Ado-Ekiti is the capital of Ekiti State, which was created in 1996. The city is set among rocky hills in the Yoruba uplands and is the seat of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, its traditional ruler.
Ekiti State is often called the "Fountain of Knowledge" because of its many teachers, academics and schools. Ado-Ekiti is its administrative and commercial centre, and a base for visiting the state's springs, waterfalls and hills.
Top things to do in Ado-Ekiti
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Visit Ikogosi Warm Springs
At Ikogosi, a warm spring and a cold spring flow side by side and meet in one stream, keeping their different temperatures for a short distance. The springs sit in wooded hills about an hour's drive from Ado-Ekiti and are one of the state's best-known attractions.
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See Arinta Waterfalls
Arinta Waterfalls at Ipole-Iloro falls in stages over rocks into pools surrounded by forest. It is a short drive from Ikogosi, so the two are often visited on the same day. The falls are fullest in the rainy season.
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Visit the Ewi's palace
The palace of the Ewi is the centre of Ado-Ekiti's traditions and the focus of the Udiroko Festival. Its grounds fill with chiefs, drummers and townspeople on ceremonial days.
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Walk in the hills
Granite hills rise around Ado-Ekiti and throughout the state. Olosunta Hill in nearby Ikere-Ekiti is one of the most impressive, and Efon-Alaaye has scenic hill roads.
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Eat Ekiti pounded yam
Ekiti is known for its pounded yam, served in generous portions with egusi, efo riro or bitter-leaf soup. Local restaurants and bukas serve it all day.
Festivals and culture
The Udiroko Festival is Ado-Ekiti's main traditional celebration, marking the new year in the town's calendar with rites, music and dancing led by the Ewi. Other Ekiti towns hold their own festivals, and December brings homecomings, weddings and concerts.
Food to try
Pounded yam is the signature dish, often eaten with egusi, efo riro or okra soup. Also try amala, ofada rice, roasted yam, and palm wine sold fresh in the countryside.
Best time to visit
November to March is dry and good for hill walks and the springs. Arinta Waterfalls is fullest during the rainy season, from about May to October.
Getting around
Taxis, tricycles and motorcycle taxis cover the city. Ikogosi and Arinta are about an hour away by road, so hire a car or taxi for the day. Ado-Ekiti is around 50 km from Akure.
Questions about Ado-Ekiti
What is Ikogosi Warm Springs?
It is a natural site in Ekiti State where a warm spring and a cold spring meet and flow together, about an hour from Ado-Ekiti.
What is the Udiroko Festival?
It is the main traditional festival of Ado-Ekiti, marking the new year in the town's calendar with ceremonies led by the Ewi.
How do I find events in Ado-Ekiti?
Browse upcoming concerts, parties, conferences and free events in Ado-Ekiti on Shows.ng, and filter by today, this weekend or this month.
