Northern Nigeria comprises states like Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara, Bauchi, Yobe, and the likes.
The distance of these places to other parts of the states makes it an ‘out of the question’ destination for some individuals.
However, these locations are where the fun is, the destinations in these places are like the hidden treasure located where you least expect.
It will surprise you to know that the northern part of Nigeria has the most beautiful natural attractions such as beautiful waterfalls, wildlife, historical buildings, mountains, and a culture worth witnessing.
Here are some of the places you should visit in the North.
Matsirga Falls Kafanchan, Kaduna
Matsirga Falls is located in Madakiya, Kafanchan Kaduna, and is yet another beautiful waterfall in the North. It has a height of about 30 meters and gets its source from springs on the Kagoro hills.
The water at the Matsirga Falls drops into a gorge that has been supported by beautiful rocks. Something magical happens at the point of impact with the river, the avalanche of the fall creates a rainbow-like mist which appears and disappears mysteriously.
Mambilla Plateau, Taraba
It is the highest point in Nigeria standing at about 1,600 meters (5,249 ft) above sea level and is a combination of waterfalls, hills, and mountains. The highest mountain Chappal Wadi which stands at 7,936 ft above sea level is the highest mountain in Nigeria is found at the northeastern flank of the Plateau.
The plateau is Nigeria’s northern continuation of the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon.
Gashaka Gumti National Park, Taraba
Gashaka Gumti is said to be the largest wildlife park in Nigeria with various species of games to view. The national park was created from two game reserves in 1991 and is in the eastern provinces of Taraba and Adamawa state to the border with Cameroon.
The animal fauna is diverse with over 103 mammal species recorded, the avian fauna also has an estimate of over a million birds and has been labelled one of Africa’s “Important Bird Areas”. The flora includes an isolated population of the red sunbird bush.
Shere Hills, Jos
This magnificent wonder of nature located in Jos is one of the foremost tourist attractions in the North. It is very scenic and quite an adventure to hike on as it is a combination of various hills and rock formations with the highest hill standing at 6,001 feet above sea level.
They also form the third highest point in Nigeria after Chappal Waddi and Mount Dimlang.
Kajuru Castle – Kano
On the mountain top in Kajuru village, right in the heart of the Northern Kaduna State, sits a mighty European style castle called the ‘Kajuru Castle’.
History has it that around 1975, the District Head of Kajuru District in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, acting on the instruction of the Emir of Zaria granted permission to Gerhard Huebner to build a temporary weekend hospitality resort on a hilltop in Kajuru Village where he was settled.
Gerhard initially built a temporary structure but later transformed it into a complete castle with an armory and a dungeon on the mountain. He named the castle, “The Kajuru Castle”.
Unfortunately, he lost his ownership claim to it courtesy of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The castle is still private property but it remains one of the popular resort centers in Nigeria, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists annually.
This medieval architecture and natural surroundings which are an astonishing sight to behold have a capacity to contain 150 guests.
Gurara Waterfalls, Niger
Gurara waterfalls were discovered by a Gwari hunter called Buba in 1745. It is one of Niger’s major tourist attractions. It was named after two deities Gura and Rara which were worshipped by the Gwari people.
The waterfall is very beautiful and stands at a height of 30 meters and a gushing width of 200 meters. When you visit Niger or Abuja, be sure to stop by at Gurara waterfalls.
