Na fasa was more than just a place on Mbula Mountain. It was the point where you had to make up your mind: keep climbing or turn back.

On 5th July 2026, members of the Hikers & Mountaineers Club Kaltungo set out on a daring adventure to Bauchi state where they would explore the famed Mbula Mountain in Dass Local Government Area. Standing at approximately 1,234 metres (4,050 ft) above sea level, Mbula is one of the remarkable natural landmarks of the area and is closely associated with the traditional authority of the Dass Emirate.

The team members travelled from different locations. Moses Akama and Gad Yuwel set out from Kaltungo, Benjamin Majidadi travelled from Kano, Elson Haggai (Kwandi Show) came from Adamawa, while Barnabas Yuwel(Lamayi) travelled from Abuja. Our meeting point was Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, where we eventually reunited after a few delays and transport challenges.

Moses and Gad arrived first, while Ben who encountered some problems with his bus arrived later in the evening. We eventually met up, found a place to eat, and waited for the remaining members of the team. Lamayi arrived shortly afterwards, followed by Kwandi Show. After catching up and sharing stories, we set off for Dass, which is about an hour’s journey from Bauchi.

By the time we arrived in Dass, it was already around 10:00 p.m. Thankfully, our contact, Mr. Ishaku Maigari, was waiting for us. He welcomed us and helped arrange accommodation at FM Hotel, where we spent the night.

The next morning, we woke up to the impressive sight of the surrounding hills. After washing up and preparing our hiking gear, we checked out and met Ishaku, who helped us arrange for our luggage to be kept safely. We then headed to the Emir’s Palace to seek permission for the expedition.

Although we were unable to meet the Emir personally because the palace was undergoing renovation, we were received and granted permission to proceed. We were also assigned a local guide and custodian of Mbula Mountain, popularly known as Sarkin Yaki who would lead us through the mountain and share his knowledge of the area.

Our journey began from the Tsohon Gari area of Dass around 9am. Along the way, we passed an old colonial-era treasury building, locally known as Baitulmani. Although the structure is now old and partly dilapidated, its stone walls remain standing. The site is surrounded by stories and local history, adding to the richness of the expedition.

As we moved further away from the town, the noise and activity gradually faded. We began our ascent through the first section of the mountain, passing through dense vegetation and farmlands. One of the most remarkable sights was the fertile agricultural land on the mountain, including rice farms cultivated by local farmers.

After climbing through the first section, we reached a relatively flat stretch of land that extended for a considerable distance. We took a break, drank some water, shared dates and refreshments, and prayed for a safe and successful climb. Sarkin Yaki also briefed us on the route ahead and advised us to be careful.

We then continued into a thicker and more challenging section of the mountain encountering a variety of juicy wild berries and fruits that refreshed and entertained us. The trail became so steep that Sarkin Yaki and Mr. Ishaku had to leave their shoes behind, the vegetation got denser, and the climb more demanding. But as seasoned mountaineers, that’s what we crave for.

Then came Na fasa.

Na fasa was the most challenging part of the entire climb. The steep, exposed section of rock and grass rose sharply before us, with some parts appearing to be at an almost intimidating angle. Standing at the foot of Na fasa, a Hausa phrase meaning ‘I give up’, It was easy to understand why it had earned such a reputation.

We rested when necessary, gathered our strength, and continued. Step by step, we climbed. At Nafasa, there was no shortcut. Every step required effort, balance, and determination. Some of us had to find creative ways to move across the steep terrain. But nobody gave up, and nobody was left behind.

Eventually, we conquered Nafasa. After hours of climbing, every member of the team successfully reached the summit of Mbula Mountain around 11:35 am. The feeling at the top was difficult to describe. We celebrated, took photographs, shared jokes, and looked out across the breathtaking landscape stretching for miles around us.

Standing at the summit, surrounded by mountains, vegetation and the vast landscape of Dass, made the entire struggle worthwhile. We also used a mobile application to measure the altitude for confirmation.

But the expedition was not over yet.

The descent brought its own challenges, particularly as we made our way back down Na fasa. Descending the steep section was, in some ways, even more difficult than climbing it. At some point we had to squat and carefully slide down sections of the slope.

Further down the mountain, we ran out of water. Thankfully, Sarkin Yaki led us to a natural spring water source beneath a rock, where we were able to drink and refresh ourselves before continuing the descent.

Eventually, we made our way back to town around 2pm, where we collected our luggage and began the journey to Yankari for another expedition.

We sincerely appreciate Ishaku Maigari for his support, hospitality, coordination, and for joining us on the expedition. We are also grateful to Sarkin Yaki for his guidance, knowledge of the mountain, and leadership throughout the climb.

As we returned home, we carried more than photographs and tired legs. We returned with unforgettable memories, stronger friendships, and the satisfaction of knowing that, when the climb became difficult, we chose to keep going.