Kano Cultural & Heritage City Tour

🚐 Pickup Available

🔒 Safe & Secure

🌍 Private Tour

↻ Free Cancellation

Tour Overview

Discover Kano, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most historically important cities, on a journey through its royal heritage, ancient trading traditions and distinctive northern culture. Explore the Gidan Makama Museum, Emir’s Palace area, Kofar Mata, ancient city walls and Kurmi Market while experiencing the history and character of this remarkable city.

Step into the history of ancient Kano, a city that flourished for centuries as an important centre of trade, scholarship and political power across the wider West African region. Explore historic locations connected with the old Kano kingdom and emirate, including the Gidan Makama Museum, ancient city walls and gates, and the surroundings of the Emir’s Palace.

Continue into Kano’s living cultural heritage through historic Kofar Mata and the bustling Kurmi Market, where traditional crafts, textiles, spices and everyday commerce reflect generations of trading culture. The experience connects royal history, architecture, markets and local traditions to reveal one of northern Nigeria’s most fascinating historic cities.

Explore Kano, one of Nigeria’s great historic cities.
Visit Gidan Makama Museum and discover Kano’s history.
Experience the historic surroundings of the Emir’s Palace.
Discover sections of Kano’s ancient city walls and traditional gates.
Visit historic Kofar Mata and learn about its cultural importance.
Explore Kurmi Market, one of Kano’s famous traditional markets.
Discover traditional crafts, textiles and northern Nigerian products.
Learn about Kano’s centuries-old trans-Saharan trading connections.
Experience distinctive Hausa culture, architecture and city life.
Discover the royal, commercial and cultural heritage of northern Nigeria.

We will pick you up from your hotel or agreed location in Kano.
Travelling from outside Kano? We can arrange your trip to Kano at your expense.
Begin with an introduction to the history of ancient Kano.
Visit Gidan Makama Museum and explore its cultural collections.
Continue to the historic Emir’s Palace area.
Discover Kano’s ancient city walls and traditional city gates.
Visit historic Kofar Mata and explore its heritage.
Continue through important areas of Kano’s old city.
Explore the colourful and historic Kurmi Market.
We will return you to your hotel or preferred drop-off point.

Private air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour.
Hotel or agreed-location pickup within Kano.
Return transfer after the scheduled tour.
Professional tour coordination throughout the tour.
Entrance to Gidan Makama Museum.
Scheduled visit to the Emir’s Palace area.
Scheduled Kofar Mata and old-city heritage experience.
Scheduled visit to Kurmi Market.
Applicable entrance fees and taxes for scheduled attractions.
Bottled drinking water during the tour.

International or domestic flights.
Accommodation and hotel expenses.
Nigeria visa or eVisa application fees.
Airport transfers unless specifically included.
Meals and beverages unless specifically included.
Crafts, textiles, souvenirs and market purchases.
Tips and gratuities.
Personal medical or travel insurance expenses.
Additional activities outside the confirmed programme.
Services not specifically stated as included.

Wear comfortable clothing and suitable walking shoes.
Modest clothing is recommended in keeping with local culture.
Some parts of the old city are best experienced on foot.
Respect local customs around royal and culturally significant locations.
Access to the Emir’s Palace may depend on official activities.
Photography may be restricted at certain royal or cultural locations.
Shopping at Kurmi Market is optional and purchases are not included.
Attraction access is subject to operating conditions on the tour date.
Tour timing may adjust for traffic or local operating conditions.
Need additional Nigeria eVisa assistance? You can reach out to us.

How do I book a tour?

Select your preferred travel date, enter the required booking details and complete your reservation through the booking form on this page.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Yes. Eligible bookings can be cancelled up to 48 hours before the tour for a full refund, subject to the applicable booking terms.

Can Samap Travels assist with visa or travel documentation?

Yes. Where applicable, we can provide booking-related documents and guidance to support your visa or travel arrangements.

How will I receive my booking confirmation?

Your booking confirmation and relevant tour information will be sent to the email address provided during booking.

Can I contact Samap Travels before my tour?

Yes. Our team is available to assist with questions and arrangements before your tour, including through WhatsApp.

