Holiday in Kano

About Kano

Kano is one of the oldest cities in West Africa and the economic center of Northern Nigeria — an ancient trading metropolis of Hausa culture that has been located on the Trans-Saharan trade routes for over a thousand years. With nearly five million inhabitants, Kano is a vibrant, chaotic, and fascinating city. The Kano City Walls (Badala), built in the 11th century and up to 15 meters high, enclose the old town over a length of 22 kilometers — one of the largest pre-colonial structures in Africa. Within the walls lies the Emir's Palace (Gidan Rumfa), the seat of the rulers of Kano since the 15th century. The Kofar Mata Dye Pits are over 500 years old and thus the oldest still-used dye pits in Africa. Craftsmen dye fabrics here in deep indigo blue using traditional methods — a vibrant relic of pre-industrial textile production. The Kurmi Market, one of the oldest markets in West Africa, has been trading leather, textiles, spices, and gold jewelry for centuries. Kano's leather craftsmanship is legendary: the so-called Morocco leather was historically not from Morocco, but from Kano — exported via the Trans-Saharan route to North Africa and Europe. The Great Mosque and the Gidan Makama Museum complete the picture of a city that proudly preserves its Hausa identity.