Jalingo Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, eat, and more in Jalingo, Nigeria. Read insider tips and plan your perfect trip to Jalingo with this extensive travel guide.


Jalingo Travel Guide - A Comprehensive Tour Guide for Jalingo

Welcome to Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State in North East Nigeria. With its rich cultural heritage, natural scenery, and exciting adventures, Jalingo is a must-visit destination in Nigeria. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your perfect trip to Jalingo, from the best places to visit to where to stay, eat, and more. Let’s explore!

Introduction to Jalingo

Jalingo is a bustling city situated in the heart of Nigeria’s North East region. The city shares borders with Cameroon, Gombe, and Adamawa states. Jalingo has a lot to offer tourists, with its diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and hospitable people. The city is also known for its delicious cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and fun-filled outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in Jalingo

Here are the top places to visit in Jalingo.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Gashaka Gumti National Park: Home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, this park offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. You can enjoy scenic hiking trails and spot rare wildlife, including elephants, chimpanzees, and gorillas.

  • Marmara Crocodile Pond: This attraction is a paradise for animal lovers. It houses crocodiles, snakes, and other reptiles. The site also has a zoo where you can see different animals, and you can take a boat ride along the river to experience a different view of the crocodile pond.

  • Fulani Cultural Centre: Experience the rich culture of the Fulani people at this center. You can learn about their traditions, way of life, and history through exhibitions, performances, and workshops.

Natural Attractions of Jalingo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mambilla Plateau: This vast expanse of land rises over 1,500 meters above sea level, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can go hiking or horseback riding while enjoying the picturesque view.

  • Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve: The reserve is one of the last remaining deciduous forests in Nigeria, and it is a bird watcher’s paradise. You can spot rare bird species and other wild animals, including monkeys, antelopes, and baboons.

  • The River Lamurde: This river is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. You can take a boat ride through the river, enjoy fishing spots, or relax on the sandy beaches on the riverbanks.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Jalingo

If you love adventure, Jalingo has several trails for hiking and biking.

  • Mambilla Plateau Trail: This route takes you through one of the most scenic parts of Jalingo. A hike through the Mambilla Plateau will take you through lush green hills, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife habitats.

  • Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve Trail: This trail is perfect for bird watching and exploring the forest’s rich biodiversity. You can also go mountain biking if you prefer to explore the forest on wheels.

  • The River Lamurde Trail: This trail takes you through the beautiful scenery of the River Lamurde. You can hike or bike along the banks of the river and enjoy the serene environment.

Best Things to Do in Jalingo: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Jalingo:

  • Visit the Gashaka Gumti National Park: The park offers various activities that visitors can enjoy, including hiking, bird watching, and photo safaris.

  • Attend Fulani Cultural Festivals: Jalingo is home to a large Fulani population, and you can celebrate their cultural heritage through festivals, music, and dance.

  • Go on a Boat Ride on River Benue: You can take a boat ride along the River Benue and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Visit Marmara Crocodile Pond: At the crocodile pond, you can take a guided tour to see crocodiles, snakes, and other reptiles. There’s also a zoo where visitors can see different animals and take a boat ride along the river.

Week-Long Itinerary for Jalingo

Here’s a week-long itinerary for exploring Jalingo:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrival in Jalingo, check into your hotel, and rest.
Day 2 Visit Marmara Crocodile Pond and take a boat ride.
Day 3 Explore the Gashaka Gumti National Park and enjoy a hike.
Day 4 Go sightseeing in Jalingo and learn about the people’s culture and heritage, visit the Fulani Cultural Centre, and the ancient Palace of Muri.
Day 5 Enjoy a day of adventure on the Mambilla Plateau, go hiking or horseback riding, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 6 Visit the Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, go bird watching, or go mountain biking.
Day 7 Go on a boat ride on River Benue and explore the riverbanks or relax at the beach.

