ILORIN TO ZARIA BY ROAD: A TRAVELER’S GUIDE
For the majority, road travel is the easiest, most convenient and the cheapest means of getting around the country, particularly these two cities. Ilorin is the capital of Kwara state, the largest city in the state and located in the North-central region, although close to the south-western region as well while Zaria is a major city in Kaduna state, located in the Northern region of the country.
THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET A ZARIA-BOUND VEHICLE IN ILORIN
Okin motors: Located at Fate (pronounced Fah-tey) very close to the Government Secondary School (GSS), getting there is a simple matter of hailing a taxi and telling the driver you want to go to Fate. After getting there you’ll find that buses go for 3,500 naira and Sienna Minivans for 4,500. There is a time limit though; Buses only leave at night or very early in the morning (7:30 am at the latest)
Maraba Park: As the name implies, located in the Maraba area of Ilorin. Like every area in Ilorin you don’t have to go to a specific bus stop to get a cab going to Maraba, hail a passing cab until you find one going to Maraba. Getting to the Park, you’ll find the usual assortment of vehicles with prices ranging from 3,500-4,500 with the lowest being the buses and the highest being the taxis/minivans.
Kwara express: Board a cab going to Offa garage and drop at the Kwara express, the park is right at the bus stop. After paying for the journey, you can find the usual types of vehicles at a similar price range to the other parks depending on which you want to travel in.
N.B: All the buses are going to Kano so you’ll actually be boarding a Kano-bound bus and dropping at Zaria along the way.
WHAT/HOW TO PACK
• Pack as few bags as possible for easy management and to save cost, Drivers tend to charge extra for really big bags (especially the taxi and minivan drivers) and extra bags.
• Make sure you get to the park on time so you can pick a seat of your choice.
When you get to the park you’ll be set upon by different *alabarus (porters loitering around waiting for passengers with heavy luggage) who’ll flat out demand to carry your bags to the vehicle going to your destination, you have a choice of firmly indicating a “No†with your head and walking past them or surrendering your bag(s) to them if they’re heavy, however be sure to keep a close watch on the porter and your bag(s)
Inform your driver of any fragile items in your bag. It also helps to watch as the bags are being arranged to ensure your belongings aren’t squashed in a corner or under other heavy luggage. Keep all valuables with you
On no condition should you have any sort of camouflage material with you as they’re banned and if found on your person, will lead to you being extorted for money by the policemen along the route and the vehicle being delayed.
Watch what you eat before travelling, although a long trip with at least one rest stop in Niger State, it is better to err on the side of caution where public restrooms are concerned.
Fill the personal information form that will be passed around beforehand. The transport company just might need to reach someone on your behalf.
TIME TAKEN
The trip from Ilorin to Zaria usually takes approximately 9hrs 30mins, taking into consideration road and weather conditions.
SNACK AND RESTROOM OPTIONS
There are a variety of snacks to pick from at the park and you can buy whatever you want beforehand. If you are hungry during the journey however, there is a rest stop at Gwada in Niger State where the vehicle is going to stop for about a half hour for passengers who are thus inclined to eat, relieve themselves and stretch their legs for a bit.
PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO ZARIA
Evacuate your bowels before leaving the house.
Make sure you fill the personal information form supplied to passengers and also take down the licence plate number of the vehicle and pass on to as many friends as possible (and make sure the driver sees you taking down the plate number)
Make sure your most valuable possessions are kept close to hand in a carryon or a small bag, not just because of theft but also because of the way items are stacked carelessly in the trunk.
I prefer sitting up front beside the driver, asides being the most comfortable seat in the vehicle, it’s also within easy reach of the charging port so you can listen to music, read, surf the internet (where coverage exists on the road) without running your battery flat. Barring that, leave the house with a full charge and a powerbank if you have one.
If you love trying out new delicacies, such a long journey isn’t a good time for that so even if you see and buy something you feel you might like along the way, save it until you’re “home†and have a private restroom at hand in case your stomach reacts unfavourably to said delicacy. Stick to food items you’re familiar with.
GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION
Getting to Zaria, you’ll be dropped off at Flyover from which you can get a bus or rickshaw to your destination (no taxis operate in Zaria)
Have a Safe Trip!
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