Gurara falls is impressive. I think it’s important to get that out of the way first. I have Agbokim falls on a pretty high pedestal so even though I think Gurara is impressive, it can only have second place for now. The only Nigerian falls I think has the potential to surpass Agbokim in my mind is the one in Southern Kaduna. I’m not so sure that it can but I’m trying to not be biased and instead keep an open mind.
Gurara is by far the easiest waterfall to get to out of all the ones I’ve visited (Awhum, Ngwo, Kwa, and Obudu). It is less than 2 hours from Abuja and doesn’t require a long hike to get to from the car park.
We hired a cab to take us to the falls and back from Abuja so sadly, I can’t tell you how to get there on the cheap. I do know it’s possible, I just can’t tell you the how. The road conditions will also depend on the weather. The weather was fairly dry when I visited and there were ongoing roadworks. The photos in the Instagram post below should give you an idea of the road conditions for parts of the journey.
When you get on the road that leads to the waterfall, you will have to pay a gate fee of N500.00. We also gave the guide that took us down to the waterfall and back a tip. You can view the falls from a viewing area at the top or take the staircase in ruins to the bottom of the falls. There are other routes to get to the bottom but the broken down staircase is the safest way to get there. Go figure.
We were told that the water gets clearer towards the end of the year. The lower tides also allows for picnics to be held on the rocks at the bottom of the falls.
As is normal with locations like these, come with footwear that won’t make your ass kiss the floor, and water, because even though the hike isn’t long, you will need water by the time you make it back to the top.
It is definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in Abuja or Niger State.
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments.
