How to Explore Northern Nigeria on a Budget

By Grace Stephen

03 May 2017

Northern Nigeria consists of 19 states . These Northern states include ?Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Plateau, Gombe, Borno, Benue, Bauchi, Zamfara, Taraba, Kwara, Yobe, and Adamawa. The major tribal groups that make up the Northern region are the Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri, Tiv, Gwari, Jukun and Borim among many other tribes. This part of the country has the largest population in the whole of Nigeria; occupying up to 70% of the land. call 09024097929 to book a hotel

The Climate in Northern Nigeria

Northern Nigeria, hotels.ng You should know what you are getting yourself into when you pack your bags to go and explore the Northern part of Nigeria. The weather in the North is unlike that of other parts of the country. The dry season drags on for a very long period of time while the wet season lasts for just a few months. Despite this fact, the majority of people in this part of the country are always fully dressed and you might feel like the odd one out if you decide to put on shorts and a sleeveless top because of the heat. If your skin gets easily prickly in hot conditions, then it's best you travel to the North between the months of July and September. That's the only period that there's a reprieve from the long, hot days. Cutting to the chase, here are some things you should know as you plan your "northern Nigeria exploration".

How to Get to Northern Nigeria

This totally depends on what's convenient for you. Since travelling by air is usually more expensive than travelling by land, bus transits are usually the preferred option for those in Nigeria. With an approximate bus fare of N8,000, you can?board a bus bound for any states in the northern region. Whereas the average cost of booking a flight from any part of Nigeria to the north is N80,000 for a round trip. These bus companies move from any part of the country to the north: Cross Country, Young Shall Grow Transport Ltd, GUO Motors, ABC transport Plc and Chisco transport ltd. Airlines that fly to northern Nigeria are Arik air, IRS airlines and Aero contractors. If you are travelling from the western or eastern part of Nigeria, you should consider booking a flight. The northern region is a long distance away and by travelling by air, you save time and ?avoid the stress of sitting in a bus for several hours. For those outside Nigeria; you can book airlines like Sudan Airways, Middle East Airlines and Saudi airlines at an average cost of $500.
Book a Flight to Northern Nigeria

