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Jos Travel Resources

Jos Travel Resources

Jos Plateau State, Nigeria Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for Jos

  • Bolt

    A widely used ride-hailing app in Jos, offering fixed prices and tracking for safer transport.

  • Google Maps

    Indispensable for navigation. Download offline maps for areas you plan to visit, as internet connectivity can be intermittent.

  • Google Translate

    Download the offline language pack for Hausa. This supports basic communication and understanding local signs.

  • WhatsApp

    The most popular messaging app in Nigeria. Useful for communicating with hotels, guides, and local contacts.

  • Offline Access

    Ensure apps have offline capabilities owing to potential internet intermittency.

Online Planning & Community

  • Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

    Check Immigration.gov.ng for the latest visa requirements and application procedures.

  • Travel Advisories

    Consult your home country's travel warnings for Nigeria for current information on security and health.

  • Reputable Travel Blogs/Forums

    Search for travel blogs or forums specifically focused on Nigeria or Jos for personal insights.

  • Local Tourism Pages

    If available, follow official social media accounts for Plateau State tourism for local events.

  • Reputable Nigerian News Outlets

    Follow major Nigerian news outlets (e.g., Channels Television) for current events and local insights.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Lonely Planet West Africa / Bradt Guide Nigeria provide general information. Always check for the latest edition to ensure accuracy.

Local Maps

While often outdated, local maps sometimes are featured in larger hotels or bookshops. Consider printing sections of online maps before you leave.

Books About Jos

"There Was a Country" by Chinua Achebe offers a broad perspective on Nigerian history. Search for specific texts on Plateau State history or the Nok culture.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

  • Police: 112 (general emergency number in Nigeria).
  • Fire: 112.
  • Medical Emergency: No single nationwide number. Reach out to local hospitals directly or your hotel.
  • Your Embassy/Consulate: Keep the emergency contact number for your country's embassy or consulate in Abuja readily available.

Hospital Locations

  • Plateau Specialist Hospital.
  • Bingham University Teaching Hospital.
  • Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
  • For major health problems, consider private hospitals, that frequently deliver better facilities.

Further Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  • Search for documentaries and films that explore Nigeria's diverse cultures, history, or regions like the Jos Plateau.
  • Visual media delivers a rich context either before or after your visit.
  • Look for content on the ancient Nok culture.
  • Explore films that showcase Nigerian daily life.

Music and Art

  • Immerse yourself in Nigerian music: Afrobeats, traditional folk, and Fela Kuti.
  • Explore Nigerian art, notably the ancient Nok art, encountered at the Jos Museum.
  • Research contemporary Nigerian artists to broaden your appreciation.
  • Music and art provide unique cultural insights.

Online Communities & Language

  • Join online travel communities or forums (e.g., Reddit) to connect with other travelers.
  • Ask questions and share experiences; these platforms provide valuable peer-to-peer advice.
  • If you wish to learn more Hausa, utilize language learning apps like Babbel.
  • Even a few phrases greatly enhance your interactions with locals.

Emergency & Safety Reminders

Your Safety Net

Embassy/Consulate Info

  • Most foreign embassies and consulates in Nigeria are in Abuja.
  • Register your trip with your embassy prior to your trip.
  • Keep their contact details handy for assistance with lost documents.
  • They assist with medical emergencies or other serious issues.

Lost Document Procedures

  • Immediately report lost or stolen passports to the nearest the police department.
  • Obtain a police report from the authorities.
  • Contact your country''s foreign office in Abuja as soon as possible.
  • They will guide you through the process of obtaining replacement travel documents.

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • In case of severe weather events, like heavy flooding during the rainy season, follow advice from local authorities.
  • Seek shelter in secure, elevated buildings.
  • Monitor local news for the latest on conditions.
  • Stay informed and prioritize your well-being.

Medical Preparedness

Pre-Trip Health Check

  • Consult a travel health clinic or your doctor for vaccinations you must have (e.g., Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A).
  • Carry a well-stocked first aid kit suitable for your needs and those of any children.
  • Pack any of your own medicines with copies of prescriptions.

Health During Travel

  • Stick strictly to bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
  • Practice good sanitation, especially handwashing.
  • Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites.

