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Event Details |
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Assop Falls – Sunday 5 August 2007
Well, it turned out to be a
great trip. First of all, thanks to Uri
and Yaffit for the marvelous job they did of organizing this trip! All together, almost 30 people signed
up. It was up to Uri to juggle available
seats in cars with riders wanting seats, as well as hiring Peter, our armed
Federal Police Officer who helped us along the way.
It was a cloudy and somewhat
rainy morning when we gathered in the Hilton parking lot on Sunday. Despite a few no-shows, in the end we were a
convoy of 6 cars full. Uri had gotten us
all maps previously, so after a short introduction and talk on convoy manners,
we all settled into our assigned vehicles and rolled out of town. Though we did encounter some rain showers and
a few potholes in the first leg of the drive, there were no road blocks and it
was smooth sailing up to Gimi junction. 
There, we breezed through the stop and
were at
The local attendants ushered
us into a couple of adjoining picnic rondells and we settled in to a fine lunch
with the sound of the falls and the patter of rain showers on the tin
roof. When everyone was sated and the
rain had quit, Uri and Yaffit led us to the falls.
First, we walked down to the
top of the falls where we admired the beauty and views of the Jos and plateau,
and the falls below us. Some of the
younger and spryer of us frolicked on the rocks, and all took lots of
pictures. 
Then, it was
time to descend to the lower level from where we could see the full force of
the water cascading out over the rocks.
The gorge created by the water is lined with boulders overgrown with
green fed by the constant mist of the falls.
There was so much water it shot out from
the precipice and then plunged down into the valley below. More pictures, of course! And, a little time to just sit and take in
the roar and the mist and the views.
Now, some of the more
adventurous of us proceeded down the boulders and bank of the river. It was very wet and slippery, what with all
the mist from the falls as well as the on-again-off-again light rain showers. And, there were a few mishaps along the way
as several people slipped and either fell onto the rocks, slid down the rocks,
or fell into the water. Thankfully,
without serious injuries, we proceeded to explore the bottom of the canyon.
Each view of the falls,
descending the gorge and ascending it, was different and wonderful. And, anytime we turned around, there was the
rolling somewhat granity green terrain of the plateau behind us.
After
ascending back up to the picnic area, we had some drinks, snacks, and group
photos, and it was time to begin our return trip. 
With a stop at Gimi
junction for oranges, pineapples, ground nuts, olives, cashews, potatoes, and
fresh and grilled corn, we were back in
What a nice day – thanks
Yaffit & Uri!
Contact:
Rating:
Easy to moderate with some
hiking possible.
Security:
Because of frequent
roadblocks, a police escort is helpful.
Gear:
Be sure to bring mosquito
repellent and sunscreen. For some swimming, bring a swimsuit
and a change of clothes as well as a towel. Bring your accoutrement along
with food for a picnic. You may wish to go for a walk/hike along the
river, so footwear suitable for a rocky shoreline will also be good. It
may be warm, or it may be rainy, be prepared either way.
Costs:
Fuel – approximately ½
tank. If you ride with someone, please contribute to their fuel costs. Split the cost of the police escort which is about
N1000; entrance fee N50-100 per person.
Timing:
It takes about 2½ hours to
travel to the falls each way. You’ll want time enough to eat, play, hike,
and relax. Start back around 15:00.
Of course, plan to be back before sunset at 7.
Directions:
From
At
Keffi interchange turn left and drive about 70 km to Adure.
Turn
right and drive by Kafanchan to Kegoro junction.
Turn
right towards Jos and drive to Gimi junction.
Continue
about 5 km and you will see a sign on your left (not very clear) "