TRAVEL
5 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Jos Plateau
Jos, the capital of Plateau State, is located in the middle belt region of Nigeria. It is one of the most charming cities in the country, with a serene environment and comely weather. This makes it a sought-after tourist destination in Nigeria.
The city is also known for its rich cultural diversity and artistic heritage. The Nok culture, which flourished in the Jos area between 1000 BC and 200 AD, is one of the most important archaeological cultures in Africa. The Nok people were skilled artists who created beautiful sculptures and terracotta figurines.
Jos is home to several tourist attractions, including:
- The Shere Hills
- The Rayfield Holiday Resort
- The Assop Falls
- The Jos Wildlife Park
- The Pandam Game Reserve
Now that the beautiful places in Jos have been revealed, take your time to dive deeper into some of their attributes that would appeal more to you.
1. Shere Hills:
Shere Hills is a popular tourist destination in Jos, Nigeria. It is located about 10 kilometres to the east of Jos and is known for its stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside. The hills are also a popular spot for hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
Shere Hills is one of the highest peaks in Nigeria, with an elevation of 1,829 meters (6,001 feet) above sea level. The hills are made up of volcanic rock and are home to a variety of plants and animals.
If you are looking for a beautiful and challenging hike, Shere Hills is a great option. The hills offer stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside, and the hiking trails are well-maintained.
The Shere Hill has been one of Nigeria’s tourist assets.
2. Assop Waterfall:
Assop Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located about 60 kilometres from Jos, Nigeria. It is a popular tourist destination and has been featured in several movies and television shows.
The waterfall is located in a lush green valley and is surrounded by trees and vegetation, a forest gallery passage and a brick staircase leading to this fascinating sight. The water cascades down a series of rocks and plunges into the valley with so much strength and speed forming a whitish torrent which projects a rare view of nature.
Assop Waterfall is also a popular spot for photography. The beauty of the waterfall and the surrounding scenery make it a great place to take pictures.
3. Rayfield Holiday Resort:
Rayfield Holiday Resort is known for its beautiful scenery, variety of activities, and excellent amenities.
The resort is located about 4 kilometres from the Jos metropolis and is surrounded by hills and forests. The resort has a variety of activities to offer visitors, including:
- Golf: The resort has a golf course that is considered to be one of the best in Nigeria.
- Fishing: The resort has a lake where visitors can fish for their own food.
- Boating: The resort has a fleet of boats that visitors can use to explore the lake.
- Indoor games: The resort has a games room with a variety of games, such as table tennis, billiards, and darts.
- Swimming: The resort has a swimming pool that is open year-round.
- Children’s play area: The resort has a children’s play area with a variety of activities for kids.
The resort also has a variety of dining options, including a restaurant that serves local and international cuisine.
Rayfield Holiday Resort is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It is a popular destination for families, couples, and groups of friends.
4. Jos Wildlife Park:
Jos Wildlife Park is one of the largest man-made wildlife parks in the country and is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, monkeys, snakes, and crocodiles. It is situated in a pine forest and is surrounded by hills.
The park has a number of features that make it a popular tourist destination, including:
- A variety of animals: The park is home to over 500 animals, including lions, elephants, monkeys, snakes, and crocodiles.
- A natural forest: The park is situated in a pine forest, which provides a natural habitat for the animals.
- Picnic areas: The park has a number of picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the outdoors.
- History museum: The park has a history museum that tells the story of the park and its animals.
Jos Wildlife Park is a great place to learn about animals and nature.
5. Pandam Game Reserve:
Pandam Game Reserve is a natural habitat that hosts a number of animals which has attracted researchers and tourists. It presents an atmosphere for tourists to have a feel of a natural environment. This game reserve has a lake that animals such as the hippo use to cool off during sunny hours.
It is an amazing sight for tourists who would like to see some rare species of animals such as the African manatee. Fun activities such as fishing, bird watching and canoeing can be carried in the park with self-guided trails.
There are some things to keep in mind when visiting any of these places in Jos:
- There could be opening and closing hours in these places, so plan on your visiting hours in order to enjoy your time.
- An entrance fee could be required, so carry enough cash.
- These places could be crowded, especially on weekends as many people might want to have leisure all at almost the same time.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that suit where you are going.
- You could bring along edibles just in case you have the need.
- Be aware of the weather conditions before you go.
