Zaria

Zaria is an ancient city in Kaduna State, one of the original seven Hausa city-states, founded in the 11th century. It is a major centre of Islamic scholarship, home to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) — Nigeria's largest university — and the historic Zaria City with its mud-walled palaces and the Emir's Palace. Zaria is also famous for its textile industry and the Zaria Cathedral. The climate is tropical with a distinct dry season and a rainy season from May to October.

By Plane

Kaduna International Airport (KAD) is about 80 km south-west. Abuja Airport (ABV) is about 200 km south-west.

By Train

Zaria is on the standard-gauge Lagos–Kano railway line, with regular passenger services.

By Car / Road

Zaria is on the Kaduna–Kano highway, about 1.5 hours north of Kaduna. Buses from Kaduna, Kano, and Abuja arrive at the main motor park. Numerous transport companies serve the city.

Keke and okada are the main transport. The old city is walkable.

• Emir of Zaria's Palace — the historic royal palace in Zaria City

• Ahmadu Bello University (Main Campus) — a vast university campus

• Zaria City Walls — remnants of the ancient city fortifications

• Zaria Cathedral — the Anglican cathedral

• Kofar Gayan — one of the historic city gates

• Visit the Emir's Palace — a landmark of Hausa traditional authority

• Walk through Zaria City — the old walled city with traditional architecture

• Tour the ABU campus — a massive university with a museum

• Shop at Zaria Market — textiles and crafts

Hausa cuisine including tuwo shinkafa (rice pudding), miyan kuka (baobab leaf soup), and suya (grilled meat). ABU campus area has diverse restaurants.

Small bars and tea shops serve zobo, kunun zaki (sweet cereal drink), beer, and soft drinks.

• Budget: guesthouses near the market from ₦3,000–5,000
• Mid-range: hotels on the Sokoto road from ₦8,000–15,000
• Upscale: ABU conference centre guesthouses from ₦15,000–25,000

Zaria is famous for textiles (Zaria cloth), embroidered gowns, and woven goods. The main market sells these and other Hausa crafts.

• Kaduna — 1.5 hr south-west, the state capital
• Kano — 2 hr north, the ancient walled city
• Sabon Gari — 15 min south
• Abuja — 3 hr south-west