Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake

Above the town of Ado-Awaye in Oyo State a granite hill carries a lake in a rock hollow near its summit, fed by rainfall and holding water rather than draining away, which is unusual enough that it is described locally as a suspended lake and claimed as one of very few of its kind. The climb up is the main effort: several hundred cut and natural steps up the rock face, taking around an hour. On the hilltop, besides the lake, are other features shown by guides including a rock with a hollow said to be a footprint, an elephant-shaped stone, and the Iyake lake itself, which local tradition holds should not be entered. Views run over the surrounding country.

The landscape

• Iyake lake - the water held in the rock hollow on the hilltop.
• The stairway - the cut steps climbing the granite face.
• Rock features - the footprint, elephant stone and other pointed-out formations.
• The summit view - the country around from the top of the hill.

When to go

November to March in the dry season for a safer climb; the rock is dangerous when wet. Start early to avoid heat. The lake level varies with rainfall and can drop considerably late in the dry season.

Before you go

The climb is steep, hot and exposed on rock with drops beside the route. A guide is required and fees are charged separately for entry, guiding and cameras. Local tradition forbids swimming in the lake. Facilities are minimal.

Nearby

Iseyin lies east; Abeokuta is south.