From: $197.98

Secure your date now — final price updates automatically based on your group size and selected travel date.

1 Guest- $278
2–5 Guests- $229
6–10 Guests- $198
11–20 Guests- $168

✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour

💬 Need help before booking? Chat with us on WhatsApp

Google Reviews

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   carlos catalan tapia 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Se cumplio lo acordado en precio, la puntualidad y la atencion, a pesar de no hablar ingles fluido, estuvieron atentos a cualquier necesidad de mi parte
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Robert A 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Victoria was our tour lead and did an amazing job! She gave us a great history of Nigeria while also sharing some interesting background about the Lekki Conservation Centre Canopy. If you're looking for a great tour in Lagos and want to experience the canopy, I definitely recommend booking through Samap. You won't regret it, guaranteed!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Thomas Gersdorf 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service - thank you!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mytrail Wright 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Exceptional Service from Victoria and the Samap travel Team! I cannot say enough wonderful things about Victoria. From the very beginning, she provided outstanding customer service, professionalism, and attention to detail that made the entire travel experience seamless and stress-free. Victoria went above and beyond to ensure every aspect of our African travel arrangements was handled perfectly. Her knowledge of destinations, accommodations, transportation, and local experiences was impressive, and her recommendations made our trip truly unforgettable. She took the time to understand our needs and customized an itinerary that exceeded our expectations. The car service Mikal were equally exceptional. Lagos traffic isnt easy to maneuver but Mikael did so with ease!! Every transfer was punctual, reliable, comfortable, and professionally managed. Knowing that transportation was taken care of allowed us to focus on enjoying our journey without any concerns. What truly sets Victoria apart is her dedication to her clients. She was responsive, patient, and available to answer questions throughout the planning process and during our travels. Her passion for helping people create memorable experiences is evident in everything she does. If you are looking for a travel agency that specializes in African travel, provides dependable transportation services, and delivers personalized attention from start to finish, I highly recommend Samap travel team (Request Victoria)!!!. Their commitment to excellence made our trip an amazing experience, and I look forward to working with them again in the future. Thank you, Victoria, for making our travel experience truly outstanding! 🌍✈️🚗
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   edotruce 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A unique and eye-opening experience. Visiting Makoko offered a different perspective on Lagos and its people. The boat ride through the community was very interesting and gave me a deeper understanding of daily life in this remarkable part of the city. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Art Cimento 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I reached out to Samap Tours to organize a cultural tour of West Africa to add on to a birding trip in Ghana. Very easy to communicate via WhatsApp and advise on getting the necessary entry documents. I had three guides but the handoff worked fine. Easy to customize the itinerary using their 5 day West Africa tour as a starting point. Highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Johannes Funk 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I wanted to learn about Nigeria, but wasn't quite sure how to got about it, so I decided to book a three-day tour featuring some sights of Lagos (among othes, , the Badagry Slave Market, Nike Gallery, Makoko village and Lekki Conservation centre). I haven't regretted it! The communication was flawless, all activities were running gin time, the itinerary they put together made sense and gave me an impression of the country. Most importantly, in particular driver Michael and guide Victoria made the experience very fun and enjoyable! They took good care of me, answered all my questions and were very frank about the country. Plus: Victoria made extra sure to take enough photos for me to remember the trip (something I'm not always good at myself). I can absolutely recommend it!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Renee Bruns 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was a fantastic tour!  In a short period of time, we visited four countries and experienced an immense amount of culture.  Traveling in West Africa can be difficult, especially with border crossings and visa restrictions.  However, with the help of Samap Travels, we were able to successfully and painlessly cross each border.  We were guided in the process of getting our visas and making sure we were prepared at each border, which can be stressful for a novice traveler. This is a busy tour and you will be on the move, but it is worth it!  The tour guides we had were top notch and I couldn't have asked for better guides.  The sites we visited were well thought out and the culture and people of West Africa are something you will never forget.  If you're looking to get a taste of West Africa, this is a great tour!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kerstin P. 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very reliable tour adviser. We had a great experience in Makoko, Lagos. I would do it again with these agency people. Very warmhearted and friendly. Many thanks!!
  