Efunroye Tinubu rose as a formidable political and economic figure in Abeokuta and Lagos. Born in Abeokuta in the early 1800s, she married young and had two sons. Her husband’s early death left her widowed, but in 1833, she remarried Adele, the exiled Oba of Lagos. This marriage marked the beginning of her influence, allowing her to gain significant political and economic power.
The couple settled in Badagry, where Tinubu established a thriving business. She traded slaves for salt and tobacco with European merchants, creating a powerful network of alliances.
When Adele regained his title in 1835, Tinubu returned to Lagos with him. However, Adele died two years later, so she remarried Yesefu Bada, Adele’s military advisor, and expanded her trading empire to include palm oil and slaves.
The Yoruba Wars of the 1840s and 1850s provided an opportunity for Efunroye Tinubu to increase her wealth further. She monopolized both palm oil and slave trading, selling weapons obtained through her European contacts.
Her growing influence earned her the title of Iyalode of Egbaland, the highest chieftaincy title for women, in recognition of her contributions to the war against Dahomey.
Oladipo Yemitan’s biography, Madame Tinubu: Merchant and Kingmaker, explores her controversial role in the slave trade.
One notable incident involved an alleged sale of a young boy into slavery, which she denied. In another episode, the Amadie-Ojo Affair, Tinubu declared she would rather let 20 slaves drown than collect half-payment for them.
Her business dealings were matched by her political ambitions, as she openly opposed colonial policies in Lagos and engaged in king-making in Abeokuta. In 1879, she supported Prince Oyekan over Ademola for the Alake title in Egbaland.
Despite her power, Tinubu’s influence began to wane after clashing with British Consul Benjamin Campbell. Campbell objected to her economic dominance and covert slave trading, which threatened British interests. She criticized him for meddling in Lagos’s sovereignty, sparking a standoff that saw British gunboats force her back to Abeokuta in May 1856.
Even in exile, Tinubu’s legacy endured. She died in 1887, and Lagos Island’s Tinubu Square now bears her name. Ironically, after her death, her possessions passed to her slaves, marking a complex end to her influential and contentious life.
Nigeria is a year-round travel destination, offering unique experiences no matter when you visit. However, the best time to visit Nigeria is during the dry season.
This is especially between December and February, when the Harmattan winds create a cooler and drier climate. During this period, northern Nigeria experiences pleasant cold mornings, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.
From October to April, Nigeria enjoys its dry season, which spans most of the country. This is widely considered the best time to visit Nigeria as the dry conditions make it easier to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural attractions without interruptions from rainfall. Travelers can experience festivals, local markets, and historical sites more comfortably during these months.
The rainy season, which stretches from May to September, brings heavy downpours and occasional flooding in some regions. While lush green scenery emerges during this time, it’s not ideal for travel due to disruptions caused by the weather.
To ensure smooth travel and enjoy the country’s beauty, plan your trip during the dry months, which are regarded as the best time to visit Nigeria for an enjoyable and hassle-free experience.
Let’s take a quick tour through the best
January
In January, the Harmattan season arrives, bringing slightly chilly weather in the early mornings and nights, while the daytime can get hot and dusty. Visitors should pack a cardigan for the cooler times and wear sunglasses to shield against the dust.
If you’re in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, head to Jabi Lake for a relaxing boat ride or go horse riding along its shores. On Saturdays, you can join hundreds of joggers along the lake.
For a shopping experience, visit Wuse Market or explore the Abuja Arts and Craft Village for unique souvenirs. For local cuisine, stop by Jevinik and enjoy dishes like jollof rice, pounded yam, eba, and moimoi.
Alternatively, take a short drive to Abacha Barracks, where you can indulge in mouthwatering grilled fish and chips.
Average rainfall: 0 days
Average temperature: 20°C
February
Jos Plateau in northern Nigeria offers a perfect escape in February with its warm and dry climate. While there, make sure to visit the Shere Hills, located just a few kilometers east of the Jos metropolis.
These hills, with stunning rock formations, provide a breathtaking view of the entire city. At an elevation of over 1,829 meters (6,000 feet), the highest peak of the Shere Hills is Nigeria’s third-highest point.
This is after Chappal Waddi on the Mambilla Plateau. Guides are available to safely lead you on your climb up the mountain, making it a rewarding adventure.
Average rainfall: 0 days
Average temperature: 31.1°C
March
March marks the peak of the dry season, so pack light clothing and carry water wherever you go. If you’re in Kaduna State, take a drive to Lugard Hall.
Built by British colonial administrator Lord Frederick Lugard, who served as Nigeria’s first governor-general, Lugard Hall is still in use today and serves as the meeting place for the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
Its architectural design mirrors that of the Palace of Westminster, offering a glimpse into Nigeria’s colonial history.
