Nigeria - West Africa - page 690

TRAVELLING IN THE NORTH

Due to the activities of Boko Haram and the subsequent unstable security situation, we were unable to travel in-
dependently in Kano, Jos, Yankari, and Gashaki-Gumpti National Park to update this chapter. Research for this
part of the country was done using local contacts, the internet and other sources.

TOP OF CHAPTER

Jos

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The temperate climes of the Jos plateau are perhaps the oldest inhabited parts of Nigeria.
The earliest known Nigerians, the Nok people, originated in the area, witnessed by the
famed Nok terracottas. At 1200m above sea level, it's noticeably cooler than most other
parts of the country - in colonial times it was a recommended holiday destination for Brit-
ish officers. A former tin-mining centre, Jos now sits astride one of Nigeria's major Chris-
tian-Muslim fault lines. With communal violence not unknown, it's essential to keep your
ear to the ground before planning a visit.
The Jos National Museum (admission N50; 8.30am-5.30pm) has a superb collection of pottery,
including several Nok terracotta sculptures - at over 2500 years old, they're Africa's old-
est figurative sculptures. On the same site, the Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture (

has full-scale reproductions of buildings from each of Nigeria's major

8.30am-5.30pm)

regions.
Good meals can be found at Old Airport Junction (old airport junction near Nasco; meals from N500) -
pull up a table and munch on grilled fish, Suya or masa (meals from N500). Decency Restaur-
ant (Beach Rd; meals from N300) provides traditional Nigerian cuisine. Afrione/Net Café is a
great meeting place and serves western and Mexican dishes, baked goods and ice creams.
The areas around Jos hold some spectacular landscapes. To the east, Shere Hills offer a
prime view of the city below, good hiking and rock climbing.
Kurra Falls is a great place for camping, boating, hiking and rock climbing. The area
includes several lakes, a cascading waterfall and many hills and rock formations. Having a
local guide is useful for finding the way and security measures.
There is a daily flight between Jos and Lagos with Arik Air ( Click here ). You can
book in the mornings at Hill Station Hotel. The airport is 30km south of Jos (N1800 by
taxi).