There is a side of Nigeria that often flies under the radar. It isn’t the chaotic bustle of Lagos or the humid heat of the Niger Delta. It is a region defined by mist-covered peaks, crashing waterfalls that rival the famous Victoria Falls, and a climate so cool you might need a sweater in the afternoon. This is the Nasarawa-Plateau axis—the “Home of Solid Minerals” and the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”
For the adventurous Nigerian traveler, these two states offer a visual feast. From the towering Farin Ruwa Falls in Nasarawa to the rugged peaks of Shere Hills in Jos, this corridor is arguably the most scenic drive in the country.
However, for years, the beauty of these destinations has been gated by a frustrating barrier: Logistics. The nightmare of navigating motor parks, haggling with touts, and cramming into unsafe vehicles has stopped many from making the trip. But in 2025, that narrative has changed. With digital platforms like Syticks, the journey to the hills is now as smooth as the destination itself.
This guide will walk you through the top scenic spots in Nasarawa and Plateau, and reveal the secret to a stress-free road trip using Syticks.
Fishing Festival: Celebrating the Rivers and Culture of the Middle Belt (North Central)
The Twin States of Tourism: Why You Must Go
Before we talk about how to get there, let’s establish why you need to pack your bags. The geography of North Central Nigeria is unique—it is where the flat savannah suddenly rises into the majestic Jos Plateau.
1. Nasarawa: The Gateway to Nature
Nasarawa is often seen merely as a transit state between Abuja and Jos, but it holds one of Nigeria’s greatest natural secrets: Farin Ruwa Falls.
Located in Wamba Local Government Area, Farin Ruwa (Hausa for “White Water”) is a spectacular waterfall that drops about 150 meters. To put that in perspective, it is higher than Victoria Falls. The water crashes down from the Jos Plateau escarpment, creating a mist so thick it looks like white smoke from a distance.
The Eggon Hills: As your bus winds through Nasarawa, you are flanked by the rolling Eggon Hills, a prelude to the mountains ahead. It is a hiker’s paradise that remains largely untouched.
2. Plateau: The Europe of Nigeria
Once you cross from Nasarawa into Plateau State, the air changes. The humidity drops, and the temperature cools. You are now on the Plateau.
Shere Hills: These are the rugged peaks that define the Jos skyline. They are a challenge for mountain climbers and a haven for campers. The view from the top offers a panoramic sweep of the entire state.
Assop Falls: Located right by the roadside on your way to Jos, this is a popular picnic spot. The water is clear, the rocks are perfect for climbing, and the surrounding forest feels like a scene from a movie.
Kurra Falls: A man-made beauty created by tin mining activities, now a serene lake surrounded by red earth and green vegetation.
The Old Way vs. The Syticks Way
For decades, enjoying these sights required a “warrior” mentality. To get to Jos or Lafia, you had to wake up at 5:00 AM, rush to a chaotic motor park (like Jabi or Mararaba), and be physically dragged by touts shouting “Jos! Jos! One chance!” You had no idea if the bus had AC, you couldn’t choose your seat, and price hiking was standard.
This is where Syticks changes the game.
Syticks has emerged as Nigeria’s premier bus booking platform, digitizing the road transport industry. It bridges the gap between the traveler and the transport company, removing the chaos of the motor park from the equation.
Why Smart Explorers Use Syticks
Safety and Verification: The road to Nasarawa and Plateau is beautiful but requires safe vehicles. Syticks partners with verified, reputable transport companies. When you book on Syticks, you aren’t jumping into an unmarked “sole administrator” bus; you are booking with established operators who track their vehicles.
Compare and Choose: Instead of visiting three different parks to find a bus, Syticks allows you to see all available buses to Lafia, Akwanga, or Jos on your phone. You can compare prices, departure times, and vehicle types (Sienna vs. Luxury Bus) in seconds.
Seat Selection: The drive to Plateau is scenic—you need a window seat. In the motor park, getting a window seat is a wrestling match. On Syticks, you select your preferred seat digitally before you even leave your house.
Zero “Agbero” Stress: You pay online. You arrive at the terminal with your ticket on your phone. You bypass the touts and walk straight to your bus.
Step-by-Step: Booking Your Scenic Trip
Ready to see the waterfalls? Here is your itinerary for a smooth trip.
Step 1: The Booking
Do not wait until the morning of travel.
Download the Syticks User App: Open a Syticks User Account.
Search: Enter your location (e.g., Abuja, Lagos, Enugu) and your destination (Jos or Lafia).
Filter: Look for morning departures. To enjoy the scenery of the Akwanga-Forest road or the Hawan Kibo hills, you want to travel by day.
Select Seat: Choose a window seat. This is non-negotiable for this route.
Pay: Secure your ticket.
Step 2: The Route (Abuja – Keffi – Akwanga – Jos)
If you are traveling from Abuja, the journey is approximately 4 hours.
Keffi/Akwanga: As your bus cruises past Keffi, watch out for the shift in terrain. The road becomes windier.
Hawan Kibo: This is the highlight. As you approach the border of Plateau State, the bus will climb the Hawan Kibo hill. The temperature will drop noticeably. Look out the window to see the valley floor far below you. This is the edge of the Plateau.
Assop Falls: Keep your eyes peeled on the right side of the road shortly after Hawan Kibo; you might catch a glimpse of the Assop Falls entrance.
Step 3: Arrival
Upon arrival in Jos or Lafia, you can also use Syticks to check for accommodation options or event tickets if there are festivals happening (like the Nzem Berom in Plateau).
Essential Travel Tips for the Hills
While Syticks handles the logistics of your ticket, here are a few tips to ensure your safety and comfort on the ground.
Pack Warm: Jos is cold. If you are visiting Shere Hills or Rayfield, you will need a hoodie or a light jacket, especially in the evenings. The temperature can drop to 10°C or lower during the Harmattan and rainy seasons.
Book Accommodation in Advance: Jos is a hub for conferences and retreats. Good hotels fill up fast. Use the Syticks “Hotels” feature to secure a room near the GRA (Government Reservation Area) in Jos for maximum security.
Move During the Day: While the region is much safer now than in previous years, it is always a golden rule of Nigerian travel to arrive at your destination before dusk. Booking the first bus (6:00 AM or 7:00 AM) on Syticks ensures you arrive with plenty of daylight to settle in.
Cash is King (Locally): While you book your bus and hotel online with Syticks, carry some cash for local tricycle (Keke) rides to the waterfalls, as POS networks can be spotty in remote areas like Wamba.
Conclusion
Nasarawa and Plateau States offer a travel experience that rivals international tourism. The sight of the water crashing down Farin Ruwa or the mist rolling over the Shere Hills is something every Nigerian should witness.
Don’t let the fear of “motor park wahala” stop you. The era of sweating in queues and fighting for seats is over.
Your adventure begins with a button click.
Visit Syticks today to book your window seat to the hills. Whether you are a solo backpacker, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a group of friends chasing waterfalls, Syticks gets you there safely, comfortably, and affordably. The mountains are calling. Book your ticket now