Nigeria has certain landscapes that are mind-blowing. The country is blessed with beautiful rocks and mountains. Besides, standing at the edge of these cliffs, hills and rocky mountains is incredibly stunning.
Nigeria has certain landscapes that are mind-blowing. The country is blessed with beautiful rocks and mountains. Besides, standing at the edge of these cliffs, hills and rocky mountains is incredibly stunning.
Although rocks are quite numerous in Nigeria, mountains exist even more. Well, I am not referring to elevated lands, but peaks of over 7000feets.
Surely, these mountains have served as a boost for Nigeria’s tourism industry. Visitors tour the mountainous regions to learn about its origin and discover the terrific sight on the Nigerian and West African soil.
Some of the popular mountains in Nigeria are listed below;
Chappal Waddi, MountDimlang, Tsaunin Kawiki, Mount Patti and so on.
A list has been compiled in this post, but first, let’s consider some important details.
What is a mountain?
A mountain is a lofty fraction of the Earth’s crust, mainly with erect perspectives. These sides show large unearthed bedrocks that have piled over time. Although descriptions differ, a mountain is distinct from a plateau in possessing a restricted hilltop expanse.
Also, a mountain is usually elevated than a hill, naturally emerging nearly 270 metres above the land encompassing it.
Are there mountains in Nigeria?
Yes, there are mountains in Nigeria. The presence of mountains in Nigeria can be accounted for due to the spectacular landscapes in Nigeria north and south. Also, Nigeria shares boundaries with countries in sub-Saharan Africa, known for steep landscapes and mountainous regions.
Ways in which mountains in Nigeria were formed
The mountainous regions in Nigeria are formed by volcanoes and residues from erosion. It is believed that parts of Mount Cameroon’s bordering regions in the Northern states have been washed by the Benue river.
How many mountains are there in Nigeria?
Nigeria has over 100 cliffs and hills, classified together into mountain ranges and mostly located in Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi Adamawa, Kaduna and around Cameroon borders.
Where in Nigeria has the most mountains?
Taraba state in Nigeria has the highest number of mountains, which is over 50.
This is closely followed by Plateau State with about 40, then Adamawa, Kaduna and the Cameroon territory.
Also, there are rocks and hills in Nigeria in the Southwest regions such as the Ondo and Ogun states. These states embody the famous Idanre hills and Olumo Rock respectively.
Also, Abuja the nation’s capital and seat of power which is close to the Northern regions has quite several rocky layouts. This highlights the distinguished Aso Rock.
Alike, other noticeable peaks and rocks are in Niger State, Cross River states and some other locations in the Eastern part of Nigeria. They include; Shere Hills, Obudu Mountains and other rocky landscapes around these localities.
Which state has the highest mountain in Nigeria?
The highest mountain in Nigeria is Chappal Waddi, which is approximately 7936ft tall. It is located in Gashaka-Gumti Forest Reserve, Taraba state.
Why are there mountains in the North?
The Northern zone of Nigeria is very close to the west of Cameroon, a place where Mount Cameroon is situated. Moreover, Mount Cameroon is an active volcano that lies near the gulf of Guinea.
Therefore mountains such as the Mandara Mountain, Chappal Waddi, Shebshi mountains and so on are in regions where Nigeria shares borders with Cameroon.
The tallest mountains and hills in Nigeria with their attractions
The highest mountains in Nigeria are listed below with their locations and their heights. Hence, if you desire to take a tour to view the magnificent mountains, you need to know what you are up against.
See the list below and find out;
1. Adamawa-Mandara mountains, Taraba State.
Chappal Waddi is considered the highest mountain in Nigeria with 2419metres( 7936ft).
This mountain is a component of Nigeria’s Adamawa-Mandara mountain range and is located close to the Cameroonian border.
Additionally, it is the tallest mountain in all of West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, not just among Nigerians. Plus, it is referred to as the ‘Mountain of Death.
On the Mambilla Plateau, amid the Gashaka Gumti Forest and Gashaka-Gumti Forest Reserve, is where you may find these amazing reserves of nature.
Further, it is home to a variety of plants and animals, making hiking there an unforgettable experience.
After Mount Cameroun and Emi Koussi, Chappal Waldi is frequently cited as the tallest mountain in sub-Saharan West Africa.
2. Shebshi Mountains, Adamawa State.
The Shebshi Mountains’ Mount Dimlang, which rises to a height of 2042 meters, is their highest peak (6699ft). It is located in Adamawa State’s eastern region.
With an elevation of roughly 1402 m, it was previously named the Vogel peak (4600 ft).
For tourism and trekking, the mountain is ideal.
3. Shere Hills, Plateau State
In addition to tourism, the Plateau is well-known for its mining, production, agriculture, and fusion of diverse ethnic groups.
Few people, therefore, are aware that the area is linked to the Sherre Mountains, one of the nation’s most notable sights.
This mountain’s collection of towering, sloping peaks—the peak of which rises to a height of 5,915 feet (1803 meters) above sea level—is arguably its most intriguing feature.
Rock climbers, outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and hikers all frequently visit the Shere hills.
Additionally, it is a location for physical training and military and paramilitary exercises.
4. Sankwala Mountains, Cross Rivers
The Sankwala Mountains describe a mountain expanse discovered in the Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State.
These mountains are set in the southeast area of the Obudu community, remote north of the Cross River National Park and the Obudu Mountain Resort. The crest level of this mountain ridge exists at 5,905 ft (1800 meters).
The climate in the Sankwala Mountains is pleasant. As a result, tourists have been drawn to the Obudu Plateau atop the Sankwala Mountains in past few years.
Annually, a significant amount of tourism activity is observed in the Sankwala highlands. This prompted the construction of the Obudu Mountain Resort on the Oshie Ridge, one of the ridges of the Sankwala Mountains.
