Travel

Everything You Need to Plan Your Journey to the Ikogosi Marathon

Whether you're travelling from within Nigeria or internationally, we're here to help you arrive comfortably and enjoy everything Ekiti State has to offer. This page provides transportation guidance, travel tips, and important information to help make your marathon weekend seamless.

Plan Your Trip — Checklist

Before you travel, make sure you have:

Getting to Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

By Air

If you are coming from Lagos or Abuja to Ekiti State, board the nearest airport to the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport located at Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, near the Ago-Orokunja area — approximately 30 minutes to Ikogosi Marathon Initiative by road. Participants arriving by air can arrange airport transfers through local taxi services.

Flight Days by Routes
Lagos to Ado Ekiti: available 3 days a week on Monday, Thursday and Saturday Abuja to Ado Ekiti: available 2 days a week on Thursday and Saturday.

By Road

Ado Ekiti is easily accessible from:

Local Transportation on Race Day.

Buses will be available at all local government secretariats except in Ado where Buses will be stationed at Fajuyi park, and Ekiti Parapo pavilion in Ado Ekiti, Buses will also be available at higher institutions gates. The departure time is 6am.

TOURISM & ATTRACTIONS

Make your marathon trip a getaway — discover the natural wonders and rich heritage of Ekiti State.

1. Ikogosi Warm Springs — Ikogosi-Ekiti

Ikogosi Warm Springs is the most popular tourist destination in Ekiti State and one of Nigeria's most famous natural attractions. It is known for the unique meeting of a warm spring and a cold spring, which flow side by side without mixing immediately. This rare natural phenomenon attracts scientists, researchers, tourists, and students from different parts of the world. The resort surrounding the springs offers comfortable accommodation, restaurants, conference halls, swimming pools, walking trails, gardens, and recreational facilities. It is an ideal destination for family holidays, educational excursions, conferences, and honeymoon vacations.

Distance from Ado
45 minutes

2. Arinta Waterfalls — Ipole-Iloro, near Ikogosi

Arinta Waterfalls is one of the most remarkable natural attractions in Ekiti State. The waterfall is formed as water flows down a series of rocky cliffs in multiple stages, creating a beautiful and powerful natural display. The surrounding environment is covered with thick green vegetation, tall trees, and fresh air, making the area cool and refreshing. The site is a destination for eco-tourism, with visitors engaging in hiking, rock climbing, photography, and picnics. It also attracts researchers and students studying its ecological and geographical features.

Distance from Ado-Ekiti
1 hour 4 minutes

3. Olosunta Hills and Orole Hills — Ikere-Ekiti

These twin hills are among the most famous landmarks in Ekiti State and are regarded as sacred, with deep historical significance to the people of Ikere-Ekiti. The hills are made up of large rock formations rising impressively above the town, offering visitors wide, panoramic views. Climbing the hills is a popular activity for tourists, hikers, and adventure lovers, who experience natural scenery, fresh air, and unique rock structures. The site also supports cultural storytelling and helps preserve the heritage and identity of the Ekiti people.

Distance from Ado-Ekiti
30-40 minutes

4. Ekiti Parapo War Museum — Okemesi-Ekiti

The Ekiti Parapo War Museum is an important historical Centre that preserves the memory of the Ekiti Parapo War, fought in the 19th century between the Ekiti alliance and the Ibadan warriors — a significant conflict in shaping the political and cultural identity of the Ekiti people. The museum displays traditional weapons, shields, war drums, clothing, photographs, and written records that help visitors understand the war and how the Ekiti people united to defend their land. It also serves as an educational Centre for students, historians, and researchers interested in Yoruba history and traditional warfare.

Distance from Ado-Ekiti
1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes

5. Erin Ayonigba Sacred Fish River — Erinjiyan-Ekiti

Erin Ayonigba is a sacred river famous for its protected fish, regarded as special by the local people, with tradition forbidding anyone from catching or harming them. The site combines cultural belief with environmental conservation, attracting tourists interested in indigenous traditions. Surrounded by natural vegetation, it offers a peaceful and beautiful environment, representing a strong connection between culture, religion, and nature — and a symbol of respect for nature and community values.

Distance from Ado-Ekiti
41 minutes

6. Esa Cave — Iyin-Ekiti

Esa Cave is a naturally formed cave that played an important role in local history, serving as a place of refuge during periods of conflict. Today, it is an important tourist attraction for adventure seekers, historians, and researchers, surrounded by rocks, trees, and natural formations that make it an interesting site for exploration. Visitors are drawn to its historical significance and the stories associated with the survival and resilience of the Ekiti people.

Distance from Ado-Ekiti
20-30 minutes

7. Agbonna Hills — Okemesi-Ekiti

Agbonna Hills are beautiful natural hills known for their impressive height, rocky surfaces, and scenic views of surrounding forests, villages, and valleys. Popular among tourists who enjoy hiking, mountain climbing, camping, and bird watching, the cool breeze and peaceful environment make it a relaxing destination for nature lovers, while also offering opportunities for photography and environmental studies due to its rich biodiversity.

Distance from Ado-Ekiti
1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes