🇳🇬 Flights to Kano
Cheap Flights to Kano from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN). Dream Fare specialises in Nigeria routes with the best prices for Kano — one of Africa’s oldest cities and the cultural heart of Northern Nigeria.
Airlines to Kano
All Airlines Flying London to Kano
Kano is served via connections through major European, Middle Eastern and African hubs. We compare every routing to find your best price.
Baggage Allowances — London to Kano
| Airline | Cabin Bag | Hold Baggage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkish Airlines | 1 bag up to 8kg | 2 x 23kg | Generous two-piece standard economy |
| Egypt Air | 1 bag up to 8kg | 1 x 23kg | Extra bags purchasable at booking |
| Royal Air Maroc | 1 bag up to 10kg | 1 x 23kg | Extra bags purchasable at booking |
| Air France | 1 bag up to 12kg | 1 x 23kg | Included on standard fares |
| Qatar Airways | 1 bag up to 7kg | 2 x 23kg | Excellent for families with extra luggage |
When to Visit
Best Time to Visit Kano
Kano sits in Nigeria’s semi-arid Sahel region, giving it a distinct climate from the humid south, with a clear dry and rainy season. Nigeria is 1 hour ahead of GMT.
Best Season
Nov — February
Cool, dry and pleasant (15°C to 30°C), influenced by the Harmattan wind from the Sahara. The most comfortable time to explore Kano’s historic sites and markets, with low humidity throughout.
Hot Dry Season
March — May
Very hot and dry (28°C to 40°C) before the rains arrive. Intense midday heat but generally clear skies. Early morning and evening are the best times for sightseeing during this period.
Rainy Season
June — September
The main wet season brings regular heavy downpours (24°C to 32°C). The Sahel landscape turns green. Roads outside the city can become more challenging during peak rainfall periods.
Shoulder Season
October
The rains begin to ease, with warm and increasingly dry conditions (24°C to 33°C). A good transitional period offering pleasant weather before the cooler Harmattan season arrives.
About Kano
Kano — Ancient Heart of Northern Nigeria
Kano is one of Africa’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history stretching back over 1,000 years as a major trans-Saharan trading hub. The cultural and commercial heart of Northern Nigeria, Kano offers visitors an extraordinary blend of ancient Hausa heritage, vibrant Islamic architecture and one of the largest traditional markets on the continent.
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Kano City Walls
The ancient city walls of Kano, originally constructed in the 14th century and expanded over centuries, once stretched over 14km and remain among the most impressive surviving examples of pre-colonial African urban fortification. Several gates and sections of the wall can still be explored today.
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Kano Central Mosque
A magnificent centre of Islamic worship and architecture, the Kano Central Mosque (Kano Friday Mosque) reflects the deep Islamic heritage that has shaped Northern Nigerian culture for centuries, with its striking minarets visible across the historic city centre.
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Kurmi Market
One of the oldest and largest markets in West Africa, established over 500 years ago, Kurmi Market remains a vibrant centre of trade in leather goods, traditional textiles, spices and crafts, offering an authentic glimpse into the trans-Saharan trading traditions that built Kano’s wealth.
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Gidan Makama Museum
Housed in a former palace, this museum showcases Hausa history, traditional architecture and the rich cultural heritage of Kano and the surrounding emirates, providing essential historical context for understanding Northern Nigeria’s ancient and influential past.
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Traditional Hausa Craftsmanship
Kano is renowned for exceptional traditional craftsmanship, including indigo-dyed textiles, intricate leatherwork and distinctive Hausa architecture featuring beautiful geometric mud-relief patterns, particularly visible in the historic emir’s palace and surrounding buildings.
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Northern Nigerian Cuisine
Tuwo Shinkafa (rice flour pudding served with soup), Suya (spiced grilled meat skewers, a Northern Nigerian speciality enjoyed nationwide), Kilishi (a dried spiced meat snack), Miyan Kuka (baobab leaf soup) and fresh Fulani dairy products reflect the distinct culinary traditions of the Hausa-Fulani region.
Top Places to Visit Around Kano
Kano City Walls & Gates
One of Africa’s most impressive surviving examples of pre-colonial urban fortification — originally built in the 14th century and expanded over subsequent centuries, the walls once enclosed the entire ancient city. Several historic gates, including Kofar Mata, remain accessible and offer a tangible connection to Kano’s extraordinary trading past.