 
  
  
 
 
      Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Why Book With Samap Travels

Trusted Local Expertise

Travel with experienced local professionals who understand the destinations, cultures and practical details of travelling across West Africa.

Dedicated Travel Support

Get reliable assistance before, during and after your tour, with our team available to help whenever you need us.

Authentic Local Experiences

Discover destinations beyond the usual tourist routes through carefully planned cultural, historical and local experiences.

Safe & Reliable Travel

Travel with carefully coordinated transportation, experienced local teams and dependable arrangements throughout your journey.

Essential Booking Information

Booking Confirmation

Booking confirmation will be sent by email immediately after your reservation is successfully completed.

↻ Flexible Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund, subject to the applicable booking terms.

Need Assistance?

Our team is available to help with booking questions, tour arrangements and other assistance you may need before your trip.

Private Tour Experience

Enjoy a more personal travel experience with dedicated arrangements designed around your booked tour.

Highly Rated on TripAdvisor

    
 
 
         
   Benjamin T 
 
 
 
 Verified Fun Safari had a great gaming view and an amazing touring guide
  
 
        
   Roam29738446678 
 
 
 
 Verified Great experience helpful staff Wonderfully unforgettable nature adventure
  
 
        
   Arthur C 
 
 
 
 Verified Interesting Piece of Slave Trade History The Badagry tour is an interesting addition to the slavery sites along the West African coast. It was a former slave who was given freedom in Brazil and went back to present day Nigeria to organize the departure of more slaves to Brazil. The tour has some hands on exhibits, building tours, then a boat ride to where the slaves were loaded on boats bound for the slave ships. A very educational and memorable experience.
  
 
        
   Borja C 
 
 
 
 Verified Makoko is safe, and need your support! I had an amazing tour of Makoko and the entire experience felt very safe, smooth, and perfectly organized from start to finish. A special thank you to the guides — Victoria, Ade, Ben, Respect, and Tobi — for their professionalism, kindness, and for making the visit so insightful and enjoyable. They made us feel comfortable at all times, and their local knowledge truly brought the experience to life. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Lagos and wanting to discover the real spirit of Makoko. Thank you again!
  
 
        
   ALICIA R 
 
 
 
 Verified Worth a visit! The experience was unique. Though a bit sad they’re starting to tear down parts of the community, it was interesting to see such a unique way of life.
  
 
        
   Carol B 
 
 
 
 Verified Oaxaca Adventure with Mija Matriz I recently joined Jewel Murphy and Mija Matriz's 9-day "Oaxaca Adventure with Mija Matriz". It was my 2nd time joining this small group (max 15), hotel-based adventure, and it was, once again, a 5-star experience. Both Jewel and Mija are deeply knowledgeable and passionate about the art and culture of the region. They make a great partnership, expert at finding and connecting with authentic talented artists and craftsmen to create a unique and exciting experience every year. Mija is a gifted artist and teacher who brings out the joy and beauty of each group members' art-making in our studio at Casa Colonial. Together, Jewel and Mija create a great chemistry for the group and the adventures. The Casa is a warm embrace of a hotel, with lovely attentive staff and fresh delicious home-cooking. I couldn't ask for a better stay in Oaxaca.
  
 
        
   dianinha m 
 
 
 
 Verified Sem dúvida a não perder Este é daqueles sitios imperdiveis a visitar em Lagos. Foi um dos marcos importantes na viagem do grupo pela Nigéria. Este bairro em palafita é uma imagem pungente da pobreza de uma parte da população. Requer que se vá com um guia local.
  
 
        
   alicia w 
 
 
 
 Verified My first experience in Lekki Today we had a wonderful time. We ordered transportation and Victoria and Michael came ahead of time and was nothing but pleasant and very professional. Answered questions and also gave us an insight of the attractions as I am not from Nigeria but my spouse is from a different part of Nigeria. They gave us a history which I totally enjoyed. Definitely I would use their services again as long as they’re around! The conservation center was interesting! Loved the atmosphere. The longest bridge tour was totally nerve wrecking but it was fun. Maybe me personally will do it again
  
 
        
   Simon G 
 
 
 
 Verified Highly recommend Mr. Respect is a great leader within community. Safe, interesting and sometimes shocking tour. Short but intense experience. Highly recommend. Greetings!
  
