North Central · Nigeria
Plateau
Where the Highlands Come Alive Cool mountain air, dramatic rock formations, waterfalls, forests and fertile highlands give Plateau a character unlike anywhere else in Nigeria. From the cultural energy of Jos to the ancient landscapes of Shere Hills, Riyom and Wase, Plateau is a destination built around elevation, nature, culture and discovery.
The guide
What to know before you go
About Plateau
Known as the Home of Peace and Tourism, Plateau sits high above much of Nigeria, with the Jos Plateau rising to elevations of more than 1,200 metres in places. Its cooler climate and highland environment distinguish it sharply from the country's tropical lowlands. Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission
The result is a landscape of unusual variety: rolling grasslands, dramatic granite formations, waterfalls, forests, volcanic landscapes and fertile agricultural country.
At the centre is Jos, one of Nigeria's most distinctive highland cities. Around it are communities with rich cultural traditions, while the wider state opens into places such as Wase, Pankshin, Shendam, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and the southern highlands.
Plateau is also a state of agriculture and natural resources, with a long history of tin and columbite mining and a growing investment story around highland agriculture, tourism and responsible mining. Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission
Why Visit Plateau?
Experience Nigeria's Highlands
The elevation creates a noticeably cooler environment and landscapes that feel very different from the rest of the country.
Explore Jos
Discover a city of museums, markets, restaurants, craft traditions, gardens and surrounding hills.
Chase Waterfalls
Assop Falls and Kurra Falls offer some of the state's most memorable outdoor experiences.
Climb the Rocks
From Riyom to Wase and Shere Hills, Plateau is filled with dramatic geological formations.
Discover Highland Agriculture
Strawberries, Irish potatoes, vegetables and other highland crops give the state a distinctive agricultural identity. Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission
Meet Plateau's Cultures
The state is home to a remarkable range of communities, each contributing different languages, traditions, food, music, festivals and crafts.
Places to Discover
Jos
The state capital and the natural starting point for exploring Plateau.
Jos combines highland scenery with a lively urban environment, markets, museums, restaurants, hospitality, creative spaces and cultural institutions.
Jos Museum
One of Nigeria's important cultural institutions, with collections connected to archaeology, traditional arts and the country's diverse cultural heritage.
National Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture
A distinctive cultural attraction showcasing architectural traditions from different parts of Nigeria.
Jos Wildlife Park
A major green space within the city, offering visitors an opportunity to experience nature and wildlife without leaving Jos.
Shere Hills
One of Plateau's defining mountain landscapes.
The hills provide opportunities for hiking, photography, scenic drives and panoramic views across the surrounding highlands.
Riyom Rock
A spectacular arrangement of granite formations near Riyom.
The rocks rise dramatically from the surrounding landscape and are among Plateau's most recognisable natural landmarks.
Assop Falls
One of the state's signature waterfalls.
Water descends through a rugged highland landscape surrounded by vegetation and rocky terrain, creating a strong setting for photography and outdoor exploration.
Kurra Falls
Another scenic waterfall surrounded by hills and vegetation, offering a quieter nature experience.
Wase Rock
A massive dome-shaped inselberg rising dramatically from the surrounding landscape near Wase.
It is one of Plateau's most distinctive geological landmarks. Plateau State Government
Wase
The town provides access to Wase Rock and the surrounding southern Plateau landscapes.
Pankshin
A highland town surrounded by rolling terrain and communities with rich cultural traditions.
Bokkos
Known for its highland agriculture and fertile landscapes, particularly the production of vegetables and other cool-climate crops.
Barkin Ladi
A gateway to some of Plateau's scenic landscapes and agricultural communities.
Pandam Wildlife Park
A protected natural environment associated with wildlife, forests, waterways and conservation.
Kurang Volcanic Mountain
A distinctive volcanic landscape and one of the state's unusual geological attractions.
Culture & Heritage
Plateau is one of Nigeria's most culturally diverse states.
Its communities include the Berom, Afizere, Anaguta, Ngas, Tarok, Mupun, Mwaghavul, Goemai, Irigwe, Berom, Bokkos and many others, alongside Hausa, Fulani and other communities.
This diversity is expressed through:
- Traditional rulers and institutions
- Music and dance
- Masquerades
- Traditional architecture
- Farming traditions
- Weaving and crafts
- Pottery
- Traditional cuisine
- Harvest festivals
- Community celebrations
The state's festivals provide some of the best opportunities to experience its cultural diversity, particularly around the different communities of the Jos Plateau and surrounding highlands.
Food & Lifestyle
Plateau's cooler climate and fertile highlands give its food culture a distinctive agricultural foundation.
