North East · Nigeria
Taraba
Where the Mountains Meet the Savannah From the highlands of Mambilla to the forests of Gashaka, Taraba is one of Nigeria's most extraordinary landscapes. Mountains, waterfalls, rivers, tea estates, wildlife and diverse cultures come together across a state that feels remarkably different from the Nigeria many travellers know.
The guide
What to know before you go
About Taraba
Known as Nature's Gift to the Nation, Taraba stretches across an extraordinary range of landscapes — from the rolling savannah around Jalingo to the high-altitude Mambilla Plateau and the forested mountains of the southeast. The state government highlights the Mambilla Plateau, natural attractions and agricultural potential as defining features of Taraba. Taraba State Government
Taraba is home to Chappal Waddi, Nigeria's highest mountain, as well as Gashaka-Gumti National Park, one of the country's most important protected landscapes.
Its cultural diversity is equally remarkable, with communities including the Mambilla, Jukun, Kuteb, Fulani, Tiv, Chamba, Mumuye, Wurkum and others.
This is a state for travellers who want to go further.
Higher into the mountains. Deeper into the forests. Closer to the communities.
Why Visit Taraba?
Discover the Mambilla Plateau
Rolling grasslands, mountain valleys, waterfalls and a cool highland climate create one of Nigeria's most distinctive landscapes.
Climb Chappal Waddi
At more than 2,400 metres above sea level, Chappal Waddi is Nigeria's highest point and one of the country's ultimate hiking destinations.
Enter Gashaka-Gumti
Explore one of Nigeria's largest protected areas, with forests, mountains, rivers and extraordinary biodiversity.
Experience Highland Agriculture
Tea, coffee, potatoes, vegetables and other crops thrive in Taraba's diverse climatic zones.
Meet Taraba's Cultures
The state's many ethnic communities bring different languages, traditions, festivals, food, music and craftsmanship into one destination.
Places to Discover
Jalingo
The state capital and the main urban gateway to Taraba.
Jalingo offers hotels, restaurants, markets, government and business activity, while providing a starting point for journeys deeper into the state.
Mambilla Plateau
The defining landscape of Taraba.
At high elevation, the plateau opens into vast grasslands, valleys, mountain slopes and cool-weather landscapes that feel very different from most of Nigeria.
It is particularly compelling for road trips, hiking, photography, agriculture and nature-based travel.
Gembu
The principal town on the Mambilla Plateau and a natural base for exploring the highlands.
The surrounding landscape combines mountain scenery, farms, tea plantations and traditional communities.
Chappal Waddi
Nigeria's highest mountain.
Located within the Gashaka-Gumti landscape, the mountain represents one of the country's most significant high-altitude adventure experiences.
Access requires careful planning, local guidance and current verification.
Gashaka-Gumti National Park
One of Nigeria's most important protected areas.
The park encompasses mountains, montane forests, grasslands, rivers and wildlife habitats extending across a vast landscape.
It is particularly suited to serious nature, wildlife, hiking, birdwatching and conservation-focused experiences.
Tea Plantations
Taraba is home to one of Nigeria's largest tea-growing landscapes, particularly around the Mambilla Plateau. The state's investment profile identifies its large tea farm as a distinctive economic asset. Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission
The plantations offer an opportunity to connect highland agriculture with the wider story of Nigerian food and agricultural production.
Gashaka
A gateway to the national park and the mountains of southeastern Taraba.
Serti
A town associated with the western side of the Gashaka-Gumti landscape and an important gateway for exploring the surrounding region.
Bali
A major town surrounded by agricultural landscapes and culturally diverse communities.
Wukari
A historic centre of Jukun culture and an important traditional kingdom in the Benue Valley.
Kwararafa Heritage
The traditions and history associated with the ancient Kwararafa polity remain an important part of the cultural story of the Jukun and neighbouring communities.
Mambilla Waterfalls
The plateau and surrounding highlands contain numerous waterfalls, streams and mountain valleys, creating opportunities for outdoor exploration beyond the better-known attractions.
Culture & Heritage
Taraba is one of Nigeria's most culturally diverse states.
Its communities include:
- Mambilla
- Jukun
- Kuteb
- Mumuye
- Chamba
- Wurkum
- Fulani
- Tiv
- Kamai
- Bali
- and many others
Traditional institutions remain important, while festivals, masquerades, music, dance, farming traditions and craftsmanship provide different ways to experience local identity.
The Jukun heritage of Wukari is particularly significant, while Mambilla culture gives the highlands a distinctive identity of its own.
Across the state, cultural experiences can include:
- Traditional royal institutions
- Masquerades
- Harvest celebrations
- Traditional music and dance
- Weaving
- Pottery
- Wood carving
- Farming traditions
- Local architecture
- Community festivals
Food & Lifestyle
Taraba's food reflects both its cultural diversity and its agricultural abundance.
