13/02/2026
LEAVE NO TRACE ON THE TRAIL: A Hiking Guide for Rainy Season, Harmattan, and Cool-Season Hikes
Though Nigeria doesn’t get snow, but our weather extremes — slippery rainy season trails, dusty harmattan winds, highland cold in Obudu as well as Yakurr LGA, and fragile forest ecosystems — make responsible hiking essential. These guidelines help protect nature and keep our adventures safe, whether you hike alone or in a group. This guide adapts Leave No Trace thinking to Nigerian conditions so you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting trails, communities, and wildlife.
Nigerian Seasons at a glance;
a. Rainy Season. This period spans between April to October each year and it is charactered by muddy terrains, slippery roots, swollen streams, trail erosion etc.
b. Harmattan. This period is typically between late November to March and the weather comes with excessive dust, dry winds and cool mornings. Though there are sometimes flashes of rains, thunder and windstorms. Expect low humidity, dust haze, respiratory irritation, increased fire risk etc. and adequately prepare yourself to contain such conditions when there arise.
c. Cool Season Highlands which is usually in December to February especially on highlands like Jos, Mambilla and Obudu Cattle Ranch where mornings can be chilly. These peculiar conditions reflect on nearby environments. Expect cold mornings, condensation, fragile montane environments which significantly increase hiking risks, requiring specialized gear and careful, low-impact navigation.
While on the trail, all Yakurr Hikers Klubb members must adhere to the following hiking etiquettes:
Core Leave No Trace Principles Adapted for Yakurr Hikers Klubb:
1. Plan and prepare;
• Route selection: Pick trails suited to the season and group fitness. For Cross River highlands including Yakurr and Obudu routes, choose well drained ridgelines for trail camps.
• Local intel: Contact community leaders or park staff before trips; local guides know river crossing points, sacred groves, and seasonal hazards.
2. Travel on Durable Surfaces
• Stay on established trails to avoid widening paths that accelerate erosion on lateritic soils and montane grasslands.
• Single file in muddy sections and use existing stepping stones at stream crossings to protect banks.
3. Waste and Human Waste Management
• Pack it out: Carry a small trash bag and remove all non biodegradable waste.
• Catholes for human waste: Dig a hole at least 15–20 cm deep and 60 m from water and trails; pack out toilet paper when possible.
4. Leave What You Find
• Respect cultural sites and sacred groves. Many hills and forest patches in Yakurr and neighbouring communities are culturally important; do not remove artifacts or plants.
5. Minimise Campfire Impacts
• Prefer stoves. In harmattan the dry air raises fire risk; in the rainy season wet soils and fuel scarcity make fires unnecessary. If a fire is permitted, use existing rings and fully restore the site.
6. Respect Wildlife and Communities
• Keep food secure and avoid unnecessary attempts to feed animals in the wild. Hire local porters or guides to support community livelihoods and reduce conflict.
7. Pack Out Absolutely Everything
Nigerian trails often pass through community forests and rivers. Waste left behind quickly becomes a problem.
• Carry a personal trash bag — bring all your rubbish home, no exceptions.
• Store food scraps securely; do not toss fruit peels or leftovers (they attract wildlife and smell quickly).
• If hiking with a group, assign one person to do a final “trash sweep” before leaving each rest point.
8. Protect Wildlife and Livestock
Nigeria’s forests and farmlands host monkeys, rodents, antelopes, birds — and sometimes goats or cattle.
• Never feed wildlife; processed food harms them and changes their behaviour.
• Store food securely in zipped compartments.
• Keep a respectful distance from animals you encounter.
9. Stay on the Trail — Especially in the Rainy Season
When the rains come, trails turn muddy and slippery. Stepping off the path damages plants and creates new erosion lines.
• Walk through the centre of the trail, even if muddy.
• Avoid widening the track by “going around” puddles.
• If the path is unclear, stop to check your map rather than cutting through vegetation.
10. Secure Your Gear in Harmattan Winds
Harmattan gusts can blow away hats, wrappers, snack packets, or even lightweight jackets.
• Zip gear inside your bag or clip it securely.
• Avoid placing items on steep or loose ground; they can slide away.
• During group hikes, leaders can call out: “Check your gear!” before moving.
11. Respect Local Communities and Cultural Sites
Most Nigerian trails exist because communities permit access.
• Always greet locals politely.