Activities performed on these mounts include mountaineering, camping, exploring, hiking, and gliding. The mountains are excellent for tourism and adventure-seeking.
5. Chappal Hendu, Taraba State
Chappal Hendu is a mountain in Taraba State and has a height of 1,795 metres. It is also one of the tallest mountains in Nigeria. It is also surrounded by the typical Savannah vegetation in Taraba State.
At the top of the mountain, it is so cold and consists of a wide view. The Chappal Handu is also home to forest reserves where cattle graze and walk freely.
To add to this, this mountain is of great impact on the tourism industry in Taraba state. This is because it extends beyond the mount to the conservation of wildlife and nature. Therefore, wandering, climbing, sightseeing, skydiving and other tourism activities take place on this mountain.
6. The Atlantika Mountains
The Atlantika Mountains are a line of volcanic cliffs of 1300metres that develop across the boundaries of Nigeria and Cameroon. These mountains broaden from the southeastern area of Yola, capital of Adamawa State to the southwestern region of the Mandara Mountains in Cameron.
The size hills that make up the Atlantika mountains comprise some volcanoes. Most of these eruptions are inactive and have not shown any unusual volcanic action for a long time.
These mountains are also a dwelling for the indigenous people of Koma. The area holds great history, hence this makes the area one of the most visited areas in Adamawa State. Famous hills such as Chappal Hendu, Tcahngue, Danko, and Shebo Hills in Taraba state, exist in the Atlantika mountains.
7. Tsaunin Kwaiki- Niger State
Existing 719 meters above sea layer is the extraordinary Tsaunin Kwaiki. This mountain is located at Shiroro, Niger State. Tsaunin Kwaiki is an elevation standing high above the surrounding area with small summit area, steep slopes and local relief of 300m or more.
In addition, just like other mountains in Nigeria, Tsaunin Kwaiki operates as a major tourist attraction site. Plus foreigners and indigenous people can tour to have recreation, climb and admire the spectacular sceneries from the top of the mountain.
8. Mount Patti, Kogi State
Mount Patti is a mountain that exists 1503 feet tall (458 m) and spans several kilometres.
It is located at Ado Ibrahim-Panti Road, Lokoja, Kogi State. This amount is of ancient origin in Nigeria. Thus, it is said to be the area where Nigeria got its name. History has it that Nigeria was named by the wife of a past Governor-General of Nigeria, Sir. Frederick Lord Lugard, Ms Flora Shaw.
Similarly, it is said that one can behold the totality of Lokoja from the height of the mountain. The mountain attracts thousands of tourists and nature enthusiasts, who are willing to learn about the history and also explore.
Plus, the mountain is close to the River Niger and Benue, the confluence states in Nigeria. A lot of historical buildings exist on the mount and its regions.
Some of the most engaging outlines of touring the peak are the ancient buildings and forestry.
Additionally, the first primary school in Northern Nigeria was established there in 1865. The majority of the mountains in Nigeria exist in ranges. These expanses of cliffs are grouped based on the areas where they exist.
Other notable hills in Nigeria with their heights and location.
1. Tcahunge, Taraba state with a height of 1783 metres
2. Danko Hill, Taraba State with an elevation of 1761 metres
3. Kafashiradi, 1733 metres
4. Shebo Hill (Taraba) 1703 metres
5. Lugodorena Hill (Taraba) 1670 metres
6. Walojepole Hill (Taraba) 1677 metres
7. Hosere Won (Taraba) 1593 metres
8. Masaijeh Hill Bauchi State, 1583 metres
9. Chappal Shirigu (Taraba) 1559 metres
10. Wadi Hills, Bauchi State, 1443 metres
11. Idanre Hill, 1,053 Ondo State
Also, note that all the over 100 mountains and hills in Nigeria cannot be mentioned in this post. This is why we have selected the tallest cliffs in the nation for you.
Moreover, the features of a mountain span across its height and prominence. Therefore, this was considered in the compilation.
Highest Mountains in The World
Also, the highest mountains in the world are;
Mount Everest – Himalayas 8,849 metres
Kangjenchunga (8,586 m) – Nepal, India
Lhotse (8,516 m) – Nepal, China
Makalu (8,485 m) – Nepal, China
Cho Oyu (8,188 m) – Nepal, China
Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) – Pakistan
Broad Peak (8,051 m) – Pakistan, China
Himalchuli (7,893 m) – Nepal
Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) Tanzania
What differentiates a mountain from a hill?
Of course, there is a noticeable difference between a mountain and a hill.
First, mountains have elevated heights than hills. Also, mountains are often steep and hard to ascend, unlike hills which even have trail paths.
Next, mountains have a visible climax while hills manage to have a round altitude. This shows that mountains are an upright increase in height, while hills are sloppy in elevation.
Furthermore, mountains are affected by climatic conditions and extreme weather changes. Yet, the influence of weather on the other hand does not affect hills.
Finally, the mountains and hills in Nigeria are of religious, economic, and cultural value to the communities in the nation.
There are mountains in Ede, Ijesha and Oke-Erinmo, Osun state, where people go to pray in different parts of the country. The elevations of the mount are an advantage for religious groups. To add to this, the mountains are prevalent in the Southwestern regions of Nigeria. Some of these mounts can be described as hills, due to the accessibility of climbing.
Naturally, Osun state is blessed with typical tourist attractions and rocky terrains are not excluded also. The only thing is that these mountains have been converted to religious sites where prayers and retreats take place.
In conclusion, the mountainous structures are also historical citations for the existing and prospective era. A visit to any mountain in Nigeria will leave you with substantial information you need about the origin and lifestyle of residents in the ancient centuries. Hence, mountains also provide a great deal of ancient information on civilization asides from beauty or stunning views.
