World Country Guide

The North

Abuja, the new federal capital since 1991, is as yet undeveloped for tourism. It has a beautiful setting which gives magnificent views across the savannah.
Formerly the largest of the ancient Hausa cities, Kano is today Nigeria’s third-largest city. The walled old town still remains and gives the city a medieval atmosphere, although the city was founded at least 1000 years ago, being of strategic importance on the trans-Saharan trade routes. Kurmi Market has many tourist souvenirs, including the richly embroidered Fulani horse blankets and decorations used at festivals. The famous dye pits (Kofar Mata), still in use and apparently some of the oldest in Africa, are interesting, as is the Grand Mosque. The Emir’s Palace is an outstanding example of Hausa architecture. The city has many colonial-style sporting clubs and good restaurants and nightlife.
Jos is a favourite holiday centre on account of its location (1200m/3900ft above sea level) and pleasant climate. The Jos Museum has a large collection of pottery from all over the country, and the nearby Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture holds a collection of full-size replicas representing different styles of Nigerian architecture, including the Kano Wall, Katsina Palace and Zaria Mosque. There is also a small zoo and easy access to such sights as the Assob Falls.
Kaduna is a government town laid out by the British and has fine buildings and modern amenities. The ancient walled city of Zaria to the north retains much of its old character and has a fine mosque and Emir’s Palace. Outside Katsina, on the border with Niger, are some old Hausa burial mounds and the city is the site of spectacular Sallah festivals (see Special Events in the Social Profile section).
At Maiduguri, the Sallah festival is held three months after the festival of Eid al-Fitr, during which Borno horsemen demonstrate their equestrian prowess. The town also has a palace, park, zoo and museum.
The area around Lake Chad is flat and prone to flooding during and after the rains. The whole region is of special interest to the ornithologist and nature enthusiast. In contrast, some of the most striking and fascinating mountain scenery can be enjoyed around Biu and towards the Cameroon border.