Kano is a blessed state with abundant resources, including historical relics, artifacts, and picturesque landscapes, and it boasts some of the best places to visit in Nigeria.
The capital of Kano is Kano. Kano is located in the northwestern part of Nigeria with a large population of over 15 million people who are typically Hausas and Fulanis, and they speak Hausa as their mother tongue. It is an active city with an abundant cultural legacy and a flourishing tourism industry.
It is also the commercial center of the northern part of Nigeria. The state is a major home to civilians in industries like textiles, footwear, plastics, cosmetics, tanning, furniture, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, and enamelware.
Kano State is also referred to as the “Centre of Commerce” because it is the home of one of the first and biggest markets that was opened in Nigeria.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the best places to visit in Kano. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this amazing state.
Best Places to Visit in Kano
Kano offers a series of arrangements for the best places, and they cater to both the locals and guests. From historical landmarks to traditional arts and crafts, here are the best places to visit in Kano.
1. Dala Hill
Dala Hill dates to the seventh century. It is made up of 999 steps and is about 534 meters high, which makes it easier for guests or tourists to see the city of Kano from the top. Dala Hill is a community of ancient people who were known for working with iron.
Dala Hill is one of the best places in Kano known for its fame and recognition among visitors from different parts of the world because of its height, which lures visitors to see the top of the city.
The mysteries and myths surrounding the hills are part of a culture they celebrate as an age-long festival known as TAKUTAHA, which began with their forefathers and has been passed on from generation to generation.
2. Adu Bako Zoo
Adu Bako Zoo, also known as Kano Zoological Garden, is one of the best places to visit in Kano. It is a place of safety for wildlife admirers. It was built in 1972.
The Adu Bako Zoo is the first zoo in Nigeria. The zoo houses different types of animals, like lions, monkeys, giraffes, and other animals.
It’s a great spot for family outings and educational trips, which makes it one of the best places to visit.
3. Kurmi Market
Kurmi Market is one of the oldest markets in West Africa, having been created in the 15th century. According to history, Kurmi Market sits in the heart of Kano City, located in the Kano Municipal Local Government Area, Kano State.
It was initially a warehouse for North African slaves but later developed into a large market for traditional wares. These traditional wares include textiles, footwear, plastics, cosmetics, tanning, furniture, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, jewelry, spices, and enamel wares.
The market is a vibrant business activity that is full of local cultures and experiences, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Kano.
4. The Great Mosque of Kano
The Great Mosque of Kano is a spiritual place where Muslims worship. It is located at Murtala Mohammed Way, Kano. It was established in the 15th century, and it is also the oldest mosque in Nigeria.
The mosque is a large, imposing building and also a symbol of Islamic architecture in Nigeria. The magnificent walls of the Great Mosque have gotten the attention of visitors and tourists all around the world.
5. The Emir’s Palace
The Emir, also known as the leader of the Muslims, is one of the most influential people in Nigeria.
The palace of the Emir of Kano is sometimes called the Gidan Rumfa or Gidan Sarki. It is located in the city of Kano, Nigeria, and was built by the late Muhammad Rumfa in the 15th century.
The traditional authority in Kano has been situated there since the regime of Rumfa and was later assumed by the Fulani jihadists, who took control of traditional authority in Kano in the early 19th century.
The Emir’s Palace land covers about 33 acres and has a design surrounding the walls up to 15 feet high.
The number of residents in the Emir’s private quarters amounts to 200, and over a thousand individuals live within the palace, while the remaining space surrounding the palace is dominated by beautiful flowers.
6. Gidan Makama Museum
Gidan Makama Museum, also known as Kano Museum, was built in 1953. It was a temporary palace of the Emir of Kano before relocating to the Gidan Rumfa, which was built in the 15th century.
Gidan Makama Museum is like a gem of Kano that showcases amazing artifacts, monuments, historical portraits, costumes, and many more. It is also a great place to have deep knowledge about the past histories of the people of Kano.
7. Kofa Mata Marina
Kofa Mata Marina was established in 1498, and it is an ancient dye pit. Tourists head to the Kofa Mata dye pit to gain experience with the traditional processes of dying fabrics using organic dyes.
The Kano indigo-vegetable dyeing pits are one of the best places in the old city. Different designs are used in the material before dyeing, and the fabric is often beaten to get a bright, decent appearance.
The techniques are ancient, but they are earned to get a bright, decent-looking look that is unrivaled around the world. These superb works of art on fabric have become very popular and have continued to be the best.
8. Murtala Mohammed Library
The Murtala Mohammed Library, one of the general libraries in Nigeria, is one of the best places to visit in Kano, given that it has a very wide range of books.
Murtala Mohammed Library is a place that should be visited by anyone who loves reading, and with certainty, you will find a book that will be of interest to you.
9. Tiga Dam
Tiga Dam was established in the 1970s. It is a perfect place for boating and fishing. The peaceful surroundings make it the best place to visit for relaxation. Also, you can either choose to take cool pictures or go for a swim.
Tiga Dam is a source of water supplies for farmers that live in Kano and its environs. The reason for constructing the Tiga dam was to bring about good performance in the areas of food and water in Kano State.
10. Kano City Wall
Kano City Wall is also known as Kano Badala. The wall was designed by Sakri Aijimasu in 1095 AD–1134 AD. Fredrick Lord Lugard stated in one of his reports from 1903 that the great Kano city wall was the best monument he had ever seen in West Africa.
Just like the wall of China and other ancient walls that existed before modern civilization, the Kano city wall serves as a protective shield for the people of Kano.