Highland and lowland communities produce different crops and ingredients, creating considerable variation across the state.
Visitors can experience:
- Yam
- Maize
- Rice
- Cassava
- Potatoes
- Beans
- Groundnuts
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Tea
- Coffee
- Freshwater fish
- Traditional soups
- Grilled meat
- Local cereals and grain dishes
The Mambilla Plateau adds a particularly distinctive agricultural dimension, with tea and highland crops forming part of the local economy and lifestyle.
A Taraba food experience is best built around local markets, farms, communities and traditional kitchens.
Nature & Outdoors
Taraba is one of Nigeria's strongest destinations for outdoor travel.
Mambilla Plateau
Mountain landscapes, grasslands, farms, valleys and cool-weather scenery.
Chappal Waddi
High-altitude trekking and one of Nigeria's most challenging mountain experiences.
Gashaka-Gumti National Park
Wildlife, forest, mountains, rivers and birdwatching.
Tea Country
Rolling plantations and highland agricultural landscapes.
Mountain Waterfalls
Numerous waterfalls and streams are scattered across the highlands and forested areas.
Donga River
One of the important river systems shaping Taraba's landscape and agricultural communities.
Highland Valleys
The valleys and ridges around Mambilla provide opportunities for hiking, photography, cycling and scenic road journeys.
Signature Experiences
Mambilla Highland Road Trip
Travel through mountain roads, grasslands, valleys, farms and traditional communities while experiencing one of Nigeria's most unusual landscapes.
Chappal Waddi Expedition
Undertake a properly guided high-altitude expedition to Nigeria's highest point.
Gashaka-Gumti Wildlife Journey
Explore the park through responsible, conservation-focused wildlife, birdwatching and nature experiences.
Mambilla Tea Experience
Visit tea-growing landscapes and discover how highland agriculture supports local communities.
Highland Farm Experience
Explore farms producing potatoes, vegetables, maize, coffee, tea and other highland crops.
Jukun Heritage Journey
Discover Wukari, traditional institutions and the history of Jukun communities.
Taraba Cultural Trail
Move between the highlands and lowlands to experience the distinct traditions of Mambilla, Jukun, Mumuye, Kuteb, Chamba and other communities.
Waterfall Expedition
Explore the streams and waterfalls scattered across the Mambilla landscape.
Taraba Food Trail
Experience the state's agricultural diversity through local markets, farms, traditional dishes and highland produce.
Mountain Photography Journey
Follow the ridges, valleys, waterfalls and changing light of the Mambilla landscape.
Business & Investment
Taraba has an unusually broad agricultural and natural-resource base.
The state's investment opportunities include:
- Commercial agriculture
- Tea production and processing
- Coffee
- Rice
- Maize
- Yam
- Cassava
- Potatoes
- Vegetables
- Oil palm
- Cotton
- Livestock
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Agro-processing
- Mining
- Renewable energy
- Hydropower
- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Eco-tourism
Taraba's investment profile highlights its extensive arable land, tea production, diverse mineral resources and opportunities across agriculture, energy, mining and tourism. Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission
The combination of mountains, forests, agricultural land and waterways also creates opportunities for nature-based tourism, highland agriculture and value-added food production.
Cities & Places to Base Yourself
Jalingo
The main urban base for accommodation, food, business and access to central Taraba.
Gembu
The natural base for exploring the Mambilla Plateau.
Serti
A gateway to Gashaka-Gumti and the surrounding mountains.
Wukari
Ideal for exploring Jukun heritage and the cultural landscapes of the Benue Valley.
Bali
A gateway to central Taraba's agricultural and cultural communities.
Gashaka
Useful for journeys into the southeastern mountain and forest landscapes.
Events & Festivals
Taraba's cultural calendar reflects its many communities.
Visitors may encounter:
- Mambilla cultural festivals
- Jukun cultural celebrations
- New Yam festivals
- Harvest festivals
- Traditional royal ceremonies
- Mumuye cultural celebrations
- Chamba cultural events
- Community dance and masquerade festivals
- Agricultural celebrations
- Contemporary cultural events
Festival dates and locations vary by community and year.
Event dates and access should be confirmed before travel.
Taraba at a Glance
Region: North East
Capital: Jalingo
Known as: Nature's Gift to the Nation
Signature landscapes: Mambilla Plateau and Gashaka-Gumti
Highest point: Chappal Waddi
Cultural highlights: Mambilla, Jukun, Mumuye, Kuteb, Chamba and other traditions
Natural character: Mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, grasslands and highland valleys
Economic strengths: Agriculture, tea, livestock, mining, energy and tourism
Destination character: Mountain • Nature • Adventure • Wildlife • Culture • Discovery
Discover Taraba
Climb higher. Go deeper. Follow the mountains. Discover Taraba.
Experience Taraba for yourself.
Discover more destinations across Nigeria, or start planning your visit today.