Taraba State has ‘Nature’s Gift of the Nation’ as a nickname. If you are a lover of nature, with its beautiful scenery, Taraba State is a place to be, especially the Mambilla Plateau which is indeed a gift of nature. The state lies in the middle of Nigeria. It is a Northeastern state named after the Taraba River which transverses the southern part of the state. The state has its capital in Jalingo. The state is bounded by Nassarawa and Benue States to the west, Plateau State to the northwest, Bauchi and Gombe states to the north, Adamawa state to the northeast and Cameroon to the east and south.
There are 16 Local Government Areas in Taraba State where you could visit on your next vacation. They are Ardo Kola, Bali, Donga, Gashaka, Gassol, Ibi, Jalingo, Karim Lamido, Lau, Sardauna, Takum, Ussa, Wukari, Yorro, and Zing.
TRANSPORTATION
You could access the Northeastern state through the air route. The Jalingo Airport is the destination for tourists and travelers to the state.
PLACES TO VISIT
![A Travel Guide To Taraba State A Travel Guide To Taraba State](https://everyevery.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/WhatsApp-Image-2019-06-12-at-12.48.52.jpeg)
You just have to see Nature’s gift in the form of a Plateau. The Mambilla Plateau is about 1,830 meters above sea level and arguably one of the highest mountain parts in Nigeria and Africa. The Plateau is located in Gembu, Sardauna Local Government Area and made up of chains of Adamawa, Obudu, Shebshi, and Atlantika. You could drive through the pending road of the plateau which takes between 20-30 minutes of careful driving. You will feel welcome to the cold mountainous air at the peak on arrival. It is free of all insects, temperate crops such as avocado pear and strawberries are widely grown on the plateau. This plateau is considered the coldest place in Nigeria. You have to come along with your warm clothing as you visit this scenic place.
Another nature’s gift to Taraba lies at Gashaka-Gumti National Park. It is arguably the largest National Park in Nigeria and covers an area of 6,371 square meters which consists of various floras and fauna that fascinate visitors. Some of the common animals found here are elephants, chimpanzees, lions, hyena, roan antelope, wild dog, and other fascinating creatures. The Gamshaka-Gumti National Park is located in both Taraba (Gashaka) and Adamawa (Gumti) states.
If you are in Taraba State, then you must not leave until you’ve seen the legendary crocs that live in peace with animals and humans without hurting anyone. These crocodiles are found at the Marmara Crocodile Pond situated in Wukari. It is reputed to be an ancient pond full of crocodiles which are largely seen on Fridays. There is an old fable that says the crocs went into town to pay homage to Aku Uka, the supreme head of the Jukun. Other notable sites for tourists in the state include Kpambo and Fikyu rock formations, Barup Waterfall, Tunga Waterfall, Donga River Basin Forest, Bitako Hills, and several others.