Nature Giant State. Home to Nigeria's highest peak (Chappal Waddi, 2,419 metres / 7,936 feet), the extraordinary Mambilla Plateau tea estates, and part of Gashaka-Gumti National Park - home to chimpanzees and lions. Taraba's remote, scenically dramatic highlands are largely untouched by tourism.
Top things to do in Taraba State.
Chappal Waddi Peak
Gashaka-Gumti NP, Taraba/AdamawaChappal Waddi ('Hill of Death') at 2,419 metres / 7,936 feet is Nigeria's highest peak, located in the Atlantika Mountains on the Nigeria-Cameroon border within Gashaka-Gumti National Park. The mountain is surrounded by montane forest, bamboo groves, and high-altitude grassland. Reaching the summit requires a multi-day trek through the park and is one of Nigeria's most challenging and rewarding wilderness experiences.
Mambilla Plateau Tea Estates
Sardauna local government area (LGA), TarabaThe Mambilla Plateau - shared between Taraba and Adamawa states - is Nigeria's pre-eminent highland tourism destination. At 1,500-1,800 metres / 5,906 feet above sea level, the plateau's tea estates, cool temperatures, mist-covered peaks, and sweeping views are utterly unlike lowland Nigeria. NTTC (Nigeria Tea Company) tea estates welcome visitors and the landscape is pristine.
Donga River and Waterfalls
Donga LGA, Taraba StateThe Donga River in Taraba State flows through dramatic gorge country and passes several waterfalls in its upper reaches. The river supports exceptional biodiversity - including hippos, large crocodiles, and diverse fish species - and the surrounding forest is home to diverse primates. Boat trips and guided forest walks are possible with local operators.
Climate, month by month.
What to wear, by season.
Packing guidance for the savannah middle belt, the climate zone Taraba State sits in.
Light breathable clothing
Daytime stays warm through the transition. Cotton is comfortable.
Transitional evening layer
Evening temperatures fall quickly once the rains stop. One light jacket is enough.
Dust scarf
Harmattan can begin by late October. Starting dust protection early is easier than catching up.
Layering system
A light shirt for afternoon warmth and a proper jacket or fleece for morning and evening. Night lows here are cold enough to matter.
Moisturiser and lip balm
Harmattan humidity drops under 25 percent. Skin and lips crack quickly without a thick lotion applied twice daily.
Dust scarf
A light cotton scarf for morning movement in open ground and along unpaved roads.
Closed shoes
Dust settles into open footwear. Closed leather shoes or trainers are the practical choice.
Light waterproof layer
Rain here is heavy but brief. A packable jacket handles most of it.
Light breathable clothing
Warm and humid rather than hot. Cotton or linen works well.
Comfortable walking shoes
Quick-drying shoes for outdoor sites between rain windows.
Waterproof jacket
A proper waterproof rather than a shower shell for the July and August peaks.
Waterproof or quick-drying shoes
Unpaved approaches to rural attractions stay wet for days.
Light breathable clothing
Temperatures are at their most comfortable. Cotton is fine.
Safety and health in Taraba State.
🛡️ Safety
High riskCommon concerns
Communal Conflict, Banditry, Road Hazard
Exercise caution
- Areas near Cameroon border without security clearance
- Wukari and Donga at night
Smart-traveller checklist
- Jalingo city is relatively stable
- Mambilla Plateau requires prior arrangement and local guide
- Gashaka-Gumti visit requires park ranger escort
- Avoid all travel after dark on any route in Taraba
- Satellite communication recommended for remote areas
Emergency numbers
💉 Health
Required vaccination
Yellow Fever
Recommended
Meningococcal, Typhoid, Hepatitis A
Local disease notes
- Lassa Fever (endemic)
- Meningococcal Meningitis
Nearest referral hospital
Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo
More of Nigeria.
On the map. See Taraba State in context on the interactive atlas. Open Taraba State on the map →
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