell a story of how water and salt sustained communities in ages past. FAQs What are the hidden water sanctuaries in Nigeria? The hidden water sanctuaries in Nigeria are natural springs and lakes tucked away from mainstream tourism. They include highland pools, thermal springs, salt lakes, and forest ponds that have cultural or spiritual significance. Unlike popular sites, these sanctuaries are often remote and small-scale, celebrated in local folklore more than guidebooks. Why are these springs and lakes special? Local communities have long revered many. For example, the salt lakes of Ebonyi were central to ancient livelihoods and believed to have healing powers. Others are simply rare geological wonders (such as the Ado-Awaye suspended lake) or unique hot springs (like Wikki) that feel almost sacred. Can anyone visit these sites? Yes, most are open to the public, but they require respectful travel. Many are in rural areas, so it’s wise to hire a local guide or join a small tour, especially for sites like Ado-Awaye or Yankari, which have loose trails. Always ask permission at homesteads or local checkpoints if needed. Remember, these are sacred in local eyes, avoid loud noise and always wash off at any spring where people might bathe for ritual purposes. In practised sites like Wikki Warm Spring and Oguta Lake, basic facilities exist, others (Uburu, Okposi) have none. Most communities welcome visitors, especially if you buy snacks or support local guides. What is the best time to visit hidden water sanctuaries in Nigeria? The dry season (roughly November to March) is usually best. Trails are safer when not muddy, and lake shores are more visible without heavy rain. Wikki Warm Spring is delightful on sunny days (though Wikki’s foliage provides shade). For the salt lakes (Okposi, Uburu), try visiting during the dry season when salt crusts form visibly on the margins, it’s then that their beauty is most stark. If you wish to witness any annual celebrations (some villages hold small ceremonies by these waters), plan by asking local tourism boards. In general, visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon avoids the midday heat and crowds. Are these sites suitable for solo travellers or families? Generally, yes, if you are prepared. Solo travellers should let someone know their plans, and families should supervise children near water. Do these places have religious or cultural significance? They do, often blending indigenous beliefs with nature worship. For example, local Igbo traditions honour the salt lakes (Okposi/Uburu) as blessed by ancestors, and Yoruba stories surround the genesis of Ado-Awaye Lake. Some springs were later incorporated into Christian practices, a nearby monastery even manages access to Awhum (not listed here), but the sites above are mostly secular natural wonders respected by their communities. Still, we encourage visitors to treat them with reverence. Modest attire is recommended, and always ask before photographing any ongoing ritual or shrine near these waters. What should I bring when visiting these hidden water sanctuaries in Nigeria? Go prepared for an outdoor adventure with sturdy walking shoes or sandals (some paths are rocky), a hat, sunscreen, and sufficient water and snacks. A swimsuit and a towel may be proper at Wikki or Oguta. Insect repellent can be helpful in forested areas. A flashlight could come in handy if exploring dim caves near Lake Springs.