Zaria
Zaria (formally Zazzau) is a major city in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria and is a local government area. It is one of the original seven Hausa city-states. It's also one of the popular places to visit in Northern Nigeria.
Understand
Zaria has an estimated population of 736,000.
It was a trading destination for Saharan caravans as well as a prominent city in the Hausa slave trade. In the late 1450s, Islam arrived in Zaria by the way of its sister Habe cities, Kano and Katsina. Along with Islam, trade flourished between the cities as traders brought camel caravans filled with salt in exchange for slaves and grain. The city-state's power peaked under Queen Amina whose military campaigns established a tributary region including the kingdoms of Kano and Katsina. At the end of the 16th century, after Queen Amina's death, Zaria fell under the influence of the Jukun Kingdom and eventually became a tributary state itself. Between the fifteenth and sixteenth century the kingdom became a tributary state of the Songhai Empire. In 1805 it was captured by the Fulani during the Fulani Jihad. British forces led by Frederick Lugard took the city in 1901. It was founded in 1536 and later was renamed after Queen Zaria.
The economy of Zaria is primarily based on agriculture. Staples crops include: guinea corn and millet. Cash crops include cotton, groundnuts and tobacco.
Zaria is home to Ahmadu Bello University, the largest university in Nigeria and the second largest on the African continent. The institution is very prominent in the fields of Agriculture, Science, Finance, Medicine and Law. It is also the base for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Federal College of Education Zaria, Barewa College among others.
Climate
Zaria has a tropical savanna climate with warm weather year-round, a wet season lasting from April to September, and a drier season from October to March.
Get in
Get around
See
Queen Amina’s Wall was built with well-fortified walls to protect the ancient city by Queen Amina of Zaria, who is renowned for her wise military exploits and strategies. This wall still stands majestically in the modern city of Zaria.
- 1 Zaria City Wall. The wall is a reminder of historic position of Zaria of the many wars fought by the kingdom of Zaria Emirates. The wall served as a protection for the city against it's enemies during the war time.
- 2 Emir's Palace, ☏ +234 803 482 0757. 24 hr. A beautiful palace with elegant architecture, the palace displays the skill and expertise of the craftsmen and builders. The splendour of the beautiful drawing and painting.
Do
- 1 Kufena Hill. Hike the top of Kufena Hill is a popular hiking destination that offers stunning views of the city. The hike to the top of the hill is about an hour long and is relatively easy.
Drink
Buy
There are many supermarkets visitors can go and buy whatever they need at pocket friendly rate. These supermarkets are:
- 1 Dangida Super Market, ☏ +234 706 733 3094. It has varieties of items for daily use at an affordable price which is almost similar to market price. Varieties of items that one can buy in this supermarket include food items, beverages, groceries, toiletries and beauty products.
- Halsabil Supermarket, ITN shopping complex, ZANGO along Samaru road.
Eat
- 1 Shagalinku Restaurant, Zaria, ☏ +234-803-666-5787. 8AM - 10PM. Shagalinku Restaurant is one of the best in the city of Zaria. They offer services like, Dine-in, take away and home delivery.
- 2 Pizza Plus Zaria, ☏ +234-817-190-9534.
- 3 Destiny Restaurant (Destiny Restaurant), W2, Zaria Road, Kaduna, ☏ +234 703 890 3523. 9AM-PM. Destiny Restaurant in Zaria offers best service in delivery, take away, there is dine-in, casual available and the sitting is in groups. ₦2000.
Sleep
- 1 ABU Hotels, Old Jos Road, Kongo. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ABU Hotels is one less expensive hotels in Zaria. They offer facilities including a swimming pool, bar/lounge, free parking, high speed Wi-Fi and room service. US$30.
- 2 Organo Hotel and Suites, 19B Hanwa Road, GRA, ☏ +234-701-322-2755. Organo Hotel is a budget host. The staff are friendly. The amenities they provide are: free parking spaces and free breakfast. The room features include air conditioning and housekeeping. Some other popular amenities offered are free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a lounge. US$30.
- 3 Sleeprite Hotels, 10 New jos Rd Dakace, ☏ +234-903-011-1565. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Amenities provided including complimentary parking and breakfast, air conditioning, Internet and room service. ₦13,160.
- 4 Rex Guess Inn, No. 59, Sokoto Road, Abu Zaria, ☏ +234 803 606 9016. Rex Guest Inn is a low budget accommodation. The hotel has a bar, nice toilets, all the rooms are air conditioned. It also has provision for luggage storage.
- Adriel Hotel, No. 4, Bank Road, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, ☏ +2347029645826. Adriel Hotel is one of top hotels in Kaduna, their rooms come with en-suite bathrooms and internet connectivity. The hotel has an excellent restaurant and bar well beautified with a lush green gardens and exotic plants.
- 5 Zaria Hotel.
- Aifas Hotel, Sokoto road. ₦15,000.