Average rainfall: 0 days
Average temperature: 27.4°C
April
Watch dancing at the Tuk-Ham Festival.
Every Easter, the Tuk-Ham Festival takes place in Kwoi, located in Kaduna State’s Jaba local government area. This celebration honours the Ham people, known for their ancient Nok terracotta heads, which date back to 900 BC.
The festival features over 30 dance troupes, along with displays of Nok terracotta heads and other Ham artwork. Visitors from around the world travel to witness this vibrant cultural display, which has been ongoing for nearly 40 years.
Kwoi’s pleasant weather throughout the year makes the dry season, from November to April, the best time to visit.
Average rainfall: 0 days
Average temperature: 24°C
May
Visitors can swim in the Enemabia warm spring.
May signals the end of the dry season, just before the rains begin. This is the perfect time to visit the Enemabia Warm Spring in Orakam, located in Benue State, central Nigeria.
The warm spring offers a serene swimming experience. May is also the time when Benue’s famous juicy mangoes are in season, giving visitors the opportunity to savor some of the best mangoes in Nigeria.
Average rainfall: 0 days
Average temperature: 24°C
June
Many believe the Ohum waterfalls have healing powers.
June ushers in Nigeria’s rainy season, making it an ideal time for nature enthusiasts to visit the Ohum Waterfalls in Udi, Enugu State. The trail to the waterfall is scenic, and many believe that the falls possess healing powers.
Visitors often come here for spiritual reflection or simply to reconnect with nature. As you hike, make sure to bring plenty of water for the journey.
Average rainfall: 14 days
Average temperature: 31°C
July
In Sokoto State, visit the Tomb of Usman dan Fodio, the first Sultan of Sokoto and founder of the Sokoto Caliphate. Usman dan Fodio, who lived from 1754 to 1817, led the Fulani War jihad from 1804 to 1808.
His tomb, adorned with a black cloth, also contains the graves of many other prominent figures in Sokoto’s history. Although women cannot enter the tomb, they can view it through a nearby window.
Average rainfall: 16 days
Average temperature: 30°C
August
The Durbar is a Muslim ceremony.
August gives you the chance to witness the Durbar, a grand Muslim ceremony that takes place in Kano State. During the Durbar, the emir and his subjects parade through the streets, adorned in royal regalia and finery.
This spectacle can also be seen in other northern Nigerian cities such as Zaria and Katsina. For a more historical experience, explore the ancient Kano city walls, built in the 14th century to defend the city from invaders.
Average rainfall: 14 days
Average temperature: 29°C
September
Zuma Rock is a famous tourist spot in central Nigeria.
In September, visit Zuma Rock, one of Nigeria’s most iconic landmarks, located in Niger State. Rising over 600 meters (2,000 feet) above the ground, this massive rock is steeped in local mythology.
One popular belief is that the rock would take on human forms at different times, while others claim that breaking the rock would result in flooding across Abuja and Niger State. Regardless of the myths, Zuma Rock remains a must-see destination for visitors to central Nigeria.
Average rainfall: 10 days
Average temperature: 28°C
October
The Ake Book Festival is a celebration of literature and art.
In October, book lovers can immerse themselves in the Ake Book Festival, which features engaging panel discussions, art exhibitions, and film screenings.
This festival rotates locations, with Lagos hosting it in 2018. October is also the perfect time to visit Lagos’s beautiful beaches, where the weather is just right for a day by the sea.
Average rainfall: 11 days
Average temperature: 30.4°C
November
You may spot giraffes at the Yankari Game Reserve.
As November marks the return of the Harmattan season, cooler days arrive in Nigeria. It’s a great time to visit the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.
Established in 1956, this large wildlife park offers safari-like experiences, allowing visitors to see elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife. The reserve also boasts natural warm-water springs, perfect for a relaxing dip.
Average rainfall: 0 days
Average temperature: 28°C
December
Calabar Carnival is the best place to be in December.
December in Nigeria is synonymous with the Calabar Carnival, Africa’s biggest street party. International acts like Kool & the Gang have performed here, drawing huge crowds each year.
If you’re attending, be sure to book your accommodation weeks in advance. For a quieter alternative, head to the scenic Obudu Cattle Ranch, where you can enjoy a cable-car ride and a canopy walkway amidst beautiful landscapes.
Average rainfall: 3 days
Average temperature: 21°C
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