Kano

About Kano

For more than a thousand years Kano has been one of the great cities of the West African Sahel. A powerful Hausa city-state at the southern end of trans-Saharan trade routes, it grew rich on cloth, leather and grain, and its old walled city, with the Emir's Palace, Kurmi Market and the indigo dye pits, still reflects that long history.

Today Kano is the capital of Kano State and one of Nigeria's largest and busiest cities, the commercial hub of the north. Life in the old city still moves to the rhythms of Islam and tradition, and the grand durbar processions of horsemen at the Sallah festivals are among the most spectacular events in Africa.

For visitors, the best way to explore is with a trusted local guide: climb Dala Hill for the view, watch dyers at work at Kofar Mata, learn the city's story at the Gidan Makama Museum and lose yourself in the market lanes. Check current travel advice before planning a trip, dress modestly and respect local customs.