Kano Durbar
Kano City, Kano State
The Sallah horse procession of the Kano emirate, in which district heads ride in homage to the Emir.
DonCamillo (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 4.0
Visiting information
- Address
- Kano old city and Gidan Rumfa, Kano State
- Opening information
- Opening times are not published by a source we can verify. Confirm locally before visiting.
- Accessibility
- Accessibility information has not been verified for this place.
- Suggested time
- The days following Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
About this place
Historical accounts trace the parade of mounted retainers to the military musters of the Hausa states and the Sokoto Caliphate period, later formalised as a Sallah homage. Individual elements — quilted horse armour, chain mail, court trumpets — descend from that earlier military use.
Airport journey
- Arrival airportMallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN)
- Travel time20–35 minutes to the old city
- Recommended routeAirport Road → Zaria Road → the old city gates
- Traffic informationLight outside market hours.
- Ride hailing optionsRide-hailing coverage is limited; local taxis are the norm.
- Hotel airport pickupAirport taxis are available; agree the fare before setting off.
Nearby attractions
More to explore around Kano City and the wider Kano State.
Gidan Makama Museum Kano MunicipalHistoric museum showcasing the heritage, architecture and traditions of Kano. 1.5–2 hours
Emir's Palace (Gidan Rumfa) Kano MunicipalOne of West Africa's oldest royal palaces and the residence of the Emir of Kano. 1–2 hours
Kano City Walls DalaAncient defensive walls built several centuries ago that once protected Kano city. 1–2 hours
Dala Hill DalaThe legendary birthplace of Kano civilization offering panoramic city views. 1–2 hours
Kurmi Market Kano MunicipalOne of Africa's oldest traditional markets famous for leather, crafts and local commerce. 1–2 hours
Kofar Mata Dye Pits Kano MunicipalCenturies-old indigo dye pits where traditional textile dyeing is still practiced. 1–2 hours
Gidan Dan Hausa Museum Kano MunicipalMuseum dedicated to Hausa architecture, language and traditional lifestyle. 1.5–2 hours
Kano Zoo GwaleOne of Nigeria's oldest zoological gardens featuring native wildlife. 1–2 hours
Plan the rest of your visit
Build an itinerary around this district, or check what Nigeria requires for entry before you travel.
Sources and verification
Status: Reviewed. Last reviewed 2026-08-20.
Public reference listing (Durbar festival)VisitAfrica publishes discovery and cultural information. We do not sell tickets, tours or accommodation, and we do not publish prices or ratings.