Awhum

Awhum (also known as Ohum) is a town in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, southeastern Nigeria. It is known for its natural landscape of waterfalls, caves, streams and lakes, as well as the Our Lady of Mount Calvary Cistercian Monastery. The community has become an important destination for religious pilgrimage and nature tourism.

Awhum is a rural community about 24 km from Enugu, the capital of Enugu State. Neighbouring communities including Okpatu, Nike, Ukana and Egede surround it.

The town consists of several villages and has traditionally depended on farming, hunting and trading. The community also has a local market, Nkwo Market, which serves residents and visitors.

Awhum's natural environment includes waterfalls, caves, streams and lakes. One of the attractions is Awhum Waterfall, located in the Amaugwe/Amu-Ugwu area of the community.

The establishment of the Cistercian monastery has made Awhum a destination for Christian pilgrimage. The monastery was established in 1970 and later developed at its present location in Awhum.

Awhum has a tropical climate, with a rainy season and a dry season. Visitors should expect humid conditions and wet, sometimes muddy paths around the waterfall during the rainy season.

Awhum can be reached by road from Enugu and other communities in Udi Local Government Area.

From Enugu, travel towards the Udi/Awhum area and continue by local road to Awhum. The waterfall and monastery are within the Awhum community.

Local buses, taxis, motorcycles and tricycles can be used to reach Awhum from surrounding towns. Visitors going specifically to the waterfall should confirm the local route to the monastery or waterfall entrance before travelling.

Getting around Awhum is mainly by motorcycle, tricycle and private vehicle. Some attractions, particularly the waterfall, require walking along natural paths.

The walk from the parking area near the waterfall to the waterfall has been reported to take approximately 45–50 minutes.

• 6.5388077.4471261 Awhum Waterfall (Awhum Falls), Amaugwe/Amu-Ugwu, Awhum, Udi Local Government Area. Awhum Waterfall is one of the best-known natural attractions in Awhum. The waterfall cascades over a large granite formation and is associated with a cave, streams and surrounding vegetation. Part of the waterfall is reported to remain warm through the seasons. The site is also important for Christian pilgrimage and religious tourism. The path to Awhum Waterfall includes uneven and sometimes slippery terrain. Wear suitable footwear and carry drinking water. Visitors should follow instructions given by local guides and the monastery, particularly around religious and sacred areas.  
• 6.53097.43492 Our Lady of Mount Calvary Cistercian Monastery. A Cistercian monastery and pilgrimage centre near Awhum Waterfall. The monastery has helped develop religious tourism in Awhum.  
• Awhum has many natural lakes and streams surrounded by hills and vegetation. Some of these areas remain relatively undeveloped and provide opportunities for nature sightseeing.

• Experience the community's local culture and traditional way of life.
• Visit the local market when it is operating.

• Local agricultural produce
• Locally produced food items
• Traditional products, where available

Local food is available in homes, small eateries and food sellers in the community. Visitors may find traditional Igbo dishes and locally produced agricultural foods.

Palm wine has historically been associated with Awhum and the surrounding communities. Visitors should ask locally where it is available and consume responsibly.

Basic accommodation may be available around the monastery and in nearby communities. Visitors planning an overnight stay should confirm availability before travelling.

For a wider range of accommodation, Enugu is the nearest major city.

Awhum includes sites of religious importance. Visitors should dress appropriately and behave respectfully around the monastery, caves and other places regarded as sacred.

Ask for permission before photographing people, religious activities or restricted areas.

Mobile phone coverage may vary in different parts of the community. Visitors should download important information and maps before travelling to remote parts of Awhum.

• Enugu — the state capital, about 24 km away.
• Udi — the headquarters of Udi Local Government Area.