Why Visit Yola, Adamawa State?

Because Yola is located on the banks of the River Benue and is the capital of Adamawa State. The capital is divided into two: there’s the old town, rooted in history, where the traditional ruler, the Lamido of Adamawa, lives. And then there’s Jimeta, regarded as the modern administrative and commercial centre. From fascinating views of the Three Sister Hills to cultural richness, expect to be warmly welcomed and entertained.

Because you can visit the Lamido Palace in Yola. The palace is a historic seat of power founded in 1809 by Modibbo Adama, the leader of the Fulani jihad in the region. The structure has classic northern Nigerian and Islamic design elements showing royal traditional styles. Traditional festivals, the Durbar, and Islamic celebrations are held there.

Because Yola in Fulfulde means ‘Vast plain lands’, be ready to immerse yourself in panoramic views. Go on an exploration of the Mandara Mountains. These mountains are a volcanic range stretching about 190 km along the northern part of the Cameroon-Nigeria border from the River Benue in the south to the northwest of Maroua in the north.

Because from Yola you can easily go into one of the country’s largest national parks, the Gashaka Gumti Nature Reserve. There is also the famous Mambilla Plateau and the Sukur UNESCO World Heritage Site named Africa’s first cultural landscape to get on the World Heritage List.

Because you can take a tour of the Kiri Dam in Shelleng local government area, situated on the Gongola River. It stretches 1.2 kilometres and is a zoned dam. It was finished in 1982 with the reservoir having a capacity of 615 million m³.

Because it will be easy for you to go on an adventure to the Bénoué National Park in nearby northeastern Cameroon, south of the city of Garoua, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this beautiful park spans 1,800 square kilometres along the Bénoué River, protecting Sudan-Guinea savanna woodlands. It also provides an environment for the rare Kordofan giraffe, hippos, lions, and elephants.

Because about an hour’s drive from Yola, you can tour the Three Sisters Hills which are three identical, stunning rock formations standing alongside each other in Song Local Government Area, distinct from the plains. It is also said that these hills influenced the structural design of the Mubi Roundabout flyover in Yola.

Because you can tour the Fombina Palace Museum, take a look at artefacts ranging from 200-year-old ancient spears to historical Qur’anic manuscripts, among others. It also showcases regalia, traditional attire, and portraits worn by former Lamidos across different periods.