Things To Do
in Lafia
Lafia is the capital of Nasarawa State in central Nigeria, serving as an administrative and market hub for the surrounding agricultural region. The city blends Hausa and local Plateau ethnic cultures, with a mix of mosques, markets and modest government buildings. Lafia is a practical base for exploring nearby natural attractions in Nasarawa State, including waterfalls and highland plateaus.
Life in Lafia is relaxed compared with larger Nigerian cities, but the town is busy during market days and seasonal harvests.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Lafia Central Mosque, an architectural gem that showcases the beauty of traditional Islamic design. After soaking in the serene atmosphere, stroll through the bustling local market where you can engage with vendors and sample local delicacies. As the sun rises higher, take in the vibrant colors and sounds of the community coming to life around you.
In the afternoon, visit the Lafia Cultural Center, where you can learn about the rich history and traditions of the Nassarawa people. Participate in a local craft workshop, creating handmade items that reflect the culture and artistry of the region. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby eatery, savoring traditional dishes like pounded yam and egusi soup.
As evening approaches, head to a local restaurant to enjoy a dinner featuring Nigerian cuisine while listening to live music. After your meal, take a leisurely walk through the town square, where you can interact with locals and experience the warmth of their hospitality. Wrap up your day by visiting a local bar to enjoy drinks and socialize with residents.
Kick off your morning with a guided nature walk in the Laminga Forest, where you’ll encounter diverse flora and fauna unique to the region. Listen to the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves as your guide shares insights about the ecosystem. Capture stunning photographs of the landscape as you wander along the well-marked trails.
After your invigorating hike, enjoy a packed picnic lunch amidst the lush greenery, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Spend your afternoon birdwatching or trying your hand at identifying various plant species with the help of your guide. As the sun begins to lower in the sky, take a moment to reflect on the beauty of the environment around you.
In the evening, return to Lafia for a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant known for its ambiance and traditional dishes. After dinner, consider visiting a nearby cultural event or performance, where you can witness traditional dance and music that showcases the local heritage. End your day by unwinding at your accommodation, perhaps enjoying a nightcap under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Meal at mid-range restaurant | $6-15 |
| 🚕Short taxi or keke ride | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $30-80 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.25-0.75 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic local cultural and market experiences
- Good base for exploring Nasarawa State natural attractions
- Lower costs compared to major Nigerian cities
- Friendly, multilingual communities
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
- Fewer reliable medical facilities and limited card acceptance
- Road conditions and seasonal rains can complicate travel
- Language barriers outside Hausa/English-speaking circles
- "Sannu" - Hello / greetings (Hausa)
- "Ina kwana?" - Good morning (Hausa)
- "Na gode" - Thank you (Hausa)
- "Don Allah" - Please / excuse me (Hausa)
- "Ban gane ba" - I don't understand (Hausa)
Places to Visit in Lafia
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant street scenes, colorful produce and lively vendor portraits; best taken in the morning when market activity is highest.
Architectural shots of the mosque, local religious life and the traditional ruler's compound offer cultural context and good portrait opportunities (ask permission first).
Landscapes, sunrise/sunset vistas and panoramic shots — accessible with a short drive outside the city.
One of the state's most dramatic natural features; excellent for wide-angle landscape shots, though it's a longer journey from Lafia.
Food in Lafia
Lafia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice-based swallow (tuwo shinkafa) served with green leaf- or pumpkin-based soups; widely available in local canteens and family eateries.
Must-Try!
Popular across central Nigeria: pounded yam served with melon-seed (egusi) soup or mixed vegetable soups; filling and commonly eaten at lunch or dinner.
Spicy, skewered grilled meat sold by roadside vendors in the evenings — a must-try for meat-lovers and typically served with sliced onions and pepper.
Fried dough balls (bofrot/puff-puff) and bean fritters (akara) available at markets and street stalls for breakfast or snacks.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central marketplace for fresh produce, spices, live peppers and local snacks; great for tasting seasonal fruit and watching food preparation.
Evening suya vendors near the market and transport hubs offer grilled meats and skewers — try a small portion first to assess spice level.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite, personal greetings are important; start with 'Good morning' or the local greeting and ask after a person's health/family before launching into business.
Show deference to elders and community leaders; use formal titles where appropriate and be polite in disagreement.
Dress conservatively, especially in Muslim neighborhoods and when visiting religious sites — cover shoulders and avoid revealing clothing.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and religious figures; some places consider photography intrusive.
Safety
Tipping in Lafia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory but small tips are appreciated for good service (e.g., rounding up a bill, ₦50-200 equivalent). Hotel staff and guides may expect modest tips after good service.
Cash (Nigerian Naira) is king in Lafia — many shops and street vendors do not accept cards. ATMs are available but can be unreliable; bring sufficient cash and consider withdrawing in Abuja if arriving there. Mobile money and POS services exist in some businesses, but coverage is inconsistent.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect heavy afternoon rains, lush green landscapes and muddy side streets; some rural roads can become difficult, so plan travel times accordingly.
Dry weather with lower humidity, warm days and cooler nights; harmattan dust from the Sahara is common between December and February, causing hazy skies and cooler mornings.
Temperatures rise before the rainy season, making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable — schedule hikes early morning or late afternoon.
Lafia at Night
Hiking in Lafia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hiking routes on the Eggon Plateau with scenic overlooks; suitable for half-day hikes and photography.
Access paths around the waterfall provide opportunities for exploration and landscape photography; plan for a full-day trip.
Smaller trails and rocky outcrops offering short hikes and local village views, ideal for morning excursions.
Airports
How to reach Lafia by plane.
Main international airport serving the region (approximately 1.5–3 hours by road depending on traffic); most visitors fly into Abuja and travel by road to Lafia.
A local/military airstrip exists near the city for occasional charter or government flights; commercial services are limited or non-existent.
Regional airport further to the southeast; useful for domestic connections but requires longer overland travel to reach Lafia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the largest linguistic and cultural groups in the region; influential in trade and daily life.
Local ethnic groups (Eggon, Alago, Tiv and others) with distinct languages and cultural practices, common in the surrounding countryside.
Religiously mixed population with both Christian and Muslim communities; religious festivals from both faiths shape the local calendar.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — local matches and amateur clubs draw community interest and informal weekend games.
Traditional sports and community games are part of festivals and local celebrations in surrounding villages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lafia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (vegetable soups, rice, fried yam, akara), but many dishes include stock or small fish. Ask cooks about ingredients and request dishes without meat or fish.
Vegan choices are more limited; explain restrictions clearly since some soups use meat stock or local condiments. Carry snacks as backup.
Lafia has a large Muslim population so halal-style food is widely available, including many butchers and meat vendors who follow Islamic slaughtering practices.
Nut and spice use is common; if you have severe allergies, communicate clearly and consider staying at hotels that can accommodate special meal requests.