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
editZaria has an estimated population of 766,000 (2023).
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
editZaria 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
editGet around
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See
editQueen 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.
- 3 ABU Gymnasium (Indoor Hall) (ABU Gymnasium), Samaru (By Road). 24 hr. ABU Gymnasium (Indoor Hall) is The 3rd Best Places To Visit in Samaru, ABU Gymnasium (Indoor Hall) - Gym in Samaru, Nigeria. It offers a lot of work out and fitness exercise that will development and helped in building your body build and muscles. Base on the registration.
- 4 N.I.T.T. Field Zaria, , Basawa Road (By Road). Tu W F 4–6:30PM, M Th 4–6PM, Sa Su closed. It's a recreational centre with football field, event halls, restaurant and other activities to served the needs of the customer and help in their refreshment.
- 5 NCAT Gym and Swimming Pool (NCAT GYM) (By Road), ☏ +234 814 489 1255. 6AM-10PM. Nice gym, they have tools for all kind of workout and if you need a private sessions, the instructor is always available. This gym is accessable to NCAT students, staffs and outsiders. Registration.
Do
edit- 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
edit- 1 Bright Stars Lounge, 23 Manchester Rd, behind GTBank GRA, ☏ +234 07049210143. 24 hr.
- 2 Mate Bar and Lounge Club, Kaduna rd. 24 hr.
Buy
editThere 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.
- 2 Wusasa Market, Wusasa (head north on A2, turn left Wusasa). 8AM-6PM. A vibrant open-air market in Zaria, offering fresh produce, local goods, and traditional products in a bustling atmosphere.
- 3 Zaria Central Market (Ladan Sharehu Market) (east on A2, opposite Emir's Palace). 7AM-noon. A bustling marketplace selling fresh produce, grains, handicrafts, textiles, and household goods, with a lively atmosphere and vendors haggling over prices.
- 4 Samaru Market (head north from Zaria, turn left Samaru). 8AM-6PM. A vibrant outdoor marketplace in Zaria, offering a wide range of goods, including fresh produce, clothing, and household items, with a lively atmosphere and friendly vendors.
Eat
edit- 1 Shagalinku Restaurant, Zaria, ☏ +234-803-666-5787. 8AM - 10PM. 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, ☏ +234 703 890 3523. 9AM-PM. It offers best service in delivery, take away, there is dine-in, casual available and the sitting is in groups. ₦2000.
- 4 Sauki Restaurant, Bakin dogo, tudun jukun, ☏ +234 07086296148. An eating place were you can go an eat and take it away.
Sleep
edit- 1 ABU Hotels, Old Jos Road, Kongo. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. One of the 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. 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. 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. 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.
Stay safe
editSecurity challenges can vary depending on the current situation of the place. Kaduna generally has experienced lot of security challenges including banditry, kidnapping and communal conflict in the past, however the level of safety may differ from one area to another.