Idanre Hills, Cultural heritage site in Ondo State, Nigeria
Idanre Hills is a granite formation rising about 900 meters above sea level in southwestern Nigeria, with rocky peaks and deep valleys cutting through the landscape. Ancient palaces, shrines, and structures are scattered across and around the hills, evidence of long-standing settlement.
People inhabited the hills for centuries before moving down to lower ground in 1923. This shift ended a long period of living atop the rocky peaks.
The Owa's Palace and ancient shrines on the hills show how local communities once governed themselves and conducted ceremonies. Walking through these spaces today, you can sense how deeply rooted these structures are in the people's identity and daily traditions.
The climb involves roughly 600 steps leading to the various sites, where local guides explain the meaning of each location along the way. Good footwear and some stamina help, as the route is steep and uneven.
These hills are the only known home of a rare toad species found nowhere else. They are also among the few places in southern Nigeria where forest elephants still roam.
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