12 Common QUESTIONS ABOUT CHAPPAL WADDI

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The summit of the mountain is 2,419 meters above mean sea level. This makes Chappal Waddi the highest peak in Nigeria and all of West Africa. You can begin your trek from Njawai or from the foot of the mountain at Amansale. Most people begin hiking from Amansale, at the foot of the mountain.

Taraba is hot in the day and cool at night. The mountain is even colder. The rainy season runs from March till November with temperatures between 17 ° C and 27 ° C. During the Harmattan season, the sky is glazed with dry dust and temperatures range from 18 ° C to 31 ° C. You will need jackets, thermals, warm sleeping bags and blankets, if you plan to camp at the base or summit of the mountain.

You can visit the mountain at any time of the year, as long as you have gained permission from the Gashaka Gumti National Park authorities. If you want to see lush green landscapes and do not mind a wet climb, you should visit during the rainy season (late March - October). If you prefer a dry climb and do not mind the Harmattan haze, you should visit during the dry season (November - mid-March).

Note: GGNP officials may withdraw permission at any time if weather conditions prove dangerous.

These are the accommodation options available during the journey to Chappal Waddi:

Serti

• National Park Services Transit Camp
• Young JP Hotel

Njawai

• Rangers Lodge
• Field for Camping

Amansale

• Community Space for Camping

You may be required to show a passport or an ID during the trek, as the climbing route is along an international border line. You may or may not be asked to show a Nigerian ID, a work permit or a Nigerian visa so it is important that you have it handy.

 You are required to register with the officials of Gashaka Gumti National Park before you climb Chappal Waddi. You will be permitted to climb the mountain, pending weather conditions, and assigned armed ranger(s). Unguided hikes are forbidden and could lead to penalties or arrest.  

When you register for this climb with Visit Chappal Waddi, the registrations are done on your behalf.

You need hiking gear, camping gear, foodstuff, snacks, travel documents and a healthy positive attitude. The full checklist of what to buy (including recommended stores) is on the GUIDES page. We also provide a list of items that are available for rent, if you do not have them available. 

Anyone with average fitness can summit Chappal Waddi. The climb requires physical effort, but you will be trekking the entire time (no technical equipment required). There are a few steep areas, which can be made easier with hiking poles. The gorgeous views of the mountain range make the journey worth it.

We recommend 7-8 days for the journey to Chappal Waddi.  We have resources on the GUIDES page with a detailed itinerary.  You can customize the package however you like.

The cost to climb Chappal Waddi will be determined by how long you're spending in the National Park, your mode of transportation to Jalingo, what items you need to rent, the time of the year you plan to visit and your group size. Contact us to get a specific estimate for your climb.

Fully catered climbing packages start from 485,000 Naira ($1000) and include:

• Roundtrip Flights <> Abuja to Jalingo
• Transportation 
• Porters, Rangers and Tour Guide
• Foodstuff 
• Camping Gear
• Hiking and Camping Permits

You are responsible for your own feeding throughout your climb, with help from the rangers. The best place to purchase raw food (rice, vegetables, yams, etc) items is at Serti, before you proceed toward the mountain. When you get to Njawai, the rangers camp provides cooking utensils and firewood. By the time you get to Amansale, you will be responsible for your own cooking and will be able to rent their cooking utensils, and buy live chickens.  You should bring your own plates, cups and cutlery from home. Also, you should bring your canned foods and special dietary ingredients from home.

Villagers at Amansale are renowned for their warm hospitality and food gifts but it is important not to depend on this.  Let us know if you would like us to handle your feeding throughout the climb.

Nigerians, Tarabans and Mambillans are very warm and welcoming. Everyone in major cities speaks English. However, the further you go away from cities, you may need a translator to communicate with citizens of villages. Most people around the mountain speak Fulfulde(Fulani) and a few speak Hausa. Your group of rangers will be able to translate English to Fulfulde. Even though people are tolerant of guests, it is important to respectfully avoid small shorts, tiny sleeves and lewd displays as many Mambilla villages are conservative.

It is important to travel to Taraba with as much caution as is required when visiting a new place. We encourage you to make arrangements with  experienced tour operators when climbing Chappal Waddi to ensure that all safety and security measures are put in place for your experience. 

It is highly recommended that you climb the mountain with a fully fitted first aid kit that contains relief for cuts, falls, stomach upsets, food poisoning and other prescribed medicines. We also provide a first aif kit to augment yours. The nearest clinic to the mountain is at Serti (8-9 hours away) and the closest hospital is at Jalingo (11-12 hours away). Serious emergencies may require evacuation on bike to the nearest clinic either in Nigeria or Cameroon. There are currently no med-evac services by helicopter on the mountain. We are currently raising donations to refurbish a rescue helicopter on the plateau.