Food and Drink Scene of Jalingo

Jalingo boasts a rich culinary culture, and you cannot leave without trying some of their mouth-watering dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tuwo Shinkafa: A popular dish made from rice flour and eaten with a variety of soups, particularly Miyan Kuka, a soup made from baobab leaves.

  • Jollof Rice: A classic dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s usually served with grilled chicken, beef, or fish.

  • Suya: Grilled spicy meat skewers made from chicken, beef, or goat meat.

Local Beverages

  • Kunu: A sweet, non-alcoholic drink made from millet or sorghum.

  • Zobo: A sweet and tangy drink made from dried hibiscus flowers and spices.

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

Jalingo offers a wide range of accommodation options for tourists, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses.

Some of the best places to stay in Jalingo include:

  • Greenwoods Hotel and Spa: A luxurious hotel offering world-class amenities and services, including an outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center.

  • Casselton Hotel Nigeria: A budget-friendly hotel offering clean rooms with air conditioning and a restaurant serving Nigerian and continental dishes.

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

You can find plenty of unique souvenirs in Jalingo, from handmade crafts to traditional textiles and jewelry. Some of the best places to shop for souvenirs include:

  • Nasarawa Crafts Village: This market offers a wide range of locally made goods, including textiles, jewelry, pottery, and carvings.

  • Jalingo Main Market: This market is one of the busiest in Jalingo and sells everything from fresh produce to second-hand clothes and electronic goods.

Local Culture and Customs of Jalingo

Jalingo is a melting pot of cultures, with over 40 ethnic groups living in the city. The predominant ethnic group in Jalingo is the Jukun, and their culture and traditions have had a significant influence on the city’s way of life.

Best Time to Visit Jalingo

The best time to visit Jalingo is during the dry season, between November and March, when the weather is cool and dry. The rainy season, between April and October, makes it hard to get around Jalingo and enjoy outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Jalingo

Do:

  • Greet people respectfully.

  • Learn some of the local language.

  • Dress modestly.

Don’t:

  • Don’t take photographs of people without permission.

  • Don’t disrespect the local culture and traditions.

  • Don’t wander off to unknown areas alone or at night.

Safety and Health

Safety in Jalingo

Jalingo is generally safe for tourists, but visitors need to take precautionary measures such as avoiding walking alone at night or in isolated areas, and not carrying large amounts of money or wearing flashy jewelry. It is advisable to hire a local guide or travel with a group, especially when visiting rural areas.

Health in Jalingo

Ensure that you have all required vaccinations before traveling to Jalingo. Malaria is prevalent in the region, so take precautionary measures such as sleeping under mosquito nets, and using mosquito repellent. It is also advisable to drink only bottled or purified water.

Getting to Jalingo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Jalingo is accessible by air and road.

Airports Near Jalingo

The nearest airport to Jalingo is the Yola Airport, about 139 km away. Air Peace, Arik Air, and Dana Air operate flights to Yola from various Nigerian cities.

Bus Stations Near Jalingo

There are several long-distance bus companies operating in Jalingo, including ABC Transport, Young Shall Grow Motors, and God is Good Motors. You can also take shared taxis or private cars to get around the city.

Other Options

You can also rent a car in Jalingo, but note that the roads are sometimes poorly maintained, and some areas may be inaccessible during the rainy season.

How to Get Around in Jalingo

The most common way to get around Jalingo is by taxi or keke napep (tricycle). Ensure that you agree on the fare with the driver before getting into a taxi or keke napep.

Where to Go Next from Jalingo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you want to explore other destinations close to Jalingo, some of the best options include:

  • Yola: A historic town with notable attractions such as the Lamido’s Palace, the Jimeta Market, and the Mubi town.

  • Mambilla Plateau: You can trek or drive up to the Mambila Plateau, which offers stunning views of the highlands.

Conclusion

Jalingo has a lot to offer visitors, from its rich culture and heritage to the stunning natural landscapes and exciting adventure activities. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your perfect trip to Jalingo, Nigeria’s hidden gem.