The beauty of Ado Awaye suspended lake

Ado Awaye suspended lake/ hanging lake lies about 20km west of Iseyin, Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State. The suspended lake is housed on one of the crests of rocks commonly referred to in surveyor’s language as the “sleeping lion”. Similarly, the 350 steps leading to the top of the hill housing the suspended/ hanging lake take about an hour to climb. The route to the lake harbours many shrines and notable historical spots that make a tourist’s delight.

While the rocky outcrop can be climbed to gain a full view of the whole range of hills laying towards the Benin Republic boarder.People who have succeeded in climbing to a point called by the inhabitants “Esekan Iku”, meaning “the verge of death”, write their names with pieces of stone on the rock. The inhabitants live on the hill and the lake remains a source of water to them. The most wonderful thing about this lake is that it never dries up and it retains the same volume of water even during the rainy season.

The ancestors of the Ado Awaye people believe that the lake is so powerful that whatever prayer is made with its water will yield supernatural results. It is also said that there are sixteen (16) gods on the Oke-Ado mountain. These gods are embodied in specific natural landmarks on the mountain. Each of these landmarks constitutes tourist attractions on the mountain, lined up along the path which leads up the mountain.

Evidence of past civilization is many in this nature’s gift, as there are broken crucibles of earthen pots and other archaeological remains. The geographical axiom of the “higher you go, the cooler it becomes” is manifested on the lake. The beauty of the hill is seen in the thick vegetation which remains evergreen all through the year. The suspended lake is a large sloppy rocky plain, which can be developed into a picnic/camping site. On top of the hill, one gets a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of the area.

The Ado Awaye suspended lake is a special and lovely place that attracts lots of tourists from all over the world and majority of them wish to take the lake away if possible. Visit Ado Awaye town to see this wonderful lake and you will be glad you did. It will equally make your day a fulfilled one.

While the Ado Awaye people lived on the mountain, they worshiped the mountain and revered the various unique natural formations they found on the mountain. It was said that barren women among the people at the time were able to give birth due to their devotion to the worship of the mountain. The tranquil Iyake Lake is one of the most revered attractions on the mountain.

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The suspended lake of Ado Awaye is one of the resources Oyo State could exploit to improve its revenue base, create jobs for its youths, attract foreign investors and create wealth for the local communities.

This is a very safe location but guests are advised to not swim in the lake. There is a popular folklore about a white man who disobeyed these orders and disappeared but one can drink from the lake with camping, hiking, sight seeing being just some of the things to do at the lake.

Before heading to the Ado Awaye Lake, here are some helpful things to take along with you; hiking boots, picnic set, bottle, food and drinks – there might not be a place for you to get this around, camera to take amazing photos of the landscape and take selfies with.

It has a beautiful breathtaking landscape, the lake is clear and neat, there are other attractions like elephant tree and ishage rock and footprints of the elders.

The best time to visit Ado Awaye Lake is during the day when there are tour guides to take one around and tell one stories of the lake. The most common visitors to the lake are villagers, researchers, fun lovers, nature enthusiasts.

The only challenge that a tourist can have visiting Ado Awaye Lake is the road to the attraction.