Travel Safety

Personal Security

  • Prioritize secure accommodation and inform someone of your daily itinerary.
  • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.
  • Keep expensive items, jewelry, and large sums of cash out of sight.

Transportation Safety

  • Use reputable transport services (e.g., Bolt or pre-arranged hotel transfers).
  • Always agree on taxi fares before starting your journey.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and route, especially in shared transport.

Local Customs for Safer Interactions

Respectful Conduct

  1. Always greet elders respectfully.
  2. Use your right hand for greetings, eating, and giving/receiving items.
  3. Dress modestly, especially in public and religious settings.
  4. Always ask for consent before photographing individuals.
  5. Engage in polite small talk before getting directly to the point.

Navigating Local Situations

  1. Bargaining is expected in markets; approach it with a friendly smile.
  2. Be discreet and respectful when taking photos in public.
  3. Exercise patience; things often move at a more relaxed speed.
  4. Learning a few basic Hausa phrases (Sannu, Nagode) often leads to warmer interactions.
  5. Observe and adapt to local social norms for smoother interactions.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films

Search for documentaries and films that explore Nigeria's different cultures, history, or regions like the Jos Plateau. Visual media delivers rich context.

Music and Art

Immerse yourself in Nigerian music (Afrobeats, Fela Kuti) and explore Nigerian art, notably the ancient Nok art at the Jos Museum.

Online Communities

Join online travel communities or forums (e.g., on Reddit or TripAdvisor) to connect with other travelers, ask questions, and share experiences.

Know Your Emergency Contacts

Knowing emergency contacts and procedures is a main aspect of responsible travel planning. Keep all useful numbers readily accessible.

Pre-Trip Research

Further Readings

Nigerian Culture & History

  • Historical Context

    Read up on Nigeria'the area's history and culture, with a specific focus on Plateau State and the Jos region.

  • Geographic Insights

    Familiarize yourself with the geography and various ethnic groups present in the Jos Plateau.

  • Nok Culture

    Learn about the ancient Nok culture, its significance, and its artifacts. This will enhance visits to the Jos Museum.

Practical Research

  • Travel Advisories

    Review the latest travel advisories from your government for Nigeria for protection and regional updates.

  • Basic Hausa Phrases

    Learn a few basic Hausa phrases (greetings, thank you, how much) to enhance local interactions.

  • Budget Planning

    Get current estimates for the Nigerian Naira exchange rate and plan your budget for daily expenses.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Secure Your Home

Ensure all windows and doors are locked. Set up any home security systems for peace of mind while away.

Mail & Deliveries

Stop or hold mail and newspaper deliveries to prevent an overflowing mailbox, which can signal your absence.

Pet Care & Emergency Contacts

Arrange for pet sitters or boarding if you have pets. Notify family or friends of your travel itinerary and leave copies of important documents.

Required Advance Bookings

Travel Bookings

  • Book international and domestic flights to and from Jos.
  • Secure all your hotel or guesthouse bookings for your stay.
  • If planning long-distance land travel, book bus tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  • Book airport transportation from Yakubu Gowon Airport to your hotel.

Activity & Support Bookings

  • Book any specialized tours, private car hires, or local guides you plan to use.
  • Start planning your detailed itinerary, including attractions, activities, and day trips.
  • Reconfirm all flight, hotel, and tour bookings a week before departure.
  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance (World Nomads) that covers emergencies.

Health & Documentation Timeline

Months Before

  • Passport Validity: Check your passport for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
  • Visa Research: Research Nigeria's visa requirements and begin the application process.
  • Travel Health Clinic: Consult your doctor for required vaccinations (e.g., Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A).
  • Document Review: Gather all necessary identification and travel documents.

Week Before

  • Bank Notification: Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans.
  • Recharge Your gadgets: Fully charge all your electronic devices (phone, power bank, camera).
  • Packing: Begin packing your bags, referencing the "What to Pack & Bring" section. Consider Eagle Creek for packing organizers.
  • Accommodation Review: Reconfirm all hotel bookings for accuracy.

Complete Your Pre-Trip Checklist

A well-prepared traveler enjoys a smoother and more stress-free experience. Address these tasks diligently.

Next Up: Jos Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation