We left Kaltungo at exactly 6:00 a.m. on the 15th of December, 2023, driven by a single purpose—to stand atop Gangirwal, the highest peak in Nigeria. Our journey took us through Jalingo and onward to Gembu in Sardauna Local Government Area, where we arrived at 3:00 a.m. on the 16th. Without much rest, we continued from Gembu to Mayo Ndaga, where we alighted and began the long trek toward Njawai Village.

Night had already fallen by the time we reached the Rangers’ Barracks of the Gashaka-Gumti National Park (GGNP) at Njawai at about 10:00 p.m. It was more than shelter—it was a refuge. We laid our tired bodies down, knowing that the real journey was only just beginning.

Sunrise on the 17th of December found us awake and eager. One foot in front of the other, through the lows and the highs, with renewed energy and new learnings.
as we departed Njawai to continue our mission.

Hours later, we arrived at the Cameroonian border village of Jauro Hammasale, where humanity shone in its purest form. Alhaji Shuɗe and the villagers welcomed us with open hearts despite the language barrier. We were offered water, food for the road, and heartfelt encouragement. Little did we know we would return to this same village the next day to an even warmer reception—cheers, a two-course meal, warm water for bathing, and kindness that will live with us for a lifetime.

Leaving Jauro Hammasale shortly after 4:00 p.m., we ventured into complete wilderness. The last settlement behind us, we were swallowed by endless mountain ranges, forests, and streams. The only sounds were bellowing winds and wild birds. No villages. No footprints. No signs of human existence.

After hours of walking, we encountered two herders descending with sacks of beef from a bull that had collapsed and died. They froze when they saw us, clearly uncertain of our intentions. After cautious greetings and a brief exchange with our ranger, Malam Ado, they narrated their ordeal and, to our astonishment, cut out a fresh slab of beef and handed it to us before continuing their arduous journey downhill.

We pressed on.

Miles of vastness surrounded us—beautiful, raw, and unforgiving. At times we found ourselves stepping from Nigeria into Cameroon and back again, as the trail spiraled along the border. In those moments, we felt like true hikers without borders.

Darkness eventually caught up with us at the base of Gangirwal. Cold, exhausted, and unable to continue, we found salvation in a vacant bukka near the mountain’s base. It offered bamboo beds, fresh milk, and a place to warm ourselves. We gathered firewood, lit a fire, roasted the gifted beef, and spent the night huddled together—seven souls sharing one tiny shelter.

Ironically, I had always dreamed of sleeping in a bukka tent. It took a failed summit attempt to finally make that dream come true.

At first light, we resumed the climb.

On our way, we stopped briefly at Chappal Waddi, the iconic rock formation resembling a finger pointing toward the sky. Its name, derived from Fulfulde, translates to Mountain of Death or Forbidden Mountain. Local legends say no one who has attempted to climb it has returned alive. Our ranger kept a watchful eye to ensure curiosity did not turn reckless.

One myth was shattered on this expedition: while Chappal Waddi may be dangerous, it is significantly lower than Gangirwal.

And then…

Behold Gangirwal.

Standing at 2,419 meters above sea level—the highest point in Nigeria.

Reaching this summit required an audacious journey across the Mambilla Plateau that tested our endurance, resilience, and courage. After walking for nearly a day and a half, our boots finally touched the summit’s surface.

Surprisingly, the moment felt anticlimactic.

Exhaustion drowned out celebration. Wild baboons barked aggressively, unhappy about our intrusion into their peaceful domain. The wind howled without mercy. Still, we rested our weary limbs, took photographs, and quietly munched on leftover roasted beef, cabin biscuits, and nono that was beginning to turn sour.

We had made it.

After soaking in the moment, we began our descent—the long journey back, another full day’s walk.

Looking back, the question remains: When shall we do this again?

Because on this journey, we found more than a mountain.
We made new friends.
We experienced kindness from strangers.
We witnessed breathtaking beauty.
We discovered how strong we truly are.

Massive love to Lamayi Yuwel Jatau, Jibril Masara, Gad Yuwel, Moses Akama, Harry Victor Yerima for their courage, tenacity and comaraderie; 2Fingers(Ranger), Baba Ado(Ranger) for guiding us and Legend(Gembu), Goodness(Gembu) for taking care of us in Gembu.

Special appreciation to our Mentor and Patron, Baba Yelwa Mohammed, for the moral and financial support and for constantly checking on our wellbeing throughout the expedition. You are truly a father.

And to all friends, family, and well-wishers who tried to reach us and worried while we were off-grid in the mountains—thank you. We felt your love even in the wilderness.

links to the videos https://youtu.be/GJZodC34DQQ?si=dVK3OzE9NxXnWgrC

Video 2: https://youtu.be/PzdY3c7vEDo?si=PF4MFjERgovV80og

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