Plateau State: The Amazing Tourist Destination in Northern Nigeria

A state has to be called the home of peace and tourism for a good reason right? If you are the fun-seeking and adventurous type that loves to explore new places, then look no further, as there are lots of really cool tourist attractions here in Jos and environs, which I will be sharing with you in no  particular  order. If you are ready lets go!

Fig. 1: Map of Plateau state.

About The State

• Plateau state is one of the 36 states in Nigeria, located in the north-central region of the country.
• It was carved out of the old Benue-Plateau in the year 1976.
• It has 17 local governments and over 35 ethnic groups.
• Hausa is the most widely spoken language in Jos, which is the capital of the state .
• The average temperature in the state is between 18 and 22_­­⁰C.
• There are two seasons in Jos: The Rainy season and Dry season, which last from April to October and November to March respectively.

1. Jos wild life park

Established in the year 1972, the Jos Wildlife Park features rare and exotic collection of wild animals like reptiles, lions, elephants and birds. There are nice spots within the park where you can have that special picnic with family and friends. The Park also boast of a History Museum that tells the exciting story of the park and state.

Fig. 3: Elephants at Jos Wild Life Park

2. The Pandam Game Reserve and Lake

The Pandam game reserve was established in 1972. Located in Quan-Pan LGA of the state, it is one of the largest game  reserves  in Nigeria.  The Park covers a land mass of 224sq Km of untouched savanna wetlands and forest and is home to many species of wild animals like monkeys, antelopes, warthogs, hippopotamus, manatees and shy duikers. Apart from seeing the animals roaming freely in their natural habitat, the park is also a cool spot for sports fishing, canoeing and relaxation purposes.

Fig. 4: Pandam Game Reserve

3. Shere Hills

Shere hills is located about 10 km east of Jos. It is a unique attraction to mountain climbers because of the vast area covered with unbelievable arrangement of rocks and high peaks (the highest being 1820m above sea level), chilling weather and rugged terrain. The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre located in that area uses the hills for their camping programmes. Several schools, paramilitary and military organizations like Man O War and Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) visit the camp every year for the unique camping experience and training.

Fig. 5: Shere Hills

4.  Wase Rock

Located 216 Km south east of Jos and standing at about 350 metres high above Wase town is the Wase Rock. This spectacular work of nature has the ability to hold any visitor spellbound. It is simply a beauty to behold and a delight to climb.

Fig. 6: Wase Rock

       5. Riyom Rock

     Located in Riyom LGA 25 Km from Jos, along the Jos-Akwanga road, this rock formation is simply a wonder! It looks like an arrangement of rocks that was carefully done by a master craftsman. When carefully observe, resemblance can be seen between the shape of the rock and the map of plateau state. I just can’t help but wonder if the rock formation was a sign by God about the geographical destiny of the state.

Fig. 7: Riyom Rock

  6. Assop Falls 

Located 70 km along Jos-Kagoro road on the top of Jos-Plateau, the Assop river supplies water which the rapids and falls use. It also feeds the natural vegetation of grasslands that extend into the forests.

Fig. 8: Assop Falls

   7. Kurang Volcanic Mountain

    The home to SWAN natural spring water which is bottled and sold nationwide, Kurang Volcanic Mountain is Located in Mangu LGA, about 88 km from Jos town. It has a natural spring which is rich in minerals and other organic properties.

Fig. 8: Kurang Volcanic Mountain

8. Naraguta Leather Works

Finally, what would be better that buying a unique souvenir from Jos for your loved ones back at home. I am talking about the Naraguta Leather Works in Naraguta village of Jos. Most leatherworks found in arts and crafts shops and in hotels around the country like souvenirs, shoes, slippers, carpets, cushions, and other colourful leather products are produced at this place. It is simply one of the best leather crafts centres in Nigeria.

Fig. 9: Some of the products
 of Naraguta leather works.

These are just some of the major tourist attractions in Plateau state as all of them cannot be exhausted in one post. Until I come your way again next week with some more cool stuff about Jos worth exploring, let me leave you with a quote by William Feather:

 “One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure.”