Bauchi formerly known as Yakoba is the capital of Bauchi State in Northeastern Nigeria. It is also the seat of the Bauchi Emirate. Located on the Northern edge of the Jos Plateau, it is the hub of tourism in the Northern part of Nigeria. Bauchi means ?land of freedom and tourism? in Hausa.
Bauchi has a very rich history as the name Bauchi was derived from Baushe, an ancient hunter that advised the founder of the town Yaqub ibn Dadi to build the city west of the Warinje Mountain. Yaqup then fulfilled his promise of naming the town after the hunter, Baushe.
Bauchi has been rightly tagged as ?the pearl of tourism? due to the numerous tourist attractions including the popular Yankari Game Reserve, the Emir?s Palace, Tafawa Balewa?s Tomb and Museum, Wikki Warm Spring and Park, Shehu Azare Park and Sumu Wildlife Park.
Home of peace, hospitality and tourism, Bauchi hosts some of the most popular and unique festivals such as Durbar Festival, Kyaro war dance and the traditional wrestling and boxing locally called?Kokowa and Dambe. Bauchi State Festival of Arts and Culture (BAFEST) showcases the rich cultural heritage of each town in the state through traditional dances, music, arts, crafts, and fashion designs.
The first Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa hails from Bauchi.
Best Time to Book Flights to Bauchi
Book early flights to Bauchi if you wish to attend the popular Durbar Festival held during the two Eid Festivals. It is the most popular festival in the North. Expect to pay more for late flights to Bauchi if you are travelling during the festivals.
Peak Season
The temperature is extremely high during the dry season from November to March. At more than 35?C during the day and less than 10?C at night, tourists have to cope with this unstable weather condition. Flights to Bauchi increase during the dry season as the most popular festivals occur during this period especially the Durbar Festival celebrated during the Eid il Kabir.
Off Peak Season
The rainy season from April to October is the planting season in Bauchi, hence the lack of much festivities during the period. Cheap flights to Bauchi are more common during the rainy season.
Best Time to Visit Bauchi
The rainy and dry season is separated by the Harmattan season. The rainy season in Bauchi runs from April to October accompanied by high humidity and temperature. The rainy season is always the best time to visit Bauchi as the temperature is moderate and bearable. Visiting and exploring the game reserve is not fun during the rainy season as the vegetation is dense.
Bauchi's dry season runs from November to March accompanied by extremely high temperature during the day and cold at night. Tourists especially avoid flights to Bauchi during this period as the high temperature exceeding 36?C during the day and less than 10?C at night makes tourism difficult. However, a tour to Yankari Game Reserve is best enjoyed during the dry season when the animals are concentrated around permanent water sources and the vegetation is less lush.
Enjoy the best festivals and cultural displays of Bauchi during the dry season after harvesting. The Eid festivals are colourfully celebrated through several dances, music, fun fare, art, music and horse decoration.
Getting Around Bauchi
Motorcycles and Tricycles
Also popularly called Keke Napep move commuters to short destinations in Bauchi. They are ubiquitous around the major bus stops in Bauchi.
Taxis
They are available to convey passengers to major bus stops in the city. The cabs and taxis are also available at the airport.
Safety Tips/ Advice
- Avoid isolated or overly crowded areas especially at night.
- When visiting crowded places such as the market and the mall, keep your wallet safe.
- Do not wear heavy jewelry or dress provocatively especially where there is a large gathering of males.
- Avoid religious arguments as it can quickly lead to a religious strife.
- Stay safe at all times. Do not walk alone at night, if you must.
- Respect the culture and religion hence do not speak provocative words or perform disrespectful actions.
Bauchi International Airport
Bauchi State International Airport (IATA: BCU; ICAO: DNBC) is the airport serving Bauchi, the capital city of Bauchi State. ?The airport was renamed after Nigeria's late first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Overland Airways operate scheduled domestic flights to and from Tafawa Balewa International Airport. Located just 22 km Northwest of Bauchi, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport is accessible for arrivals and departures.
Moving from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport
Tafawa Balewa International Airport near Durum Village is 22 km from the city centre. It is about 15-minute drive from the city centre.
Taxis are available outside the airport terminal to transport arrivals to Bauchi. Ensure you negotiate the taxi fare before boarding.
Staying in Bauchi
Hotels.ng offers cheap hotel booking in Bauchi. There are budget and luxury hotels offering accommodation in Bauchi. Budget hotels are offered by hotels.ng to visitors, business travellers and tourists to Bauchi, the pearl of tourism.
The Yankari Game Reserve and Resort
Located at the Wikki Camp, Yankari reserve, Bauchi. It is domiciled in the same area as the Yankari Games Reserve. These rooms come with awesome facilities to make your visit to Bauchi memorable.
Zaranda Hotel
Situated in a central and ideal location for both tourists and leisure guests. Zaranda Hotel promises to offer hospitable services.
Hazibal Suites
Located at 34, Bendel Road, Bauchi. It is situated in a secure environment and equipped with ultra-modern facilities and home-welcoming services.
Awalah Hotels?
It is situated at 1, Maiduguri/Ningi Road, Ningi, Bauchi. It provides accommodation furnished to bring maximum comfort in a tranquil and safe environment.
Wikki Hotels
A top-class hotel in Bauchi catering to the needs of tourists especially. The offer services to ensure the accommodation, safety and relaxation of guests.
Bagari hotels, Sarauniya Suite and Larema International Hotels are budget hotels in Bauchi.
Accommodation per night starts from N2500 when you book online with Hotels.ng.
How to Budget a Trip to Bauchi
The cost of food and drinks in Bauchi is relatively cheap as travellers can get food for as low as NGN500. There are also restaurants serving dishes from other parts of the Nigeria costing from NGN500.?The soft drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are sold at prices ranging from NGN150 to NGN500.
Transportation within Bauchi includes taxi, bikes, and tricycles. The average cost of transport is NGN100 for buses and bikes.
| Items |
Price (N) |
| Meal, Inexpensive restaurant |
500 |
| Meal for 2 at fast food restaurant |
2400 |
| Beer |
350 |
| Bread |
400 |
| Toothpaste |
300 |
| 1 dozen egg |
550 |
| Suya and Fura de nono |
500 |
Flights from Kaduna to other Local Cities
Overland Airways operate scheduled domestic flights from Tafawa Balewa International Airport to Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja.
Overland Airways flight schedule from Bauchi to Abuja is 3 flights per week. The flights depart on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Tafawa Balewa International Airport. The flight time from Bauchi to Abuja is 1 hour.
International Flights to Bauchi
International flights to Bauchi's Tafawa Balewa International Airport. International departures take place at Abuja?s Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport and Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Passengers can board a connecting local flight to Abuja or Lagos to board International Airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, Africa World Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Etihad Airlines.?International flights depart to Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Accra, Algiers, Johannesburg, and Qatar, Dubai, Munich and Cairo.
Airport Tips at Tafawa Balewa International Airport
- Watch out for your baggage at the airport. Be security conscious regarding your luggage especially.
- There is a restaurant in the airport.
- Airport taxis are available outside the airport. Negotiate a good fare with a taxi for a drop or join a shared taxi.
- Use the bank for money transactions and currency exchange.
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