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Destination… Ogbunike Cave

By Chuks Nwanne
11 March 2017   |   2:30 am
There’s absolutely nothing wrong in seeking fun abroad, especially when you have the money. But if for any reason you find yourself around Anambra State, please spare some time and visit the Ogbunike Cave.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong in seeking fun abroad, especially when you have the money. But if for any reason you find yourself around Anambra State, please spare some time and visit the Ogbunike Cave. And if you are in love with nature, then this natural site will definitely amaze you.

Located in Ogbunike, Oyi Local council of the state and situated in a valley blanketed by tropical rain forest, this collection of caves has been in use over centuries by local people for whom it has particular spiritual significance.

Descending into the valley where the caves are located is a lengthy walkway made up of about 317 steps said to have been constructed by the Anambra State Government in the mid 90s. However, in line with tradition, visitors must remove their shoes before entering the caves; women, who are having their monthly circle, cannot go in.

The main cave consists of a massive structure with a big open chamber of about 5m high, 10m wide and 30m long at the entrance. There are ten tunnels at the main chamber leading to different directions.

Within the tunnels are big chambers and other tunnels of varying lengths, some of which are inter connected. The caves are occupied by a large colony of bats of various sizes.

Over the years, the caves have retained the same biodiversity for hundreds of years, and are like a glimpse into another world.

Climb over slippery rocks into the main chamber, where you see bats nest high above the cave floor. Test the water and feel the threshold between the warm water that runs from the caves and the cold temperature of the Nkisa River that flows into it.

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