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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.