ILORIN TO KANO BY ROAD: A TRAVELER’S GUIDE

For the majority, road travel is the easiest and cheapest way of getting around the country and while in this case, air travel is more convenient, a trip by road is far cheaper and affords passengers a chance to take in the scenic route.
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 Kano is the state capital of Kano state

THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET A KANO-BOUND VEHICLE IN ILORIN

Kwara Express: you can get a taxi to Kwara Express from pretty much anywhere in Ilorin and drop at the office to pay your fare, the usual range of vehicles are available – buses and Sienna minivans with prices ranging from 4,000 naira for the buses and 4,500-5,000 naira for the Minivans.

N.B: the prices in this garage are less than that of other parks because the fares are subsidised by the Kwara State government. .

Okin Park: Located in the Maraba area, just after the Government Secondary School (GSS), after taking a bike or taxi there you go into the park and the park office to pay for the trip. Buses go for 4,500 naira max and Sienna minivans go for 4,800-5,500

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, I’ve found 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 Kano usually takes approximately 8hrs 30mins, taking into consideration road and weather conditions. There’s also a rest stop at Karina for passengers to eat, relieve themselves and stretch their feet for a bit.

SNACK AND RESTROOM OPTIONS

There are a variety of snacks to pick from at the park and you can buy whatever you want beforehand. Also along the way, you can buy some food items being hawked.

PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO KANO

• 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.

• The Kano vehicles leave very early or late at night so you’ll need to leave the house very early if you want to catch a vehicle. Chances are, if you get to the park after 7:30, you’ll have to wait until nightfall before you get another.

• 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.

GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION

Getting to Kano, you’ll be dropped at Naibawa and from there you can hail a vehicle to your destination.
Have a Safe Trip!