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In ancient times, people used warm springs as therapy against joint pains, musculoskeletal issues, and even disorders. Sitting in warm water is such a relaxing activity, it can relieve stress from the body. In the absence of a bathtub or Jacuzzi, a warm spring is a good place to hang out. But where in Nigeria can you find these Warm Springs? Are they even developed enough for people to use as a recreational or tourist activity? Below are the states where you will find Warm Springs in Nigeria. Bauchi State: Everybody hears of Wikki Warm spring. It is one of the big attractions in Yankari National Park in Bauchi state. The Wikki Spring is 31°C and remains constant in temperature regardless of changes in the atmosphere. But right here, there are other warm springs people are not aware of. Such as Gwana Warm Springs (33°C), Dimili Warm Springs (35°C), and Mawulgo Warm Springs (the smallest of all). The reason the others are not so popular is that they have not been as developed as the Wikki warm spring. Wikki Spring is now gated, and the funds are used to maintain it so more people can come and enjoy basking in its clear warm water. Ekiti State: Ikogosi Warm Spring is among the rare springs in the world. This geological wonder has both a hot and cold spring flowing side by side without mixing. The temperature of this warm spring is 37°C. The Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort built around it channels the warm water into its pool. That way, you don’t have to worry about going into the dense forest through the well-developed trail to sit in the warm spring. Adamawa State: The Warm spring in this state is called Ruwan Zafi also known as Lamurde warm spring. Ruwan Zafi means hot water in Hausa because the temperature of the spring is 54°C. It is in Gyakan village, Lamurde local government area of Adamawa state. You cannot bask in this hot spring because it is part of the Sukur cultural landscape, one of Nigeria’s UNESCO world heritage sites. Nassarawa State: You can find the Akiri Warm springs in Akiri village, Awe local government area, Nasarawa State. At a temperature of 53.5°C, this spring is more of a hot spring than a warm spring. The locals believe the waters have healing properties. Nearby sites include the Akiri salt deposits and Awe springs. There are 3 Awe Springs – Awe warm saline spring 1 which is 43.4°C; Awe warm saline spring 2 which is 38.6°C and Awe warm saline spring 3 with a temperature of 34.8°C. Also in Nasarawa, there is the Keana warm saline spring in Keana LGA with a temperature of 36.4°C, Azara warm freshwater spring with 33.4°C temperature.
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Edo State: For years, there have been rumours of springs in Edo state. Turns out it has warm springs such as the Edewuwu whose location is a mystery, and the Okikpe springs in Akuku village, Akoko-Edo, Edo North. Their temperature is yet to be documented. Kaduna State: The Rafi Rewa Warm Springs is in Dan-Alhaji village in Kaduna. Its temperature is as high as 42.5°C, making it more of a hot spring than a warm spring. Either radioactivity or active tectonics could be the heat source in this spring. Though the water is fresh and alkaline, it might not be the best spot to chill in. Kwara State: Igbonla is one of the reputable towns in Igbomina, Irepodun LGA in Kwara State. Somewhere in that town is the Igbonla springs at a temperature of 51°C. This temperature is one of the hottest in Nigeria’s hot springs. Definitely not advisable to go swimming in this. Other Warm Springs worthy of honourable mention include Ribi warm saline spring with a temperature of 34.2°C and Kanje warm freshwater spring with a temperature of 33.4°C. In Benue, we have Enemabia warm springs found in Orokam, Ogbadigbo LGA. In Plateau, we have Kerang springs and in Rivers State, there is Okakirefu (in Oregua virgin forest, Akuku-Toru LGA. Have you been to any of these warm springs? How would you describe your experience there and what is your recommendation for more people to access them? Source Sabi Naija Research Gate.Net Yankari Game Reserve Museum Featured image source: Visit Nigeria Now
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