Ikogosi Warm Springs, a rare and unparalleled gift of nature, has always held a special place in my imagination. I anticipated a visit from the moment I first heard of it during my undergraduate days. The idea of witnessing warm-water and cold-water springs flowing side by side, yet never mixing, before merging at a confluence, has always intrigued me.
More than a decade later, visiting Ikogosi Warm Springs seemed like a distant dream, mainly due to my fear of road trips in Nigeria. However, I was determined to conquer this fear and experience the beauty of the springs firsthand. Don’t blame me just yet; the insecurity on Nigerian highways dampened that resolve, but recently, I changed my mind when an opportunity to visit was granted.
I visited Ikogosi at the invitation of Glocient Hospitality Limited (a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings), which manages Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, where the spring is located. As a build-up to my trip, I did all the research, from travel time to the route and details of the spring nestled in an enchanting town in Ekiti State . I called my ‘Ekiti friends’ to ask what it was like in their state and to get every piece of information worth knowing.
I got my answers and then proceeded to psych myself up. Travelling by road in Nigeria can be an adventure, especially if you’re prepared for the journey. I always opt for the window seat to take in the changing landscapes, even when flying.
The road trip from Lagos to Ibadan was bustling with acti.