Jos is the state capital of Plateau State in North Central Nigeria. Before the unrest that has shaken the region, the city's cool climate, scenic plateau location and colonial importance made it a popular tourist destination. It is a city of about 810,000 people (2015).
Jos is inhabited by various ethnic groups and chiefs, of whom are indigenous Afizere, Berom, Anaguta, Bugi, Mwagwavul, Angas, Tarok and many more from other areas of Nigeria, such as Yoruba and Igbo, Hausa and many southerners displaced from other northern cities in the aftermath of religious violence. The most widely spoken language is Hausa, and because of the high literacy rate in Jos, almost everyone also speaks English. Jos is an old city, one of the first built in Nigeria during colonial rule. Jos has always been the home of many cultures. Because of its old structure, Jos has been a very hard place for the government to renovate.
There are many taxi cabs, and other transport vehicles all over Jos, such as motorcycles, tricycles and buses. But they have to be shared with other passengers over defined routes. it is also possible to get a private taxi where you share with no one at all, but it is much safer to bear the inconvenience of travelling with others, to avoid getting robbed. Some mini-bus routes are also defined but these are difficult to understand. The taxis and buses almost always tend to be rickety. Motorcycle taxis, commonly known as 'okada' are also a choice but these can be very dangerous as the road network is filled with a lot of potholes and there is a general lack of safe practices.
There are many parks you can see in Jos, examples are the wild life park, and the national museum. The old tin mines are all on the outskirts of Jos. They have developed into lakes which might have some environmental concerns. The areas are generally safe but it is best to go with a guide. There are many waterfalls on the outskirts of Jos. 1 Jos National Museum, 1 Museum St, ☏ +234 806 380 9560, josmuseum@gmail.com. It was recognized as one of the best in the country. It has been left to fall to ruin, however.
1 Shere hills. A prominent site for tourist attraction is the Shere Hills. The hills occupy the size of an average community. It spreads from somewhere in Lamingo into the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos, a bus journey of about 30 minutes. It will interest you to know that some these hills are in the form of caves. Walking up into the "community" of the hills from the lamingo entrance, you will notice a change in landscape even before approaching the hills. As you move in, you see a variety of isolated rocks, tall, short and all forms of shapes and sizes.
There are many eateries and restaurants that offer a range of cuisines. Local delicacies are also very abundant. Many modern restaurants also serve international dishes. 1 A1 Food Restaurant (A1), Bauchi Road (from terminus via Bauch road A3), ☏ +234 814 425 9828. A1 restaurant is a simple building with nice atmosphere. Try their Shawarma. You could dine in, take away or request delivery. from ₦500. (updated Jun 2021) 2 KNL Cakes & Cafe, Lamingo Rd, ☏ +234 803 454 7415. KNL offers a variety of dishes. It is a cozy place to be. They sell at relatively affordable price. Their service options are delivery, dine in and takeaway.
Shemshak, opposite the University of Jos gates, is a local favourite where the price is reasonable. There are many other drink zones where local brewed drinks or international drinks are served. St Ejix Bush Bar, St Ejix close, Liberty Blvd. (updated Dec 2021) Orite Bar and Restaurant, Ring Rd, 2 Tudun Wada Rd. (updated Dec 2021) Pacific Pub, Laranto Road. (updated Dec 2021)
The Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) is in Lamingo. They have all the hospital departments including diagnostic laboratories. It is a good place to access quality health care.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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