Kurmi Market
Established over 500 years ago and among the oldest markets in West Africa — Kurmi Market remains a thriving centre of traditional commerce, with traders dealing in leather goods, indigo-dyed textiles, spices and crafts much as they have for centuries, offering a genuinely authentic and immersive Northern Nigerian experience.
Emir’s Palace (Gidan Rumfa)
The official residence of the Emir of Kano, one of Nigeria’s most important traditional rulers, dating back to the 15th century. The palace complex showcases distinctive Hausa architecture and remains a centre of significant cultural and ceremonial importance within the city.
Kano Central Mosque
A striking example of Islamic architecture and a centre of worship reflecting the deep religious heritage of the region. The mosque’s prominent minarets are visible across much of the historic city, and visiting during prayer times offers insight into the rhythm of daily life in Kano.
Gidan Makama Museum
Housed in a beautifully restored former palace building, this museum documents the history of Kano and the wider Hausa civilisation, displaying traditional artefacts, photographs and exhibits that trace the city’s evolution from ancient trading hub to modern commercial centre.
Dala Hill
One of the oldest settlement sites in Kano, believed to be where the city’s earliest inhabitants first settled. The hill offers panoramic views across the historic city and surrounding Sahel landscape, providing important archaeological and historical context for Kano’s ancient origins.
Travel Tips
Kano Travel Guide
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Visa for Nigeria
UK citizens require a visa to enter Nigeria. Apply online at portal.immigration.gov.ng before travel, with options including a single-entry tourist visa. Processing can take several days to weeks, so apply well in advance. Dream Fare can advise on current requirements and the application process.
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Currency & Money
Nigeria uses the Nigerian Naira (NGN). Cards have limited acceptance outside major hotels — cash is essential for most transactions including markets and local transport. ATMs are available in central Kano but can be unreliable. Bring sufficient cash, ideally exchanged through official channels on arrival.
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Getting to Kano
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport is approximately 8km from the city centre, with taxi transfers available. Arrange airport pickup through your hotel where possible for the smoothest arrival experience, particularly for first-time visitors to Northern Nigeria.
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Getting Around Kano
Taxis are the most practical way to get around Kano, with fares negotiated before travelling. Many visitors arrange a local guide or driver through their hotel for visiting the historic sites, markets and emirate areas, which significantly enhances the experience and navigation of the older city districts.
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Weather in Kano
Kano sits in Nigeria’s semi-arid Sahel region, giving it a notably different climate from the humid south. November to February brings cool, dry Harmattan conditions (15°C to 30°C), while March to May is intensely hot before the June to September rainy season. Nigeria is 1 hour ahead of GMT.
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Culture & Etiquette
Kano is a predominantly Muslim city with deep Hausa-Fulani cultural traditions — modest, conservative dress is expected and appreciated, particularly for women. Hausa is widely spoken alongside English. Friday is the main day of prayer, affecting business hours and market activity. Respectful photography etiquette is important, especially around religious sites.
Flights to Kano FAQ
How do I fly from London to Kano?
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is one of the most established and reliable routings to Kano. Egypt Air via Cairo, Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca and Air France via Paris also offer good connections. Dream Fare will find the best routing for your travel dates to Northern Nigeria.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Nigeria?
Yes. UK passport holders require a visa to enter Nigeria. Apply online at portal.immigration.gov.ng before travel, as processing can take several days to weeks. Dream Fare can advise on current visa requirements and help with the application process for travel to Kano.
What is Kano famous for?
Kano is one of Africa’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, famous for over 1,000 years of trans-Saharan trade, its ancient city walls, the historic Kurmi Market, distinctive Hausa architecture and its role as the cultural and commercial heart of Northern Nigeria and the wider Hausa-Fulani civilisation.
Is Kano safe for UK tourists?
Check the latest FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nigeria before booking travel to Kano, as conditions can vary by region. Travelling with a reputable local guide or operator is strongly recommended, particularly for first-time visitors exploring the historic city and markets.
What is the best time to visit Kano?
November to February offers the most comfortable conditions, with cool, dry weather influenced by the Harmattan wind from the Sahara. This period provides the best visibility and comfortable temperatures for exploring the city walls, markets and historic sites without the intense heat of the dry season peak.
How much do return flights from London to Kano cost?
Return flights from London to Kano start from approximately £549 with Dream Fare. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is typically one of the most competitive options. Contact us on 020 8264 0018 for the latest fares and Northern Nigeria travel advice.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.