Discover Kano

The partially preserved mud walls of what was once the Sahel's most important trading city date from the 9th to 15th centuries and once enclosed an area of over 20 square kilometers, an impressive testament to Kano's long history as a center of trans-Saharan trade.

Founded in the 15th century, the market ranks among the oldest still-active trading places in Africa and to this day offers traditional leatherwork, textiles and spices in a lively maze of narrow alleys and small stalls.

Standing since the 15th century, the palace of the Emir of Kano ranks among the oldest still-used seats of power in West Africa and impresses with traditional Hausa architecture, though its interior is accessible only on special occasions.

Operating for over 500 years, the indigo dye pits rank among Africa's oldest still-active dyeing sites, where craftsmen still dye fabrics using traditional methods in deep earthen pits with natural indigo.

Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport lies about 8 kilometers northwest of the city and is served several times daily from Lagos and Abuja, with a flight time from Lagos of about 1.5 hours.

The partially preserved mud walls of what was once the Sahel's most important trading city date from the 9th to 15th centuries and once enclosed an area of over 20 square kilometers, an impressive testament to Kano's long history as a center of trans-Saharan trade.

Founded in the 15th century, the market ranks among the oldest still-active trading places in Africa and to this day offers traditional leatherwork, textiles and spices in a lively maze of narrow alleys and small stalls.

Standing since the 15th century, the palace of the Emir of Kano ranks among the oldest still-used seats of power in West Africa and impresses with traditional Hausa architecture, though its interior is accessible only on special occasions.