Tourist?Attractions in Northern Nigeria

The Northern part of Nigeria boasts of many attractions that tourists find interesting and worth seeing. Some of these attractions include: Yankari National Park This is one of the most developed parks in Nigeria and the best place to go to satisfy your curiosity about wildlife. You will see animals like Elephants, different species of Birds, Crocodiles, Baboons, Hippopotamuses, Tigers, Lions, Cheetahs etc at the park. It is situated in Mainamaji, Bauchi state and at an affordable price of N600, a minibus will take you right to the park gate. Entrance fee to the park is a token price of N300. If you would prefer lodging within the park, ?there are chalets for rent at the Wikki Camp inside the park. ?Starting from N9000, you can Book Yankari Game Resort?on hotels.ng. The chalet also has a cool restaurant and bar where you could eat, drink and relax.   Warm springs, yankari game reserve, hotels.ng The Ancient Nok Settlement The antiquities discovered in this place are scattered all over the world in museums, galleries etc. It is situated in Jaba, Kaduna state. You will appreciate the various excavations and terracotta on display that takes one back to the historical culture of the Noks. There's a minaret there that was once used to sight approaching enemies but is now a national monument. It will take hours to fully explore the Nok village, especially if you want to have a look at the caves on top of the mountain. You might have to spend the night at one of the six chalets available there. Gidan Makama Museum This national museum situated at Emir Palace road, Kano state boasts of artifacts that date back to the stone age. The building itself is worth seeing as it is a 15th century historical building that stands as one of the national monuments in Nigeria. The entrance fee is?N200. While in the museum; be sure to see the colonial invasion weapons and visit the pre-islamic gallery. ?After seeing to your fill and learning about the historical culture of the Hausa-Fulanis, get delicious African meals at the nearby restaurants like Chophouses, Al-Amir, Fasania and Spice Food restaurants. call 09024097929 to book a hotel Kainji National Park Kainji national park extends to both Niger and Kwara state. When you arrive Illorin, Kwara state, ?you can board a taxi that will take you straight to the park. There are three different sectors in the park, which are: the Zugurma game reserve, the Kainji lake and the Borgu game reserve. There's also a wildlife museum where you will find a display of a giant stuffed crocodile, huge Ostrich eggs and various hides of animals like reptiles, ?Tigers etc. You are advised to wear light clothes and light boots when visiting the park to protect against reptiles and the hot sun. If you are not lodging in some of the top hotels near Kainji national park, there are 49 chalets in Kainji national park available for rent. Gurara Waterfalls Niger state has quite a good number of tourist attractions. If you are in Niger state, you should take time to admire this natural wonder. Gurara waterfalls is along Suleja and Minna road, Niger state. If you are visiting this waterfall to admire its beauty and splendour, then it's best you visit in the months of March to August. The waterfall cascades in full torrents during the rainy seasons. On the other hand; if you would love to swim in the crystal clear pool at the bottom of the falls, you should visit in January. At this time, the water trickles without force. Northern Nigeria Zuma rock This is a magnificent natural wonder. It served as a good place of refuge for the Gwari natives in ancient times. They ran to the rock during tribal wars as they believed that the rock had special powers that would protect them from the attacks of their enemies. You see different mind-blowing views from various sides of the rock: ?a view that resembles an Egyptian sphinx turned upside down, a crouching elephant, a giant head with a broken nose facing the sky and the most prominent one of a grotesque face that seems to have gouged-out eyes and a broken nose. You don't pay a dime to see these beauties. Abuja Arts and Crafts Village If you are interested and would love to own African artworks and products like dresses, bags, paintings, necklaces etc. Abuja arts and crafts village is buzzing with all things African. It is situated behind Shehu Musa Yar'adua centre and in close proximity to Sheraton Hotels and Silverbird entertainment centre. Go with enough cash because there are lots of things that you will catch your eye . You are also free to just go there for sight-seeing sake.

Northern?Nigerian Food

Northern Nigeria The Nigerian Northerners have an array of sumptuous dishes that are peculiar to them. Your exploration of their cities and culture will be lacking if you do not indulge in their many delicacies. Some of their notable dishes include Masa, Ezowa, Miyan Yakuwa, Brabusco, Tuwon Dawa, Tuwon Shinkafa, Fura De'Nunu, Kilishi, Margi, Kilba, Pate, Miyan Zogale , Kwaruru etc. Most restaurants you will find in the North have these local dishes on their menu.

Festivals in Northern?Nigeria

Northern Nigeria The most commonly celebrated festival in the North is Durbar festival. Almost every northern state celebrates this festival. It is usually celebrated after the Muslim festivals: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. Some other well-celebrated festivals include, the Afan national festival, Ninzo cultural festival, Keffi hunting festival, Dukwa festival, Kallon Kuwa festival, Aketa fishing festival, Agan festival etc. These festival celebrations are wonders to behold.

Where to Stay in Northern Nigeria

The Northern part of Nigeria has an abundance of hotels where you can stay. Comfort and hospitality are guaranteed as well as reliable staff. For the best deals, find and book hotels on hotels.ng.

Health and Safety Tips

  • Some of the above-listed attraction centres have rules and regulations. Ask the tour guide for these regulations and keep to them to avoid endangering your life or getting involved in embarrassing situations.
  • ?If you will be staying overnight in any of those places that has chalets, go with mosquito repellents and ?long sleeve tops and trousers as night-time in the north are often cold. Also, make sure to keep windows locked to hinder unwanted visitors like baboons from getting in.
call 09024097929 to book a flight The Northern region is an interesting place to explore. You could budget at least N100,000-N150,000 to cover transportation, lodging and feeding costs in the North.

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