This is not just a travel article but a survival guide, a story, and a big shout out to everyone who’s ever gotten lost trying to find something that even Google doesn’t recognize.
If you’ve ever tried to go somewhere that isn’t online, you’ll understand this frustration.
That was the case with Kofa Dam, there was no location tag, no reviews, no blog post, nothing. It was just one or two random mentions online.
We decided to go see the Kofa dam, we decided to take the road less traveled and trust me, that road no smooth at all.
Let me dive into how it all happened.
We weren’t told that it was going to be really difficult to locate, we prepared, gassed up, packed snacks, charged all devices (because content must enter), putting our faiths into Google Maps.
After typing “Kofa Dam” and getting zero results, we started suspecting that it wasn’t going to be an easy one. But we still moved.
We drove into Kofa village, parked beside a small provision store, and approached some elders and okada riders.
You know that feeling when you are asking questions and people are staring at you like you’re speaking an alien language? That was our situation that very day.
I remember asking a man, “Abeg you sabi where Kofa Dam dey for here?”, sounding really confused, he gave a response after staring at us for about a minute, “You sure say you sabi where you dey go before una disappear?”
We saw another woman along the road and this was her response, “I never even hear that name before o, I no sabi am at all.”
That moment was when we understood that the journey was eventually going to turn to a scavenger hunt.
We asked at least six people and the answers they gave didn’t even help us reach our destination. Some even said we were supposed to pass a small bridge. Others said we should turn back and try another village.
To be honest, at some point, I started doubting if the dam even exist.
Since Google Maps had abandoned us and the locals weren’t sure, we decided to trust our instincts, satellite view, and follow water channels that were showing faintly online.
We tried tracing the path gradually like we were explorers, every time we see signs of farming or water, we would stop to check and ask questions before moving again.
After hours of trial and error, moments of frustration we were finally able to locate the Dam.
A calm stretch of water surrounded by sloping earth, shrubs, and a deep silence that’s hard to describe. We parked, stepped out, and just stood there.
There were no signboard to welcome us, no crowd, no commercial or anything. It was just raw, untouched nature and the cool and calming wind and the sound coming from the water.
It felt like finding treasure in the middle of nowhere, “that kind scene wey you go wan snap picture put for frame.”
I took the exact coordinates of the dam before leaving to serve as a guide for people who would be visiting or would love to see and know where this Dam is located.
Kofa Dam Coordinates:
Latitude: 9.218108 / N 9° 13′ 5.188”
Longitude: 7.242993 / E 7° 14′ 34.776”
If I would be honest, Kofa Dam not your usual typical easy access spot.
Here are a few challenges we faced and should be ready to experience:
Network Coverage: You might enter areas with poor signal, it is advisable to download maps and coordinate screenshots before you move.
Zero Online Presence: Google does not recognize this place, you will have to rely mostly on coordinates or first hand guide like this one.
Unclear Local Directions: Many people nearby do not even know the name as “Kofa Dam.” So instead of asking by name, try describing it as “The Big water body that was built to store water.”
Bad Roads: The road are not too friendly. If you’ll be going during the rainy season, it is going to be more difficult and if you even ask me, I’d tell you that it’s riskier and not advisable.
No Facilities: There are no toilets, no food vendors, no umbrellas. It’s just nature, so prepare accordingly.
Kofa Dam is a raw, functional beauty and here’s what you’ll see:
- A wide water body used mainly for farming irrigation and sometimes fishing.
- Surrounding green spaces and farmland.
- Absolute quiet environment, good for reflection, meditation, or even mini-picnics only if you’ll be going prepared for that.
- There are no shops, no guides and no entrance fee.
It was very difficult locating this Dam and yes, low-key, we did consider turning back. But to be honest, it was worth it. Absolutely.
Kofa Dam may not be the most famous location, but that’s what makes it special. If you’re someone who loves adventure, nature, or just finding quiet places that are not yet viral, this is your sign to visit.
Now that you know how to find it, how to prepare, and what to expect, I hope your trip would be more smoother than ours. And when you go, ensure that you enjoy the breeze and maybe help someone else find it too.
And if you’re not familiar with the roads, it is advisable to try going with someone local or be ready to ask questions with confidence.
If you are expecting to get a tourist resort vibe, just adjust your mindset because this place is not Obudu or Lekki Conservation Centre.
“Na person wey waka go find out say road no too far.”
