nature travel

Welcome to Gurara Falls

I spent most of last week in Abuja, shooting at The Nordic Villa. While flying there from Nairobi, I flipped through my Msafiri and found an article recommending what to do while in Nigeria. Since I had one free day before returning to Nairobi, I immediately had a plan to take in some Nigerian beauty.

Msafiri-1

Gurara Falls are about one and a half hours out of Abuja, between Suleja and Minna in Niger State on Gurara River. On the way there, I got to take in some of Nigeria’s beauty. Just like Kenyans, Nigerians have an appreciation for Peugeots. The 504 and 404 pick-ups are still in use here.

Gurara_Falls-1 Gurara_Falls-2 Gurara_Falls-4

After we turned off the highway to Minna, we drove a short while, paid the N500 (about Kshs250/-) fees at an official barrier we found across the road, and were welcomed by the roar of the falls and a cautionary sign.

Gurara_Falls-14

The best time to visit the falls is during the rainy season, between April and October, when the falls span about 200 metres and drop about 30 metres.

Gurara_Falls-5 Gurara_Falls-7 Gurara_Falls-8 Gurara_Falls-10 Gurara_Falls-11

Downstream, River Gurara, a major tributary of River Niger is impassable during the rainy season. Around January, it is reduced to a trickle, leaving pools in which one can take a swim, hence the warning sign above.

Gurara_Falls-12 Gurara_Falls-13

Sometimes photos don’t do justice to the beauty of a place. So here’s a short video of the falls.

With not a single resort or restaurant at the falls, the tourism and business potential at Gurara remains greatly untapped.

A special thank you to Abuja – based photographer Haye Okoh who took time off work to take me to the falls. Thanks Haye! Check out her work here.