The Ogbunike Cave is a major tourist site in Eastern Nigeria situated in a valley behind the Ogba Hills, Anambra State. A UNESCO Heritage Site, the cave consists of a network of sandstone chambers and tunnels, and is regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest geographical masterpiece. Cocooned in a valley with tropical rain forest and buffered by 20 hectares of lush vegetation, the caves are occupied by colonies of bats while the surrounding rainforest is home to antelopes, deers, alligators, porcupines and snakes.

The 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. The caves consist of 10 tunnels and a main chamber which snake their way underneath the hillside. The tunnels are filled with streams and small pools, and within the tunnels are big chambers as well as other tunnels of varying lengths, some of which are inter connected. A stream flows out from one of the tunnels into a rapid flowing river (River Nkissa).

At the meeting point of the river and the stream one can feel the warm water from the caves and the cold river water. The “Ime Ogbe” celebration is undertaken every year to commemorate the discovery of the caves. Local history records that Ogbunike’s ancestors hid from raiding slave traders in the caves. There are so many other interesting tales told about the cave and the locals are always willing to share these stories. The site has sufficient boundaries to protect its values from direct effects of human encroachment.

The Ogbunike Cave is certainly a place anyone would want to visit and explore. Tradition demands that visitors remove their shoes before entering the caves, and women who are having their monthly circle cannot go in. It is however advisable that visitors bring a torch and light water proof covering.

The Ogbunike Cave is a major tourist site in Eastern Nigeria situated in a valley behind the Ogba Hills, Anambra State. A UNESCO Heritage Site, the cave consists of a network of sandstone chambers and tunnels, and is regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest geographical masterpiece. Cocooned in a valley with tropical rain forest and buffered by 20 hectares of lush vegetation, the caves are occupied by colonies of bats while the surrounding rainforest is home to antelopes, deers, alligators, porcupines and snakes.

The 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. The caves consist of 10 tunnels and a main chamber which snake their way underneath the hillside. The tunnels are filled with streams and small pools, and within the tunnels are big chambers as well as other tunnels of varying lengths, some of which are inter connected. A stream flows out from one of the tunnels into a rapid flowing river (River Nkissa).

At the meeting point of the river and the stream one can feel the warm water from the caves and the cold river water. The “Ime Ogbe” celebration is undertaken every year to commemorate the discovery of the caves. Local history records that Ogbunike’s ancestors hid from raiding slave traders in the caves. There are so many other interesting tales told about the cave and the locals are always willing to share these stories. The site has sufficient boundaries to protect its values from direct effects of human encroachment.

The Ogbunike Cave is certainly a place anyone would want to visit and explore. Tradition demands that visitors remove their shoes before entering the caves, and women who are having their monthly circle cannot go in. It is however advisable that visitors bring a torch and light water proof covering.