Kaduna
Things to do in Kaduna
- The Kaduna Museum, (Ali Akilu Rd; admission N50; open
9am-6pm daily), at the northern end of the city on the road to Kano and
across from the Emir's Palace, has masks, pottery, musical instruments, brasswork,
woodcarvings and leather displays. There is also a craft area behind
the main building where you can get your hair plaited, purchase ornate
wraps and textiles, or even have your portrait drawn for around 3,500
Naira (including frame).
- Lugard Hall;
originally the governor's office it is now the state assembly and general
gathering ground for the great and good of Kaduna society. It's
worth a stroll around but apart from the building and grounds, there's
really very little to see.
- Kaduna's famous Polo Ground is also
close by. Polo is still very popular in Nigeria. There is an
international polo tournament held each year at the end of November,
beginning of December. A newer polo ground, The Fifth Chukka
(see directions to Maraba Pottery), has recently opened up and is starting
to host an array of international competitions. Nevertheless the original
grounds still hold a special significance for those connected with polo in
Nigeria.
- At Gamji Gate Park,
on Swimming Pool Rd
(admission 200 Naira per car) you can enjoy a short but pleasant walk
around green (ish) open spaces and the swampy banks of the Kaduna River. You can also visit the
ostriches and even take a ride on the mini fun fair.
- Another favourite haunt for visitors to Kaduna is the Maraba Pottery
("The pots made at the Maraba pottery are predominantly stoneware
with all pots being made on the traditional kick wheel. The pots are sold
at the pottery, at the Hilton in Abuja and
in Quintessence and Colours of Africa in Lagos. The pottery is also a major
supplier to the Hilton and Sheraton hotels" CC) located on the
Kaduna-Zaria road. Just after the Kaduna toll plaza turn right onto the
overpass and follow the road round to the right. Just after the road
straightens out you will see the pottery sign on the right. Turn in
here and keep straight on the very rough, dirt track until you see the
buildings. The Fifth Chukka Polo Ground is also
located on this site (entrance gateway is off to your left as you approach
the pottery down the dirt track) and is worth a visit if only to
appreciate its superb stables and landscaped grounds.
- If you're in the mood for an afternoon out with the kids over the
weekend then consider taking a trip out to Trappco Ranch &
Resort, Gwazaye Village beside Kaduna Int'l Airport, Tel
08027784647 or 08037136121, cars charged 200 Naira admission, more for
people carriers and vans. There's boating on the lake, quad biking, a bar,
a pool and a disused Polo Ground (ideal for walking your dog or taking a
stroll around some greenery).
- If a round of golf is what you're after try the Kaduna Golf
Club situated on Golf
Course Rd. It is open to non-members for a
N1, 000 per person admission charge. Note that the club holds
frequent members-only competitions on Saturdays, so it's worth checking
first before you set your sights on spending the weekend whacking balls
into the infamous Kaduna moat....)
- Sabon Birni Market:
Another market to explore in the Kaduna
area is the Sunday market at Sabon Birni. This market is very much a local
village market with areas devoted to calabashes, livestock, foodstuffs,
pots and particularly fine multi coloured mats. The mats are colourful
(with lots of orange) and much cheaper than those purchased from Jarji
Marji market in Yobe. From Kaduna
take the Zaria Rd
to Rigachikun. Turn left at the signs for Heritage University
which is very close to the small station on the defunct railway. Cross the
rail lines and then continue on this road, which is recently tarred,
towards Dogon Dawa. There is only one main junction on this road. There is
a road coming in on the LHS from the airport. Continue straight on for
about 15 Kilometres. The market is not clearly visible from the main road
but is in the village centre under the shade of large trees. You will need
to keep an eye open for people travelling to the market and for the
vehicles travelling to and from the market.
- Places to stay: Adriel Hotel. No.
4 Bank Rd (Beside Women Multipurpose Centre/Behind Savannah Bank
Building) Off Ahmadu
Bello. Tel: 062 21 456 Fax. 062-245486. Rooms N
8500 (classic room) up to N25, 000 (deluxe room) plus VAT. Rooms are
very clean and comfortable and have TV, air-con and video and
Crystal Garden Hotel. 103 Is Katie Rd, Kaduna.
Tel 062 218157-9 Fax 062 218160 Rooms N10,695 (double deluxe) up to
N23,575 (luxury VIP suite),
- Another place to stay is the Palm
View Hotel- "a new hotel in Kaduna that's small
(10 Bedrooms) but very pleasant and clean. Fridge and satellite in all the
rooms. Hotel has generator and water tanks, has a small restaurant prices
very fair and food good. No bar but beer and wine can be served. Manager
Mr Ford. No 12 Nagogo Road,
off Rabah Road
.Tel 062-211856. Always request an upstairs room as the ones downstairs
are near the reception and can get noisy with guests coming in for
bookings. Room Rates per night ; Luxury Suite - N 13,800 - Deposit N
15,200, Mini Suite - N 10,350 - Deposit N 12,000, Diplomatic Room- N 8,050
- Deposit N 9,500, Luxury Double Room - N 5,750 - Deposit N 7,000,
Standard Double Room - N 5,175- Deposit N 7,000"
- Restaurants include the French café (08055891204, Ali Akilu Rd - European and
Lebanese), Byblos
(Plot D. 80 Ahmadu Bello Way, Tel 062-241902 or 08033119480), Arewa
Chinese Restaurant (212380, Ahmadu Bello Way), Unicorn
Chinese Restaurant. (at Hamdala Hotel on Waff Rd), and Kunfung Chinese
Restaurant (08037008381, 5A Dallaji Street, Opp F.T.C Malali)
-
Rating:
Easy
Security:
Drive carefully
- many accidents happen on the road.
Gear:
As usual -
comfortable clothes and shoes, hat, sunscreen, water, snacks, photocamera.
Timing:
It takes about 2
– 2½ hours to get to Kaduna from Abuja.
Directions:
Nnambi Azikwe
expressway (inner ring road running from Apo
via Stadium to Maitama) in the direction of Maitama to end.
Left onto
expressway to Gwarimpa, Dutse, Bwari, Kubwa, and Suleja.
Between Kubwa
and Suleja – Right onto Kaduna, Zaria,
Kano
expressway.
Contact Info:
Event
coordinator – eventcoordinator