• Do not litter in villages or farmlands along the route.
• Ask for permission before taking photos of people or shrines.
• Stay quiet around cultural or sacred areas.
12. Be Careful with Fires in Harmattan
Harmattan increases wildfire risk dramatically.
• Avoid open fires unless absolutely necessary.
• Use portable stoves instead of gathering firewood.
• If camping, clear a small safe area and keep fires tiny.
• Pour water on embers and stir until completely cold.
13. Protect Water Sources
Streams and springs are vital for both hikers and nearby communities.
• Do not wash plates or clothes directly in natural water sources.
• Dispose of greywater (soapy water) at least 60 metres away from streams.
• Do not leave food scraps or wrappers near water bodies.
14. Group Hiking Etiquette
When hiking as a team:
• Choose a leader and a sweep.
• Keep rests short and consistent.
• Wait at all junctions so no one gets lost.
• Encourage quieter and cleaner behaviour as part of team culture.
• Celebrate the hike — but don’t leave evidence behind.
15. Leave Nature Better Than You Found It
Make this the Yakurr Hikers Klubb trademark.
• Pick up 2–5 pieces of litter during every hike.
• Do not carve names on rocks or trees.
• Avoid plucking flowers, fruits, or leaves from farm settlements along the trail route unless the owners/community approves.
Season Specific Guidance
1. Rainy Season Hikes
• Footwear and gear: Waterproof boots, gaiters, and quick dry clothing. Carry a lightweight pair of sandals for river crossings.
• River safety: Streams can rise fast after heavy rain; scout crossings and unbuckle packs before crossing. Turn back if current is strong.
• Erosion control: Avoid cutting switchbacks or creating new shortcuts; walk through existing muddy ruts single file.
2. Harmattan Hikes
• Dust and breathing: Carry a buff or light scarf to cover nose and mouth; those with respiratory issues should carry inhalers or avoid dusty days.
• Hydration and skin care: Dry air increases dehydration and sunburn risk; carry extra water and sunscreen.
• Fire caution: No open fires near dry grass; use stoves and follow local fire advisories.
3. Cool Season Highlands
• Layering: Cold mornings and wind require insulating layers and a windproof shell. Obudu, Yakurr and similar highland areas can be chilly and foggy.
• Protect fragile flora: Montane cushion plants and mosses recover slowly; avoid stepping off trail to take photos.
Practical Steps for Yakurr Hikers Klubb
Before the Trip;
• Notify community contacts and secure permission if camping near farmland or sacred sites.
• Assign roles: Hiking Trip Leader, Sweeper, First aid lead, and Waste manager.
• Check kit: First aid kit, water purification, headlamp, whistle, map or GPS, and a trash bag per person.
On the Trail
• Leave no trace checklist: Stay on trail; pack out trash; if possible, use stoves; bury human waste correctly; respect local environmental rules.
• Support locals: Hire a local guide or porter; buy food and services locally to benefit host communities.
After the Trip
• Report back: Share trail conditions with community contacts and Yakurr Hikers Klubb members so future groups can plan.
• Restore sites: If a fire ring was used, scatter cooled ashes and restore the area to its natural appearance.
Emergency and Safety Notes
• Water treatment: Treat water from streams unless confirmed safe; carry purification tablets or filters.
• Communication: Carry a charged phone and a power bank; note that coverage can be patchy in highlands and forested corridors.
• Medical: Be prepared for cuts, snakebites, and diarrhoeal illness; know the nearest clinic or evacuation route.
Yakurr Hikers Klubb Field Checklist:
- Ensure route planning and community permission âś”
- Carry a localized Map or GPS, headlamp, whistle, and engage a local guide âś”
- Carry your own water and purification before heading for the hinterlands âś”
- Carry Stove, fuel, and torchlight. No open fires unless permitted âś”
- Also carry a Trash bag per person and a trowel âś”
- Layered clothing, hiking pole and gaiters âś”
- First aid kit, good camera/phone and power bank. Very IMPORTANT! âś”
These etiquettes shall be updated from time to time as needful because protecting our environment preserves them for Yakurr Hikers Klubb and the communities that steward them. therefore, we must always hike thoughtfully, hire locally, respect sacred places, and leave no trace so the next group finds the same wild beauty we did.
Prince Otu Arikpo
Team Lead
Yakurr Hikers Klubb
