By Obiabin Onukwugha
Plateau state, North Central Nigeria is endowed with beautiful landscapes derived its name from the many hills and mountains that adorn it.
It is essentially characterized by savanna woodlands, gallery forests with seasonal streams, gentle hills and rocky outcrops, and some exotic plants. It covers hills, streams, and varied upland vegetation with about 43 kilometers of network of safari tracks. Plateau state is boasts of a cool weather likened to that of winter, and such is attracted to a lot of foreigners who see it as home from home.
The state, with its beauty, hosts a lot of tourists sites and attractions for lovers of nature.
Pandam Game Reserve: This is one of the natural habitats in Northern Nigeria and in Nigeria as a whole. It is home to so many animals. It also has a lake that hippos use to cool off during the hot hours of the day.
Fun activities in the reserve include: fishing, bird watching and canoeing along guided trails.
Shere Hills: The hills which are said to be the third highest point in Nigeria (1829metres or 6001 feet above sea level) is one of Nigeria’s greatest assets.
Mountain climbers and hikers that love a challenge climb these rocks and formations with peaks and that would be great for you if you love rock climbing.
Shere Hills features a beautiful range of hills which give a beautiful view of the city below. They offer fantastic opportunities to mountain climbers and hill walkers alike. You could hike up Shere Hills with your family or friends to create a lifetime experience. You are all sure to have a beautiful time.
Riyom rocks.
Riyom Rock is one of the state’s most astounding rock arrangements. It is found 25 kilometers southwest of Jos. Riyom rock is located in the Riyom community of Jos, it is a tourist destination where visitors can go rock climbing, observe nature or take pictures of the scenery.
Berom Rock Formation
This rock which is a favorite for hikers, stands out as one of the most breathtaking and awesome sceneries in Nigeria. It is a clear definition of one of the wonders of nature. To enjoy a wonderful visit to this awesome gift of Nature, it is better to visit the rock in November, because that is when rainfall is at its minimum and it would also give you the opportunity to witness the beautiful culture of the indigenes as they celebrate an annual festival known as NZEM BEROM.
Kahwang Rock Formation
Kahwang Rock Formation is a set of basalt rocks, located in Bangai village of Bachi District in Riyom Local Government of the state, the Kahwang rocks have received tourists from different parts of the state and country at large.
Rayfield Golf Club.
Established in 1913, the Rayfield Golf Club is one of the oldest golf course in the country. This is an 18 hole public golf course that attracts sports enthusiasts from far and wide.
Naraguta Leather Works:
Located in Jos North, this arts and crafts market is the source of most leatherworks found in arts and crafts shops and in hotels around country. A visit to this place will give you the opportunity to witness how leatherworks – shoes, slippers, souvenirs, carpets, and other colorful leather products are made. This place is one of the best leather crafts centres in Nigeria.
Kurra Falls:
This area is located about 77 kilometers southeast of Jos. Kurra Falls which is man-made, came as a result of tin mining activities; and it is where the state has its first hydroelectric power station, the Nigerian Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) which supplies electricity to homes and companies within the state.