Trip to northern Nigeria in October 2024 ► Gerewol and Emirates

Trip from 5 to 12 of October 2024 (8 d. / 7 n.) / TRIP COMPLETED

Last Places have designed this trip to northern Nigeria in October 2024 with the objective of getting to know the Hausa people's culture. To achieve it, we will visit the emirates of Kano, Zaria and Dutse, where we can admire old Hausa-style adobe palaces as well as meet members of royalty. During this time of year, the Durbar Festival parades are usually held in the emirates, so we will try to attend the ones in Kano and Zaria. We will also have the opportunity to experience the Gerewol Festival of a nomadic Mbororo community. In addition, we will enjoy the show of a clan of 'hyena men' and witness a Sharo ceremony of a Fulani community.

Download the itinerary for this trip to northern Nigeria in October 2024

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The guide for this trip to northern Nigeria will be Leonardo Paoluzzi, an expert in West African cultures.

Discover the highlights of this trip to northern Nigeria in October 2024

► We will discover the culture of the Hausa people

During this trip to northern Nigeria in October 2024, we will visit the Kano, Zaria and Dutse emirates to immerse ourselves in the culture of the Hausa people.

Durbar Festival

The Durbar Festival is a cultural, religious and equestrian celebration held annually, usually coinciding with major Muslim festivities. It was born as military parades on 14th century. During the celebration of the Durbar Festival, each noble house parades before the Emir, acting as a regiment, to demonstrate their loyalty to him as well as displaying that they are ready to defend him in the event of war.

Hausa architecture

It stands out for its adaptation to the dry and hot ecosystem, since its thick walls keep the interior cooler and more insulated. Hausa architecture is full of colorful motifs and decorations. The complexity of the decoration of the facades usually demonstrates the wealth and social position of the owner.

Dambe boxing

Dambe boxing is a traditional martial art of the Hausa people. During the fight, the competitors try to subdue the opponent until one of them achieves total submission, mainly in three rounds.

► We will experience the Gerewol Festival

We will attend the Gerewol Festival of a nomadic Mbororo community near the city of Dutse. It is a unique ceremony in which young men decorate their faces and put on their best clothes to flirt and attract young women.

► We will attend a 'hyena men' show

On this trip to northern Nigeria in October 2024, we will have the opportunity to witness the show of a clan of 'hyena men'. This is a cast of masters in the technique of taming wild animals, which is used to entertain at special celebrations and to recover the custom of magic in rural areas.

► We will witness a Fulani Sharo Festival

In the Fulani community of Kantoga, we will be able to witness a Sharo Festival. During this event, young men hit each other with sticks to demonstrate their bravery and strength.