The rock summits
Grey and brown.
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Idanre Hill is a group of huge granite hills in the town of Idanre in Ondo State, south-west Nigeria, standing about 914 metres above sea level. It is known for its wide scenery and its cultural sites, and Nigeria has nominated it for UNESCO's tentative list. It combines nature and history, as people lived among these rocks for almost a thousand years. The hill holds sites such as the palace of the Owa, the king of Idanre, the old court, a belfry, the Agboogun footprint, thunder water and old burial grounds. People began moving down to the plain from 1923, so the hill has changed little since. Festivals bring the lowland people back to their old home. You see massive grey and brown rock summits, green growing in the cracks, with the modern town spread below. Visitors climb a long stair of more than 600 steps, by guides' accounts, then walk among boulders and palm trees. From the top the valley and rolling hills run to the horizon. It is about 21 km from Akure in a straight line. The stair is long and tiring, so start in the morning and carry water and a hat. Take a local guide to explain the sites, respect sacred places and ask before taking photos. The rock is slippery after rain.
Grey and brown.
On the hill.
Hills to the horizon.
Idanre town, Ondo State, Nigeria
The stair is long and tiring, but possible with moderate fitness.
It is best, as a guide explains the cultural sites and knows the path.