The Gurara Falls are among the most famous tourist sites in Nigeria and are popular among Nigerians, Africans, Expats and just anyone who is looking for a unique and nice day out. They were discovered in 1745 by a local hunter. The falls are said to be named after two gods which were worshipped by the Gwari: Gura and Rara who went to pray near the waterfalls. The falls span 300 meters across and have a 50 meter drop. They are about an hour drive away from Abuja (Nigeria’s capital) and are best visited between April and November when there is a lot of water. It is safe to swim in the river during the dry season.
Gurara Waterfalls is located in Gurara, a local government area of Niger State, North Central Nigeria. The waterfalls is approximately 30 metres in height and it lies on the Gurara River along the Suleja-Minna Road.
Myth and folklore
According to oral history, Gurara Waterfalls was discovered by a Gwari hunter called Buba in 1745 before some Europeans discovered it in 1925 after they found it as a recreation centre. Prior to the discovery of the waterfalls by the Europeans, Gurara Waterfalls was worshipped by people living in communities around it. Oral history also has it that Gurara Waterfalls and Gurara River were named after two deities called Gura and Rara.
Despite its chequered history, Gurara Waterfalls is one of the major tourist sites in Nigeria. There have been plans in recent times to turn it into a resort with a recreation centre and a seven-star hotel around it.
The Gurara Waterfalls’ history stems from local Gwari worship of deities Gura and Rara, from whom the falls are named, with sacrifices made there until Europeans discovered it as a recreational spot around 1925, stopping traditional practices but opening it to tourism for picnics and exploration, though a Gwari hunter named Buba is credited with discovering it centuries earlier, around 1745
Indigenous Origins & Worship
The name “Gurara” comes from two Gwari (Gbagyi) gods, Gura (a male spirit) and Rara (a female spirit), who were worshipped by the local people. The waterfall was a sacred place where the community offered prayers and sacrifices to the deities, especially to seek blessings or for help when facing problems. The Gwari hunter named Buba is said to have discovered the falls in 1745, long before European arrival
Gurara waterfall has a semi-arid climate. Temperatures are generally warm to hot throughout the year, with average yearly temperatures around 68 °F (20 °C). Rainy season typically occurs from May to September, while the dry season lasts from October to April. The wind from the southwest and will blow at speeds of 10-38 kilometers per hour.
So whether you are in Nigeria but don’t travel a lot, or you are an African somewhere in Texas or Paris or Kuala Lumpur… if you are planning on travelling to Nigeria either for Business of for fun.
I strongly suggest that on your To-Do list, you add a trip to Gurara falls … it is greatly exciting and exhilarating..
Additional Source: Trip Advisor, Nigeria Travel and Tours
