The Mandara Mountains rise east of Mubi and form the natural border with Cameroon. They are a landscape of volcanic plugs, dramatic granite domes, and terraced hillsides that have been farmed continuously for centuries. The peoples of the range — Higi, Marghi, Kapsiki, and others — built their villages high on the slopes for defence and have kept distinctive traditions of pottery, ironworking, and dance.
For the visitor, the appeal is the scenery and the chance to walk between villages, see traditional architecture, and witness a way of life that has resisted assimilation. Most of the spectacular hiking is on the Cameroonian side around Rhumsiki, but the Nigerian foothills make for good day walks from Mubi if you have a local guide. Security conditions in the wider area have been variable; do not attempt to travel unsupported.