The Beauty Of Nigerian Tourism - North West

North West Nigeria comprises seven states- Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Zamfara. Although you will find several minority groups like Nupe, Tiv, Kanuri, Gwari, Bussawa, Zabarma, Dakawa, and Kamuku in the region, it is mostly populated by Hausa and Fulani speaking people.

The Northern region is home to various cultures, festivals, and exciting places of attraction. Since Islam is the dominant religion in this part, you would find high impacts of Islamic practices on the people's traditional culture in the North West region of Nigeria.

The most popular dish in Hausaland is the Tuwon Shinkafa(rice pudding). However, there are several other traditional dishes, such as Miyab Kuka. Let's take a look at the places of attraction in each state in the North West region.

In Jigawa state, there are rock paintings of ancient civilization in Birin Kudu. This cultural rock painting is regarded as the oldest of rock paintings in Nigeria.

There is the Kajuru Castle in Kaduna state. Built by a German on a hill in 1976, this European medieval architecture is suitable for a family vacation. It is also perfect for weddings venue, hiking, among others.

We also have the Matsiriga waterfalls, about 30 meters high, with the source from the springs of the Kagoroma Hills. It is a perfect spot for picnics. Not far from the Matsiriga falls is the Nok village. It is one of the most famous archaeological sites found in Africa. It has rich historical relics of ancient African civilization.

In Kano State, there are Gidan Rumfa and Makama House. This is the new and old Emir's Palaces. There is also the Falgore Game Reserve, home to a variety and numbers of deciduous forests and wildlife.

Kastina has two Emir Palaces that are a sight to behold. The architectures are unique and the oldest in Hausaland. You can also visit the Kanta Museum in Kebbi. This museum was once the Emir's Palace, but it now houses artifacts of the Argungu people.

In Sokoto, you can visit the ruins site of the old Gobir Kingdom and the Sultan's Palace. Major tourist centers in Zamfara include Kiyawa City Walls, Zamfara Museum, among others.

There are several festivals that are being held in the North West region annually. Most notable of them is the Argungu fishing festival, which is an important festival celebrated yearly. Using the traditional fishing tools, many fishers launch into the Argungu river in a bid to catch the biggest fish. The festival is always exciting and colourful.