Sokoto

Sokoto State is a state in north-western Nigeria, named after the great Sokoto Caliphate, one of the largest pre-colonial African empires. Its capital, Sokoto, is the seat of the Sultan of Sokoto, the spiritual leader of Nigeria's Muslims. The state is the heartland of the Hausa-Fulani people and a centre of Islamic scholarship.

The state lies in the semi-arid Sahel, with the Sokoto River and the Rima River providing water for irrigation. Agriculture is the main economic activity, producing millet, cowpeas, rice, and groundnuts. Sokoto is a safe and historically rich destination.

The dry season (November–April) is the best time to visit.

The dry season (November–April) is best. The Sokoto Durbar (Eid) and the Argungu Fishing Festival (in neighbouring Kebbi) are major events.

Sokoto Airport (SKO) has flights from Abuja. Major roads connect Sokoto to Birnin Kebbi (1.5 hrs), Gusau (2 hrs), and Kano (4 hrs).

• Sokoto — the historic state capital, with the Sultan's Palace, the Sokoto Central Mosque, and the Sokoto Museum
• Tambuwal — a town in the south, the headquarters of Tambuwal LGA
• Gwadabawa — a town in the north, near the Niger border
• Illela — a town on the Niger border, a trading post
• Wurno — a historic town, the site of the former Wurno Emirate
• Goronyo — a town on the Rima River
• Sabon Birni — a town in the north-east
• Bodinga — a town south of Sokoto
• Kware — a town near Sokoto
• Dange — a town in the south-west
• Isa — a town in the south

Hausa cuisine: Tuwo Shinkafa, Miyan Kuka, Dambu Nama, Kilishi, and Fura da Nono.

The Sokoto Durbar is one of the grandest in Nigeria, with the Sultan leading a massive horse-riding procession. The Sultan's Palace and the Sokoto Central Mosque are major Islamic landmarks.

• Visit the Sultan of Sokoto's Palace — the spiritual headquarters of Nigerian Muslims
• See the Sokoto Central Mosque — a magnificent mosque
• Explore the Sokoto Museum — artefacts of the Sokoto Caliphate
• Attend the Sokoto Durbar — the grandest horse-riding festival in Nigeria
• Visit the Tomb of Usman dan Fodio — the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate