- A pin-hole view of the R. Niger & Benue confluence from Lokoja's 'table-tops'

Meanders of dry river channels and silt-coated beds dissect the Okene-Lokoja road. Panoramas of inselbergs and gently-rolling hills and valleys bedeck the surrounding landscape. It is mid-dry season in Kogi State. A heard of Cattle graze lazily on a dry field, the flaming sun beating their rustic hides without pity. Crisp hot air parade the atmosphere with unquestionable dominion. Many people ply this road without giving a thought to the dexterous crafting of nature wrought in the Lokoja region.

- Overlooking the Niger R. from Mount Patti, Lokoja

- ''You want some kilichi'' (Lokoja Market)

The hot and winding  road leads to Lokoja International Market- a market just as busy as the road along which it lies. The traders seem to be used to the searing heat. With passionate jocundity, they beckon on travellers to stop and patronize their goods. The road-side market is lighted up with sharp endearing colours galvanized by the mid-day sun.

- Onions of different sizes in abundance at Lokoja International Market

- ''Oh! this Lokoja suya is soo tantalizing''

In a silhouette of greyish-blue, the charming Mount Patti looms ostentatiously at the background, flaunting its steep, lush slopes, crowned by an unusual lattened top. On one side of the town, the ‘Table-top’ hills forms an unmistakeable wall while on the other side, the beautiful River Niger confidently takes the frontier. Ascending these ‘table mountains’ of Lokoja can be very daunting depending on the hiking route one takes.

- A trees bark ''guest book'' at the top of Mount Patti

- Trekking the flat tops of Mount Patti

- The 'wall' of flat-topped hills shielding Lokoja town

The views from the ‘table-tops’ are awe-inspiring- a worthy compensation for the stressful climb. Among the scenic views offered from the hilltops is that of the ancient town of Lokoja and confluence of the two largest rivers in Nigeria: River  Niger and River-Benue.

The vegetation and weather at the hilltops stylishly stands at a contrast with that of the surrounding lower terrains. Clusters of flat-canopied trees provide invigorating shades for rest and picnicking. Strings of limpid and fresh spring waters jewel the verdant hill slopes. These and many more are the tourist potentials caching away in Lokoja area.

Maybe when next you are planning for a short camping and hiking holiday, you can make the Table Mountains of Lokoja your destination.

- Mount Patti ostentatiously poised at the skyline

- The 'Table-Mountains' of Lokoja rising above the surrounding Niger River Valley

- Picturesque Lokoja Hills steeply-sloping into River Niger

- Fishes caught from River Niger are dried and displayed for sale also (Lokoja international market).

- ...and if you have a thing for kolanuts... you can knock yourself out!

Filed under: Travel, Travelogue