Kano

From Halal Explorer

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Kano is a city in Northern Nigeria and the capital of Kano State.

Kano Halal Travel Guide

Kano-market - Kano Market

Kano is the largest city in northern Nigeria. It has a population of around 3,600,000 (2016 estimate) giving it a busy atmosphere. It is an ancient trading city inhabited for well over a thousand years. Despite the international airport there is little tourist trade, but there are still surprisingly many attractions to visit and, as with the rest of Nigeria and the joy is in the people and the buzz of the streets.

The city is predominantly Muslim with a small percentage of Christians and traditional religions. Sharia law was introduced around 2001 but only applies to Muslims and punishments are rare. There have been sectarian riots, but this is mainly due to political tensions and is not targeted at foreigners.

Foreign currency is not usually accepted so get some Nigerian Naira at a bank or an ATM.

Electricity brownouts are a common problem and don't expect the cleanest of streets.

The official language is English, but the language of the street is Hausa.

Travel to Kano

Visitors from outside Nigeria will need a visa. This costs around $70 and you should apply to the relevant Embassy or High Commission at least four weeks in advance. They will need proof that you can support yourself financially and may ask for a letter from your employer.

You will need vaccinations against yellow fever, cholera, medication for malaria and other diseases.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kano

  • Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport 12.0475, 8.524444 - Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Was the first airport in the nation. Even though it is only a shadow of what it used to be, it still has international flights coming in from Egypt (Egypt Air), Lebanon (MEA), Saudi Arabia (KSA), Sudan and some other airlines.

By Rail

After a long hiatus, passenger services have finally returned to Kano. There's a once weekly train from Lagos via Ibadan and Kaduna amongst others. Travel duration from Lagos is just over 30 hours. Tickets starts from ₦1,900 in second class and ₦5,000 in sleeper class. There's also a once-weeky service from Nguru. Delays are common and dates of service changes frequently, always check at the station. Kano train station GPS 11.999227,8.538995 is located on Fagge Rd.

By car

Travel on a Bus in Kano

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Kano

How to get around in Kano

Yellow and blue coloured taxis can be hired on the roadside, ensure you agree a price before leaving. More common are the motorbikes where travellers sit behind the driver. There are also some motorised rickshaws introduced for Muslim women who do not want want to sit up close to a motorbike driver.

What to see in Kano

Kano-dye-pits - Ancient Dye Pits. Kano-history-museum - Gidan Dan Hausa Museum.

The dye pits of Kano are over 500 years old and privately owned. Indigo is mixed with potassium and ash and fermented for a month before being ready to dye cloths. The indigo dyes were once used to make garments for Nigerian royalty and they are said to also be usable as medicine. You can get a short tour around the pits and they will be happy to sell you cloths and clothes dyed blue in a variety of tie dye patterns.

  • Kurmi market 12.00257, 8.51278 - Textiles from around the world are on sale here.
  • Gidan Makama Museum Emir Palace Road 11.988743, 8.521087 - Located in a 15th-century historical building, this museum has a significant collections of arts, crafts and items of historic interest related to the Kano area. Galleries include the Zaure in the main entrance with displays of traditional materials, city walls and maps of Kano and the history of statehood, Kano in the 19th century and the Civil War, economy, industry and music.
  • Gidan Dan Hausa Museum and Kano State Cultural Centre 11.982376, 8.545645 - Has a collection of artifacts from stone age to present day within the collonial house of the governor from the 1900s. A friendly tour guide will explain all the objects for you.
  • Sani Abacha Stadium 11.999722, 8.529167 - Sani Abacha Stadium The home of Nigerian Premier League champions Kano Pillars FC.
  • Great Mosque 12.01265, 8.52999 - In the centre of the city and on Fridays over 50,000 people will worship there.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kano

Climb the old Dala or Goron Dutse hill in the centre of the city and get a 360 degree view of the ancient city from the hill top; it is where the city started and is now an underground water reservoir.

Kano is also the home to the several times champions of the Nigerian Premier League, Kano Pillars FC. One can join the thousands of their fanbases and watch the games in either of Sani Abatcha Sadium K/Mata or Indoor stadium Sabon Gari for as less as $5.

