Mambilla Plateau, South West Travel Guide

Getting There

• Car

  From any location in the South West region, drive towards the city of Abuja. Take the A2 highway from Abuja. Follow the signs for the A2 highway heading towards Jos. After reaching Jos, continue towards the town of Lafia. From Lafia, take the A4 road towards Wukari. Once you reach Wukari, look for signs directing you to the A3 road towards Gashaka. Mambilla Plateau is located near Gashaka in Taraba State. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the mountainous terrain as some roads can be challenging. The estimated driving time is approximately 10-12 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Bus

  If you prefer public transportation, take a bus from major cities like Lagos or Ibadan to Abuja. From Abuja, you can find several bus companies that offer services to Jos. After reaching Jos, transfer to a bus heading towards Lafia. From Lafia, catch a bus to Wukari. Finally, from Wukari, you will need to take a bus or hire a taxi to Gashaka. Expect the entire journey to take around 15-20 hours, including transfer times and waiting periods.

• Taxi from Wukari

  Once you reach Wukari, you may need to hire a local taxi or motorcycle taxi (okada) to reach Gashaka. The distance from Wukari to Gashaka is about 45 kilometers. It is advisable to negotiate the fare in advance; the cost can range from 2,000 to 5,000 Naira depending on the vehicle and negotiation skills. Ensure that you confirm the taxi's route and confirm that they are familiar with the roads leading to the plateau.

• Local Guide

  Upon arriving in Gashaka, consider hiring a local guide who can assist you in navigating the area and ensure you have a safe trekking experience on the Mambilla Plateau. Local guides can provide valuable insights into the region's culture and natural attractions. Costs for guides can vary, but expect to pay around 3,000 to 10,000 Naira for a day of guiding, depending on the duration and services provided.