It couldn’t be any other way. We were so impressed by Nigeria’s rich culture and the kindness of its people that we’re going back for the Durbar Festival again this year. A unique experience you can’t miss.
The Hausa culture, originating from northern Nigeria and southern Niger, is one of the richest and oldest in Africa. They are known for their deep Muslim faith and a cultural legacy that includes music, art, and architecture as key distinguishing elements.
A notable aspect of their culture is the Durbar Festival, an annual event celebrating equestrian skill and loyalty to the emir. Historically, the festival symbolized loyalty and readiness for war; today, however, it celebrates important Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice).
During Durbar, participants dress in colorful clothing and turbans, and perform impressive displays of horsemanship. This festival, which dates back to the 14th century, coincides with Muslim holidays and is an opportunity for the Hausa community to showcase its rich cultural heritage and equestrian prowess. The spectacle includes thousands of adorned horses, nobles in their finest attire, musicians, and magicians parading through the streets to pay homage to the Emir. The turbans (Rawani) are a distinctive element of this procession, signifying social status and nobility. A captivating backdrop for a photographic journey.
The festival also features ‘hyena men’, who perform street shows with trained wild animals, such as hyenas and baboons.
An event where you can photograph the essence of Hausa culture, from vibrant attire and equestrian demonstrations to traditional architecture, opening a window into a world full of history and tradition.
Departure by Ethiopian Airlines flight to Kano.
Night on board
Arrival in Kano and after the formalities of entry into the country, meeting with the local guide, travel to Dutse Jigawa State.
Accommodation at Hotel A.D
After breakfast, we will be escorted to the old Palace, where we will have an official meeting with His Royal Highness and members of the Palace. Introduction to the Emirate and its small but beautiful old town with an ancient stone wall, special day of current Hausa military history with parades of horses known as Durbar. Dozens of riders will pay tribute to the Emir with a parade through the streets of Dutse. This is an amazing opportunity to take pictures of different decorated horses and stunning royals riding them in their best outfits.
Accommodation at Hotel A.D
After breakfast, we will be escorted to Government House, Dutse, where we will have an official meeting with His Excellency, Mallam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State and senior government officials for another Durbur.
Around 11:00 am, transfer to Kano, then transfer to Tahir hotel, Kano to drop off luggage and drive to the Palace of the Emirs, Kano.
In the afternoon, introduction to the richest and second oldest Hausa emirate in Nigeria, Kano, with more than 10 million souls, is a walled city that can still transport the traveler to medieval times, when this place was one of the centers of world trade, in the afternoon we will again enjoy another wonderful Durbar of Kano.
Accommodation at Hotel A.D
Breakfast, drive to the oldest Hausa Zaria Emirate in Northern Nigeria, known in the local language as Zazzau, another walled city with beautiful ancient architecture to admire, we will visit the Central Market and walk through the old town to enjoy the atmosphere and discover different architectural treasures, then we will head to the Royal Palace to meet the Emir or one of his representatives. Here we will learn about the current role of these monarchs in Nigeria, then another Durbar in the Palace.
Accommodation at Hotel A.D
Breakfast, return to Kano, transfer to Tahir hotel to drop off luggage, we will head to Gidan Dan Hausa’s Meseum, a magnificent example of early 20th century Hausa architecture with an excellent collection inside, here. We will introduce the Hausa culture and architecture, then the Kano Central Mosque, the gate to the old city and the Kurmi Market. Within the old quarters, we will visit the dying pits and leather dealers, ancient industries that have endured to the present. Gidan Makama Palace, the former Palace of the Emirs, now transformed into a Museum, we will learn about Hausa society and culture and finally we will see dambe, a kind of Hausa street boxing, whose origins date back to the tenth century.
Accommodation at Hotel A.D
Breakfast, we will head to the Emirs Palace for the Durbar and other cultural activities.
Return to the hotel for lunch.
In the afternoon, we will head to the Palace of the Emirs, Kano, for the last day of the Durbur, different from the morning.
Accommodation at Hotel A.D
Breakfast and transfer to the airport.
Night on board
First thing in the morning we will arrive in our home city.
End of our Nigeria Photo Tour, Durbar Festival.
Single room supplement €350
If the group is between 8 and 9 people there is a supplement of €150.
If the group is between 6 and 7 people there is a supplement of 250€.
The double rooms in Nigeria are a single large bed, – there are not two beds – so you will have to share with a partner or take a single.
Contact the PhotoTravel team by filling out the booking from the website or by email to info@phototravel.es, you can also do it by phone at +34 616 22 42 82.
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