Local produce includes:
- Irish potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Strawberries
- Carrots
- Cabbage
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Maize
- Yam
- Cassava
- Beans
- Vegetables
- Fruits
Traditional dishes vary considerably between communities.
Visitors can experience northern and Middle Belt staples alongside locally grown vegetables, potatoes and other highland produce.
Jos also has a diverse restaurant and café culture, making it one of the more interesting food destinations in the North-Central region.
Nature & Outdoors
Plateau is one of Nigeria's strongest destinations for landscape-based travel.
Shere Hills
Mountain landscapes, hiking and panoramic views.
Riyom Rock
Dramatic granite formations and photography.
Wase Rock
A monumental geological formation rising from the surrounding plains.
Assop Falls
Waterfall, rocks and highland scenery.
Kurra Falls
A quieter waterfall experience surrounded by nature.
Pandam Wildlife Park
Wildlife, forest and outdoor exploration.
Kurang Volcanic Mountain
A distinctive geological landscape.
Jos Plateau
Rolling highlands, valleys, farms and cool-weather landscapes.
Signature Experiences
Jos Highland Escape
Spend a few days exploring Jos's food, culture, markets, museums, gardens and surrounding hills.
Shere Hills Adventure
Hike into the hills, discover viewpoints and experience the cooler side of Nigeria.
Riyom Rock Expedition
Explore one of Plateau's most recognisable granite landscapes with local interpretation and photography.
Assop Falls Journey
Combine a scenic drive with hiking, waterfall views and a highland picnic experience.
Wase Rock Adventure
Travel south to experience the extraordinary scale and shape of Wase Rock and the surrounding landscape.
Plateau Farm Experience
Visit highland farms and discover how strawberries, potatoes, vegetables and other crops are cultivated in the state's distinctive climate.
Jos Craft & Culture Trail
Explore local markets, traditional crafts, art, food and community traditions.
Plateau Food Trail
Move through Jos and surrounding communities to experience highland produce alongside traditional Plateau cuisine.
Festival Experience
Plan around Plateau's cultural calendar and experience traditional music, dance, food, ceremonies and community celebrations.
Wildlife & Nature Escape
Combine Jos Wildlife Park, Pandam and the state's wider landscapes into a nature-focused itinerary.
Business & Investment
Plateau's economy is built around agriculture, mining, tourism and a growing services economy.
Its highland climate creates opportunities in:
- Commercial agriculture
- Strawberry production
- Irish potatoes
- Vegetables
- Horticulture
- Floriculture
- Livestock
- Agro-processing
- Cold-chain logistics
- Mining
- Mineral processing
- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Eco-tourism
- Creative industries
- Education
- Healthcare
- Logistics
The state has a long history of tin and columbite mining, while identified mineral resources include wolframite, feldspar, kaolin, iron ore, uranium, coal and gemstones, among others. Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission
Current investment work in Plateau has also highlighted tourism, agriculture, infrastructure and logistics, including the state's dry inland port and special agricultural processing initiatives. Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission
Cities & Places to Base Yourself
Jos
The primary base for hotels, restaurants, culture, business and access to the central highlands.
Barkin Ladi
A gateway to agricultural landscapes and attractions south of Jos.
Riyom
Ideal for exploring Riyom Rock and surrounding highland scenery.
Bokkos
A strong base for exploring agricultural communities and the western highlands.
Pankshin
A gateway to central Plateau's cultural and natural landscapes.
Wase
The natural base for exploring Wase Rock and the southern part of the state.
Shendam
An important southern Plateau town and gateway to the landscapes around Pandam.
Events & Festivals
Plateau's cultural calendar reflects its many communities.
Visitors may encounter:
- Cultural and harvest festivals
- Nzem Berom
- Wushiri Festival
- Afizere cultural celebrations
- Ngas cultural festivals
- Tarok cultural celebrations
- Traditional royal ceremonies
- Agricultural festivals
- Contemporary arts, food and creative events
These festivals provide an opportunity to experience Plateau beyond its scenery — through music, dance, traditional dress, food and community life.
Event dates and access should be confirmed before travel.
Plateau at a Glance
Region: North Central
Capital: Jos
Known as: Home of Peace and Tourism
Signature attractions: Shere Hills, Riyom Rock, Assop Falls and Wase Rock
Cultural highlights: Berom, Afizere, Ngas, Tarok, Bokkos and other highland cultures
Natural character: Highlands, waterfalls, forests, rock formations and fertile agricultural landscapes
Economic strengths: Agriculture, mining, tourism, logistics and services
Destination character: Highland • Nature • Adventure • Culture • Agriculture • Discovery
Discover Plateau
Breathe the mountain air. Chase the waterfalls. Walk among the rocks. Discover Plateau.
Experience Plateau for yourself.
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