Kaduna

Kaduna State is a historic crossroads of northern Nigeria, situated along the Kaduna River in the North-West region. Its capital, Kaduna city, was the colonial administrative capital of Northern Nigeria and retains wide, tree-lined boulevards, colonial-era buildings (the Kaduna Government House, the Lugard Bridge), and a more relaxed pace than Kano or Lagos. The state is named after the crocodiles (kaduna means "crocodiles" in Hausa) that once infested its river. Kaduna is ethnically and religiously diverse — a meeting point of Hausa-Fulani, Southern Kaduna's Christian communities (Kagoro, Kafanchan), and a significant Igbo population. The state is also the location of the ancient Nok culture (c. 1000 BC–500 AD), whose magnificent terracotta sculptures are among the earliest known in sub-Saharan Africa, discovered near the town of Nok.

The dry season (November–March) is best — Kaduna City is hot but bearable. March–May is intensely hot (38–42°C). The wet season (June–September) brings heavy rain. The Kaduna International Trade Fair (usually February–March) is a major business event.

Kaduna city is well laid out and easy to navigate. Uber and Bolt operate in the city. Keke tricycles and taxis are common. The Abuja–Kaduna railway (2 hours) is the best link to the capital. The Kaduna–Zaria road is a major highway. The Kaduna River separates the city into north and south.

Kaduna's cuisine blends Hausa-Fulani northern dishes with influences from the Christian south. Tuwo Shinkafa and Miyan Kuka are staples. Suya (grilled meat) is excellent throughout the state — Kaduna City's suya grills are famous. Kilishi (dried spiced beef) is a northern favourite. The city's central market has excellent fresh produce and spices.

The Kaduna International Trade Fair (February–March) draws exhibitors from across West Africa. The Durbar festivals in Zaria and Kaduna City at Eid are colourful equestrian displays. The Kagoro Cultural Festival celebrates the traditions of the Southern Kaduna groups (the Afizere, Atyap, and others) with dance and music. The Nok culture sites are archaeological treasures.

• Nok terracotta tour — visit the Nok archaeological sites and the Kaduna National Museum's Nok collection
• Kajuru Castle — a bizarre but fascinating medieval-style German-built castle in the Kaduna countryside
• Abuja–Kaduna train ride — one of Nigeria's most scenic and comfortable train journeys
• Zaria City walk — explore the ancient walled city of Zaria and the Emir's Palace
• Matsirga Waterfalls (Kafanchan) — beautiful waterfalls in the Southern Kaduna highlands

• Kaduna — the state capital, with the Kaduna National Museum (Nok terracottas), the Emir's Palace, and the Kaduna City Market
• Zaria — the second city, historic walled settlement, the Zaria Emir's Palace, and Ahmadu Bello University
• Kafanchan — the commercial centre of Southern Kaduna, a gateway to Kagoro Hills and Matsirga Waterfalls
• Kagoro — a hilltop town with the Kagoro Cultural Festival and the Kagoro Hills
• Kachia — a market town on the Kaduna–Kafanchan road, known for its produce market
• Birnin Gwari — a historic Hausa town in the north-west, known for its agricultural trade
• Zonkwa — a town in Southern Kaduna, a centre of the Atyap people
• Makarfi — a town in northern Kaduna, a grain and cotton market
• Nok — the archaeological site of the ancient Nok culture, with terracotta sculpture finds
• Jaji — a garrison town with the Nigerian Army's Jaji Military Cantonment
• Sabon Gari — the "strangers' quarter" of Zaria, historically the neighbourhood for southern Nigerian traders
• Kajuru — a town with the unique Kajuru Castle, a German-built medieval-style fantasy castle in the Kaduna countryside