The state owned Marhaba Cinema is also located just behind the Immigration office and ☎ & Electronics gadget village of Farm centre

How to work legally in Kano

The state government is investing heavily in the computing industry and has built a new ICT park, named after the past emir Alhaji, Dr. Ado Bayero, but due to change of administration and the building (Gidan Ado Bayero) has now been transformed into a state university (Yusuf Maitama Sule University) which will serve as a temporary site for the university.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kano

There are a few supermarkets but in the daytime it is more exciting is to buy from one of the formal markets around town such as the famously known Kantin Kwari Market and Kofar Wambai Market.At dusk and until about 2 in the morning you can buy from any of the hundreds of stalls along the sides of the major roads. You will also be offered items to buy whenever you stop while driving.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Buy food from any stall along the road sides. Masa are ground corn buns and they are often dipped into pepper soup. Restaurants are all over the centre of the city selling African dishes, fried Chicken or Chinese food.

  • Golden Palace - Surprisingly good Chinese food. Not too expensive and serves soft drinks. No Beef, so only try the dumplings if you like the idea of beef in your dumplings.
  • Lebanon Club 12.013519, 8.554994 - Fantastic Lebanese fare (hummus, Kebab, falafel, etc). Serves soft drinks. Members only, but visitors can pay N200 to get in, negotiate if you are just visiting town.

Sharia law means alcohol is hard to find. Most hotels do not serve alcohol on the premises but for a small fee you can easily get a staff member to buy some bottles of organic juice for consumption in your room (most hotel rooms in Kano have fridges). The area called Sabon Gari has many bars and late night restaurants where soft drinks are freely available and many stores where you can buy fruit cocktail, or other soft drinks. There are malt drinks in cans with organic juice branding which are an acquired taste. There are few dairy products in the area but some milk based drinks are available. Western brands such as Coca Cola or Nescafe are common. Do not drink locally made drinks (zobo - sorrel, kunun aya - from tiger nuts) if you did not know the source, as hygiene is not concerned when preparing some of them.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kano

Kano - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kano, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kano. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kano and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kano. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kano. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKano: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kano.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kano: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kano, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kano.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kano, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kano, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kano and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kano, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kano, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kano without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kano is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kano.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kano is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kano, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kano Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kano

eHalal Group Kano is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kano. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kano.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kano ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kano. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kano, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kano are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Important warning: Like almost all hotels in Nigeria, you will be required to pay for your room up-front. Typically 125% of the room rate before you get the key. Ask for a receipt. The advance paid will be deducted from the bill on checking out.


  • Prince Hotel - princehotel-@ Tamandu Road, Kano 11.99884, 8.54620 ☎ +234 64 984251 $100 plus Prince Hotel is a well run hotel located in a quiet neighborhood and is a favourite with expatriates and NGOs. Security is good, and you will find all categories of well kept rooms, chalets and suites, though the Standard rooms are fairly small. All rooms are fully appointed with air conditioner, fridge, satellite television, and en-suite bathroom. Wi-Fi internet is available for about $3 for 24 hours. One of the few hotels in Kano where you can obtain a decent meal and a drink at their Calypso Restaurant which offers excellent continental and Lebanese cuisine. Laundry and room service is also available. No gym as yet but there is a nice swimmingpool for lodging guests only.
  • Tahir Guest Palace - 4 Ibrahim Natsugune Road 12.00171, 8.56708 ☎ +234 8050298537 around $100 Tahir Guest Palace is a sprawling complex of buildings containing probably the largest number of rooms in Kano. Security is OK. Rooms are all very large, a/c, fridge, easy chairs, large double beds, fridge. The best gym in Northern Nigeria for about $7 per session. Restaurant with buffet service at night, OK but not outstanding. Room service, laundry service and bakery across the road. Small shop and travel agent in the hotel. No alcohol. Good breakfast. Internet free of charge.
  • Royal Tropicana Hotel | - Around $70 per day Tropicana is a large hotel similar to the Tahir. The standard rooms are cozy but well kept with a/c, tv, fridge, etc. Internet is excellent and free.

Stay Safe

Kano is a largely safe city and theft or violence to Foreign Muslims is common. Keep valuables in a zipped pocket and do not wear overly revealing clothes. When buying outside shops you will probably need to negotiate, walk away if you are unsure of the deal. People may try to swindle you so check your prices before agreeing and if anyone asks for money feel free to walk away. Do not use internet banking from anything but private computers.

Telecommunications in Kano

Cope in Kano

News & References Kano


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