Nigeria is a large territory blessed with many beautiful regions such as Bauchi State. You will definitely enjoy your vacation in the Home of Peace and Hospitality. Bauchi itself means ‘’Land of Freedom and Tourism’’ in Hausa. There are so many exciting places in the 20 Local Government Areas of the state which are: Bauchi, Tafawa Balewa, Dass, Toro, Bogoro, Ningi, Warji, Ganjuwa, Kirfi, Alkaleri, Darazo, Misau, Giade, Shira, Jama’are, Katagum, Itas/Gudau, Zaki, Gamawa and Damban.
TRANSPORTATION
The state is bordered by seven states (Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, Plateau, Gombe, Yobe and Kaduna) so several roads lead to Bauchi. Tourists taking the air routes have their destination at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport.
WHAT TO BRING
When visiting Bauchi State, make sure you bring along a scarf/cover cloth if you are female. Sun shades, caps/hats are also necessary because of the scorching sun. Get your journals and camera to write down and capture memories of your visit. Credit cards are also necessary for transactions within the state.
PLACES TO VISIT
The Yankari Game Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in Nigeria and is located in Bauchi State. It covers about 2,224 sq km of land and is located nearly 225km east of Jos city in Plateau state. Yankari is the most developed wildlife park in the county with over 250 species of flora and fauna. There are over 500 elephant population among other animals. The wildlife is best seen between November and May when they come to the Gaji River to drink.
The Wikki warm spring is another place you have to visit. It is located within the Yankari reserve and has a park for all tourists to visit. The spring is about 200 meters long and 10 meters wide with crystal-clear warm water with a temperature of about 31 degrees Celsius. The natural spring is one of the attractions in the reserve, and the spring park is usually lit up in the evenings for visitors to savor its freshness.
Archaeologists, explorers and other scientists would find it interesting to visit the Marshall Caves. It was named after the white explorer, J.P Marshall who discovered it in 1980. The cave contains 59 dwelling caves in total, dug into sandstones escarpments. The cave was said to have been used by early settlers who wanted to escape enemy invasion and animal attacks. Rock paintings and wall engravings at the site made into the caves give credence to the fact that early settlers abode in the recesses of the ancient cave.
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium is the place to be for sports lovers. The stadium was built by the Federal Government of Nigeria. In 2009, it was renovated for the FIFA youth competition. The stadium is the home ground of Bauchi state football team known as ‘’Wikki Tourists’’. You haven’t toured Bauchi if you haven’t seen Wikki Tourist in Nigerian Football league actions.
Other places of interest include Sir Abubakar Tafawa Tomb Monument, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport, Shira rock paintings in Shira Local Government Area, Panshanu stone heaps, Dukkey wells, and hills such as Kalban Hill and so on.
