GUNUNG · Nigeria

Chappal Waddi

Gangirwal / Gang Peak / Chappal Waddi (Gunung Kematian)

Information

Elevation: 2.419 m
Country: Nigeria (NG)
Location / Range: Atlantika Mountains, Mambilla Plateau, Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Taraba State, Nigeria
Mountain type: Orogenic peak (non-volcanic), Atlantika Mountains / Mambilla Plateau
Volcanic?: No (non-volcanic)
Coordinates: 7.0361, 11.7150
Difficulty: Strenuous (a multi-day trek through rainforest, rivers, and steep terrain; a 2–3 day climb; an armed national-park guide is required)
Best Season: November–April (dry season); the rainy season of May–October makes the trail very muddy and dangerous
Permits & Rules: Registration at Gashaka-Gumti National Park (office in Serti) is mandatory; an armed guide is required and provided by the park; independent climbing is prohibited and risks a fine or detention
Hazards: Dense forest, large rivers that must be forded, steep and slippery terrain, wildlife (including baboons), sudden weather changes, remoteness, risk of malaria and tropical diseases

Description

Chappal Waddi (also Gangirwal or Gang Peak, 2,419 m) is the highest peak in Nigeria and the highest point in all of West Africa. It stands on the Nigeria–Cameroon border inside Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Taraba State — Nigeria's largest protected area. The name 'Chappal Waddi' means 'Mountain of Death' in Fulfulde, referring to an impassable ravine on its southern side, while the indigenous Mambilla people call it Gangirwal and maintain ancient mythologies around the summit. The climb demands good fitness: from Amansale or Njawai village, the trail cuts through equatorial rainforest, crosses rushing rivers, and climbs steeply over 2–3 days round-trip. An official armed ranger from the national park is mandatory. The mountain is gaining popularity via social media, but tourist infrastructure remains very limited. Best season is the dry period from November to April.

Gallery

Foto bersumber dari Wikimedia Commons — klik untuk memperbesar & lihat sumbernya.

Routes

Rute Amansale (jalur utama)

Berat (trek hutan tropis multi-hari, penyeberangan sungai, tanjakan curam; non-teknis namun menuntut fisik prima)

2–3 hari total (mendaki ±1,5 hari naik, ±1 hari turun) termasuk bermalam di hutan

The most commonly used route to Chappal Waddi. The journey begins at Amansale village, reached by vehicle from Gembu or Serti (Gashaka-Gumti National Park headquarters). After registration and assignment of a mandatory armed ranger guide, the trail cuts through dense equatorial rainforest, crosses several rushing rivers, and climbs steep slopes that gradually open to montane savanna before reaching Nigeria's highest summit (2,419 m). At least one overnight in the forest is required due to distance and terrain.

Source

Rute Njawai (pendekatan alternatif)

Berat (hutan lebat, medan berbukit, wajib pemandu bersenjata)

2–3 hari total; sedikit lebih pendek dari Amansale jika titik berangkat lebih dekat

An alternative approach starting from Njawai village, less commonly used than Amansale but still within Gashaka-Gumti National Park. Suited for hikers approaching from a different direction or wishing to see different forest landscapes. Conditions and duration are similar to the Amansale route; an armed guide and park registration remain mandatory.

Source

Climbing Experiences

Climbing Chappal Waddi — Nigeria's highest peak (2,419 m) and the roof of West Africa — is a multi-day adventure through the rainforest of Gashaka-Gumti National Park, known for river crossings, steep terrain, and mandatory armed guides. Below are verified sources: YouTube vlogs, trip blogs, and operator sites.

References

The summary above is compiled from the following sources. Click to explore them yourself.