Akwanga Travel Guide

Explore the best places to visit, activities to do, food and drinks, and where to stay in Akwanga, Nasarawa State. Know safety and health tips, transportation options and nearby excursions with our travel guide.


A Comprehensive Guide to Akwanga, Nasarawa State

Akwanga, a small town located in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions, making it an ideal destination for adventurers and history buffs. This ultimate travel guide provides you with everything you need to know before you pack your bags and head out to Akwanga. From the best places to visit and the activities to do to the local culture, customs, dos and don’ts, safety and health tips, transportation options, and nearby excursions, we got it all covered.

Introduction to Akwanga

Akwanga, named after a river that flows through the town, is situated at the northern end of the Jos Plateau, surrounded by hills, mountains, and valleys. The town is known for its scenic beauty, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in Akwanga

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Akwanga Museum: The Akwanga Museum houses a collection of artifacts, documents, and historical items that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the town and its people.

Lungi Dam: The Lungi Dam is a popular tourist attraction, located on the outskirts of Akwanga. The dam is surrounded by lush green forests, and visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and other water sports activities.

Natural Attractions of Akwanga: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Kangar Hills: The Kangar Hills, located near the town, offers plenty of hiking and biking trails, scenic views of the surrounding countryside, and a chance to explore the flora and fauna of the region.

Keffi National Park: The Keffi National Park, located a few miles from Akwanga, is a wildlife sanctuary that is home to several species of animals, including elephants, baboons, bushbucks, hyenas, and several species of birds.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Akwanga

The Kangar Hills and the Keffi National Park offer plenty of hiking and biking trails, providing visitors with a chance to explore the natural beauty of the region.

Best Things to Do in Akwanga: Activities and Tours

Boating and fishing at the Lungi Dam, wildlife watching at the Keffi National Park, hiking and biking at the Kangar Hills and Keffi National Park, and exploring the cultural heritage of the town at the Akwanga Museum are some of the popular activities and tours in Akwanga.

Week-Long Itinerary for Akwanga

Day Activity
1 Explore Akwanga Museum and the town center
2 Hike and bike at the Kangar Hills
3 Visit the Lungi Dam and enjoy boating and fishing
4 Explore the Keffi National Park and watch wildlife
5 Take a guided tour of the town’s historical sites
6 Relax and unwind at a local spa or wellness center
7 Take a day trip to nearby attractions, such as the Farin Ruwa Falls or the Jos Plateau

Food and Drink Scene of Akwanga

Must-Try Dishes

Akwanga is known for its spicy and flavorful cuisine, featuring dishes like Miyan Kuka, a soup made with a local vegetable, and Nyama Choma, grilled meat served with a spicy sauce.

Local Beverages

Palm wine and Zobo drink, a tasty hibiscus flower drink, are some of the popular beverages in Akwanga.

Where to Stay in Akwanga: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Akwanga offers several options for accommodation, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, such as the Raffia Palace Hotel and Resort and the Akwanga Resort.

What to Buy in Akwanga: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The town’s markets offer plenty of opportunities to buy souvenirs and local products, such as handcrafted wooden items, local textiles, and traditional pottery.

Local Culture and Customs of Akwanga

Akwanga is a predominantly Muslim town, and visitors are advised to respect local customs and dress modestly. Handshakes are the customary form of greeting, and visitors should use their right hand when giving or receiving objects.

Best Time to Visit Akwanga

The best time to visit Akwanga is between October and March when the weather is cooler and the rainfall is minimal, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Akwanga

Do:

  • Dress modestly and respect the local culture and customs.
  • Try the local cuisine.
  • Visit the town’s historical sites and cultural attractions.
  • Hike and bike the Kangar Hills and Keffi National Park

Don’t:

  • Drink tap water.
  • Photograph people without their permission.
  • Enter mosques without seeking permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Akwanga

Akwanga is a relatively safe town, but visitors are advised to take precautions, such as not walking alone at night, avoiding crowded places, and keeping an eye on their belongings.

Health in Akwanga

Visitors should drink only bottled water, avoid street food, and take all necessary vaccinations before visiting Akwanga.

Getting to Akwanga: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Akwanga

The nearest airport to Akwanga is the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, located 120 km away.

Bus Stations Near Akwanga

Buses to Akwanga are available from major cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Kano, with the Akwanga bus terminal located in the town center.

Other Options

Taxis and rental cars are also available for those who prefer private transportation.

How to Get Around in Akwanga

Walking is the best way to explore the town, but visitors can also hire taxis or take buses to get around.

Where to Go Next from Akwanga: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Farin Ruwa Falls, Jos Plateau, and the Gurara Waterfalls are some of the nearby destinations and excursions from Akwanga.

Conclusion

Akwanga is a hidden gem in Nasarawa State, with a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions, making it an ideal destination for adventurers and history buffs. With this ultimate travel guide, we hope to have provided you with everything you need to know before you plan your trip to Akwanga.