Nobody can tell precisely how long Ogbunike caves has been in existence. What is known is that the cave was discovered by a hunter centuries ago.
Located in Ogbunike, Anambra state; Ogbunike cave is a collection of caves that have been in use for hundreds of years for the local people living in the vicinity of the cave.
Ogbunike cave is sited in a valley area. And in order to find ones way to the cave with ease, a lengthy walkway was constructed by the Anambra state government in 1990 made up of about three hundred and seventeen steps.
Traditionally, it is a must for visitors to remove their shoes before entering the cave. Also, women who are having monthly cycle are not allowed to enter the cave.
At the entrance of the main cave, there is a massive structure with a big open chamber of about 5m high, 10m wide and 30m long.
And there are ten tunnels at the main chamber leading to different directions.
Strangely, the cave are occupied by a large colonies of bat.
There are also streams and body of water at various places. A stream flows out from one of the tunnels into a rapidly flowing river (River Nkissa).
Interestingly, the meeting point of the river and the stream carries both warmth and cold. A tourist can feel the warm water from the caves and the cold river water.
There is a tableland of about 5 times 5 square meters that is used by visitors as a relaxation spot, besides the portion of the river.
The immediate environment of the caves up to about 200 meters radius is a thick tropical rainforest type of vegetation.
And owing to this, it is believed that e site has sufficient boundaries (20 hectares) to protect its values from direct effect of human encroachment.
It is this undisturbed quietness, coupled with the mystic nature of the cave, that gives tourists a feel of having a glimpse into another world at the proximity of the cave.
Like the likes of Idanre Hills, Ogbunike Cave I'd a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
