Things To Do
in Numan
Numan is a riverside town in Adamawa State in northeastern Nigeria, located where tributaries feed into the Benue River and surrounded by fertile floodplains. It is an agricultural and cattle-trading hub with a lively market culture and strong Hausa, Fulani and Bachama (Bwatiye) influences. The town’s riverbanks, busy market life and pastoral scenes offer a glimpse of everyday life in this part of the country.
While basic in infrastructure compared with larger cities, Numan is an authentic regional center for food, river scenery and local festivals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You will arrive in Numan early in the morning and settle into your riverside lodge overlooking the Benue River. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank while inhaling the fresh morning breeze. Engage with locals as they go about their daily routines by the water.
After lunch, join a guided tour along the river, stopping to observe traditional fishing methods in action. Learn about the importance of the Benue River to the local communities and its role in trade and agriculture. Capture photos of colorful fishing canoes and watch as nets are cast.
Return to the lodge for a sundowner on a wooden deck shaded by palm trees. Enjoy a riverside dinner featuring fresh fish prepared in local spices. End the day by watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in warm hues.
Start the day with a visit to Numan’s bustling central market as vendors arrange fresh produce on wooden stalls. Wander through corridors of colorful vegetables, grains, and handmade crafts, greeting friendly sellers. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as locals barter and trade under vibrant umbrellas.
Sample a variety of street foods from traditional massa pancakes to peppery kilishi meat skewers. Chat with cooking stands to learn the recipes and the history behind these local delights. Experience the communal spirit of Mege Market as families gather to share meals.
Head back to the lodge to share your market haul with the guide and discuss favorite finds over a cold drink. Order a homemade stew spiced with local peppers to complement your market discoveries. End the evening with a stroll under lantern-lit paths along the riverfront.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Meal at mid-range restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🚕Short taxi or motorcycle (okada) ride | $0.50-3 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / simple hotel per night | $10-30 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5 L) | $0.30-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic regional culture and markets with strong photographic opportunities
- Scenic river landscapes and pastoral scenes along the Benue
- Affordable costs and friendly local interactions
- Limited infrastructure and tourist facilities compared with larger cities
- Security concerns in the wider region require caution and planning
- Limited ATM/card acceptance and sporadic health services locally
- "Sannu / Sannu da zuwa" - Hello / Welcome (Hausa)
- "Ina wuni" - Good afternoon (Hausa)
- "Na gode" - Thank you (Hausa)
- "A'a / Eh" - No / Yes (Hausa)
- "Jam na gode" - I am fine, thank you (Fulfulde/Hausa mix — basic polite response)
Places to Visit in Numan
Visit one of these nice places.
Scenic river views, fishing boats, dawn and dusk light, and everyday riverside activities ideal for landscape and documentary photography.
Vibrant market scenes with colorful produce, spices, meat sellers and local traders — great for street and cultural photography.
Pastoral scenes with Fulani herders and cattle across floodplains provide evocative rural imagery, especially in the dry season.
Small settlements and landing points where boat activity and traditional life are concentrated — strong candid photography opportunities.
Food in Numan
Numan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thick soft swallow made from rice or maize, eaten with soups such as miyan kuka or miyan taushe; commonly found at local eateries and market canteens.
Must-Try!
Spiced grilled meat skewers sold by roadside vendors—perfect as a snack in the evening and widely available near markets.
Sun-dried spicy beef jerky, a popular portable snack made by local butchers and sold in markets.
A traditional Fulani chilled drink of millet dough balls blended with fermented milk — refreshing and common at local stalls.
West Africa’s classic one-pot rice dish—local versions are common and often served at restaurants or celebrations.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market where you can find fresh produce, spices, dried fish, kilishi and street stalls selling masa, suya and other local snacks; an excellent spot for photography and tasting.
Simple vendors near the Benue who sell grilled fish, snacks and tea; great for sampling fresh river fish and observing daily life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially in public and when visiting conservative Muslim communities—cover shoulders and knees for both men and women.
Greet elders first and show deference to older community members; a polite handshake (or nod) and greeting in Hausa or Fulfulde is appreciated.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and in traditional or religious contexts; some may decline.
Be mindful of local religious practices, prayer times and fasts (e.g., Ramadan) — avoid public consumption of food or drink during fasting hours if that may offend.
Safety
Tipping in Numan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory; small tips or rounding up for helpful service, guides or porters are appreciated. In markets and for street food it’s not expected.
Cash (Nigerian Naira) is king in Numan; many small businesses and markets do not accept cards. ATMs may be limited—carry enough cash, and consider using mobile money services where available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cooler mornings and evenings with frequent dusty Harmattan winds that reduce visibility but provide crisp light for photography; pack layers and protect skin and cameras from dust.
Temperatures peak, often very hot and dry before rains; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and avoid midday exertion.
Vegetation is lush and rivers rise, improving scenery but making some dirt roads and rural tracks difficult or impassable; expect afternoon storms and bring waterproof gear.
Numan at Night
Hiking in Numan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, informal walks along the Benue floodplain and small riverine hills suitable for easy hikes and birdwatching; best in the dry season.
Longer, more challenging trekking and wildlife opportunities are available in the Gashaka-Gumti area farther from Numan—requires planning, guides and transport but rewards with highland scenery and biodiversity.
Airports
How to reach Numan by plane.
The main regional airport for Adamawa State with domestic flights to Abuja and other hubs; use it as the primary air gateway when traveling to Numan and arrange road transfer from Yola.
Nigeria’s major international and domestic hub — allows connections to Yola by domestic flight or long overland travel to Numan; useful for international arrivals.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
An indigenous ethnic group in the Numan area with distinct language and cultural traditions, involved in farming and local leadership.
Predominantly pastoralist group present across the region, involved in cattle herding and dairy production; significant cultural influence in dress and cuisine.
Traders and merchants from Hausa communities contribute to market life and commerce in Numan.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport among youth and communities — local matches and informal games are common in open fields and school grounds.
Fulani pastoral culture keeps cattle-centered events and displays important for local identity; livestock markets are culturally significant.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Numan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited; order bean stews, vegetable soups and grain-based dishes, and confirm that broths are not meat-based. Carry snacks and be explicit when ordering to avoid meat in stews.
Most meat in Numan is prepared halal due to the majority-Muslim population, so halal dietary requirements are generally easy to meet.
Ingredients may not be fully labeled; if you have severe allergies or immune concerns, bring familiar packaged food and avoid raw produce unless properly washed or peeled.