Jos

Jos, the capital of Plateau State, is Nigeria's cool highland city, sitting at 1,200 m elevation on the Jos Plateau. Its temperate climate — rarely exceeding 30°C — has made it a favourite escape from the lowland heat since colonial times. Jos grew wealthy on the tin mining industry that attracted British and international mining companies in the early 20th century, and the city's streets still bear traces of that cosmopolitan era. The city is spread across a landscape of rolling hills, granite outcrops, and rocky hills. Jos is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Nigeria, a meeting point for the Berom, Afizere, Anaguta, and other Plateau peoples, with a vibrant civil society and a famous "beer garden" culture.

Yakubu Gowon Airport (JOS) has flights from Abuja (45 mins) and Lagos. By road, Jos is 4 hours from Abuja and 3 hours from Bauchi. Buses arrive at the Jos main motor park.

Jos is spread out — taxis and keke tricycles are the main options. Uber and Bolt operate in the city centre. The city is built on hills with winding roads. Walking is possible in central areas but distances between attractions can be long.

The Jos Wildlife Park is one of Nigeria's best zoos — lions, elephants, baboons, and the Jos Zoo museum. The Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture (MOTNA) has life-sized replicas of traditional buildings from across Nigeria. The Jos National Museum displays Nok terracottas and Plateau archaeological finds.

Walk through the Jos Wildlife Park. Visit MOTNA. Explore the rock formations at the Jos Hills. Try the city's famous beer gardens — the Naraguta area has several. Visit Assop Falls (30 km south on the Abuja road).

Jos's food scene includes northern Nigerian staples and Plateau specialties. Try Acha (fonio) porridge, Giwa Soup, and the famous Jos suya. The Jos beer gardens serve food alongside locally brewed beer.

Jos is famous for its beer garden culture — the Naraguta and Bukuru areas have dozens of beer gardens serving chilled bottles of Star, Gulder, and Heineken. The Jos International Beer Festival (October) celebrates this tradition.

Budget: Crispan Hotel, Beni Gold Hotel. Mid-range: Plateau Hotel, Jos Hospitality Hotel. Luxury: Crested Grey Hotel, Hill Station Hotel.

Jos Main Market sells textiles, crafts, and produce. The Jos Museum shop has Nok replica pieces and Plateau handicrafts.

• Bukuru (15 mins south) — Jos Plateau commercial centre
• Assop Falls (30 mins south) — popular picnic spot
• Pankshin (2 hrs south) — scenic central plateau town
• Abuja (4 hrs south) — the capital