Founded by British colonists in 1900, Kaduna is a trade centre and transportation hub on the banks of the Kaduna River. It served as the capital of the Northern Region from 1917 to 1967 and remains the headquarters of political and cultural institutions active in Nigeria’s northern reaches.
Things to do in Kaduna
With its 2,300-square-metre prayer hall, the Sultan Bello Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Kaduna State. It was originally built in 1962 and has been expanded since, with a central dome and four soaring minarets. The mosque is named after Muhammad Bello, who served as the second Sultan of Sokoto.
Travelling with kids? They'll love spending a day at Kofar Gamji Park, which was the first amusement park to be built in Kaduna. It’s home to a mini zoo where you can get up close to monkeys, ostriches and peacocks, as well as a children’s playground and a splash park. Couples can stroll hand-in-hand along the Lord Lugard Bridge, which is a popular setting for wedding photography.
A short drive south-east of Kaduna is Kajuru Castle, which was built in the 1980s as a luxury villa for a German expatriate. Located atop a rocky mountain, it was designed in a medieval Romanesque style, complete with turrets and a dungeon. Join a guided tour to explore the baronial-style knight’s hall and the armoury before enjoying the sweeping views on offer across Kaduna State.
Getting around Kaduna
Kaduna International Airport is a 45-minute drive from the city centre and has regular flights to Lagos. Trains connect from Abuja to the Rigasa railway station, which is around 20 minutes by taxi from the city centre. Buses are the main means of getting around Kaduna and connect most of its attractions.