But not all parts of the North-East are a no-go zone for tourists. Just make sure you get the green light on when it is safe to go up North by the Nigerian Security Agency. This region comprising Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe is great for a Sahel-Savannah safari. There are lots of
amazing sights to see in this part of Nigeria.
Adamawa
Sukur Cultural Landscape– this is the first cultural landscape inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Africa. On the Mandara mountains, the landscape is characterised by terraces of farmlands, sacred trees, the dry stone architecture of houses (like the Hidi Palace) and paved walkways dating as far back as 16
th Besides the mountain ranges, the remains of the iron industry and the landscape, there is a hot spring with a temperature close to boiling point within Sukur called the Lamurde Hot spring. The location makes it ideal for tourists who want the adventure of hiking, rock climbing/mountaineering and sightseeing.
Koma Hills – if you think Africans dressed in leaves are a thing of the past, think again. At Koma Hills, near the border to Cameroon, are the Koma dwellers far removed from civilisation/modernization with their unique customs, dressing and languages. They are friendly and are steadfast in their belief systems.
Bauchi
Yankari National Park – This is not only the most developed
National Park in Nigeria, it is also the largest. Tourists who visit come to see the Wildlife, the 139 interconnected Dukkey Wells, hike to the Marshall Caves with 59 dwelling chambers and swim in the Wikki Warm Springs. There are other springs within this park but they are yet to be as developed as Wikki Spring. There is also a museum within the park displaying animal hides, skeletons, poachers weapons and even stuffed animals.
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s Tomb Monument – The tomb of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister is a monument to our national unity. The design of the architecture is meant to reflect the fabric of Nigeria with precise precision. It is a sight to behold. The compound also has a museum housing the property/personal effects of the Late Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and a Library where you can learn about the history of Nigeria.
Borno
Jaffi Falls – This waterfall drops from a 50ft high Plateau into a valley all year through in a solitary place in Kwaya-Kusar, Hawul Local Government Area. Also within this region is Lake Tilla which is a crater lake that varies in size due to the seasons. Last, there is a holiday resort with chalets and restaurants provided by the government for tourists comfort. This makes it ideal for excursions, fishing, swimming and weekend tours.
Lake Chad Game Sanctuary – Endangered species have a home in this place which includes part of the popular Lake Chad, the largest Lake in Africa. The Game Sanctuary cuts across six LGAs in the state. It is credited with having a herd of 400 elephants roaming freely, clawless otters, manatees, sitatunga, etc. But if you want the predictability of seeing a wide range of animals, it might be best to go to Sanda Kyarimi Zoological Park or the Chad Basin National Park in Maiduguri.
Gombe
Emir of Gombe’s Palace – An architectural wonder that combines modern/contemporary design elements is truly worth seeing. It is also the venue for the Durbar festival in Gombe state, making it one of the most visited places in Gombe.
Gombe Hills – There are dormant volcanic hills in Gombe like the Tangale Hills. There is also the Tangle peak, a conically shaped peak said to be the highest in Nigeria. You have the Kalam Hills, and the Dutsen Mamaki Rock overlooking Kufai settlement that is a natural well-arranged pile of geometrically shaped rocks. Then there is the Bima Hills near Dadin Kowa Dam that looks the same from every angle you look at it and the Kilang Hill in Popandi village that is 1000ft above sea level. They are all scattered over the state but anyone you decide to visit should be just fine.
Taraba
Gashaka-Gumti National Park – One of Nigeria’s best-kept secrets is Gashaka Gumti, it is spread between two states but mostly in the eastern part of Taraba. It has a large terrain (from grasslands to mountain ranges) with a wide variety of fauna and flora with forested slopes called watersheds. It is Africa’s prime bird watching location with over 500 species of birds. As long as you don’t feed the animals or wander off without a guide, you will have an amazing time here.
Gembu – Gembu is a town in Sardauna LGA just 60km west from Gashaka LGA. But between Serti (the town where Gashaka Gumti National Park is in Gashaka LGA) and Gembu town, you have the Ngel Nyaki Forest. Ngel Nyaki forest has tall emergent trees and 86 different species of birds. The town of Gembu itself has a few attractions worth seeing like the man-made dam (Tunga), the Kakara tea plantation and factory, the Barup Waterfalls, the Mountain of Death (Chappal Wadi – the highest point in Nigeria) and the Mambilla Plateau. The Mambilla plateau is a chain of mountains that run from Obudu through Alantika, Shebshi and Adamawa before getting to Gembu in Taraba state.
Yobe
Dufuna Canoe Site – the Dufuna Canoe was discovered near River Yobe. It is made entirely of an organic material believed to be African Mahogany; the wood is almost black. Radio-carbon dating from reputable academic institutions in Europe and America puts it at almost 8,000 years old; making it the oldest canoe in Africa and the third oldest in the world.
Oases – Yobe is a desert region with a few towns around its oasis on the outskirts of its urban cities. If properly harnessed, it can become an interesting location for a desert safari. For now, tourists can visit Bula Tura Oases in Nguru (Natural) and the Tulo-Tulowa in Yusufari LGA of the Yobe State. The former is a sand dune in a semi-desert zone and it has the scenic beauty of the daunting landscape. While the latter is a mushy oasis with abundant water in a low valley which provides a magnificent picturesque view of the desert.