 
        
   Pedro S 
 
 
 
 Verified Makoko is a must see in your lifetime Amazing experience with the local guides where you can actually see how the people live and how they spend their day to day life. Highly recommend it

Ready to Explore West Africa?

Let Samap Travels take care of the details while you focus on enjoying an unforgettable journey.

Benjamin T

Fun Safari had a great gaming view and an amazing touring guide

Roam29738446678

Great experience helpful staff Wonderfully unforgettable nature adventure

Arthur C

Interesting Piece of Slave Trade History The Badagry tour is an interesting addition to the slavery sites along the West African coast. It was a former slave who was given freedom in Brazil and went back to present day Nigeria to organize the departure of more slaves to Brazil. The tour has some hands on exhibits, building tours, then a boat ride to where the slaves were loaded on boats bound for the slave ships. A very educational and memorable experience.

Borja C

Makoko is safe, and need your support! I had an amazing tour of Makoko and the entire experience felt very safe, smooth, and perfectly organized from start to finish. A special thank you to the guides — Victoria, Ade, Ben, Respect, and Tobi — for their professionalism, kindness, and for making the visit so insightful and enjoyable. They made us feel comfortable at all times, and their local knowledge truly brought the experience to life. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Lagos and wanting to discover the real spirit of Makoko. Thank you again!

ALICIA R

Worth a visit! The experience was unique. Though a bit sad they’re starting to tear down parts of the community, it was interesting to see such a unique way of life.

Carol B

Oaxaca Adventure with Mija Matriz I recently joined Jewel Murphy and Mija Matriz's 9-day "Oaxaca Adventure with Mija Matriz". It was my 2nd time joining this small group (max 15), hotel-based adventure, and it was, once again, a 5-star experience. Both Jewel and Mija are deeply knowledgeable and passionate about the art and culture of the region. They make a great partnership, expert at finding and connecting with authentic talented artists and craftsmen to create a unique and exciting experience every year. Mija is a gifted artist and teacher who brings out the joy and beauty of each group members' art-making in our studio at Casa Colonial. Together, Jewel and Mija create a great chemistry for the group and the adventures. The Casa is a warm embrace of a hotel, with lovely attentive staff and fresh delicious home-cooking. I couldn't ask for a better stay in Oaxaca.

dianinha m

Sem dúvida a não perder Este é daqueles sitios imperdiveis a visitar em Lagos. Foi um dos marcos importantes na viagem do grupo pela Nigéria. Este bairro em palafita é uma imagem pungente da pobreza de uma parte da população. Requer que se vá com um guia local.

alicia w

My first experience in Lekki Today we had a wonderful time. We ordered transportation and Victoria and Michael came ahead of time and was nothing but pleasant and very professional. Answered questions and also gave us an insight of the attractions as I am not from Nigeria but my spouse is from a different part of Nigeria. They gave us a history which I totally enjoyed. Definitely I would use their services again as long as they’re around! The conservation center was interesting! Loved the atmosphere. The longest bridge tour was totally nerve wrecking but it was fun. Maybe me personally will do it again

Simon G

Highly recommend Mr. Respect is a great leader within community. Safe, interesting and sometimes shocking tour. Short but intense experience. Highly recommend. Greetings!

Pedro S

Makoko is a must see in your lifetime Amazing experience with the local guides where you can actually see how the people live and how they spend their day to day life. Highly recommend it

carlos catalan tapia

Se cumplio lo acordado en precio, la puntualidad y la atencion, a pesar de no hablar ingles fluido, estuvieron atentos a cualquier necesidad de mi parte

Robert A

Victoria was our tour lead and did an amazing job! She gave us a great history of Nigeria while also sharing some interesting background about the Lekki Conservation Centre Canopy. If you're looking for a great tour in Lagos and want to experience the canopy, I definitely recommend booking through Samap. You won't regret it, guaranteed!

Thomas Gersdorf

Excellent service - thank you!

Mytrail Wright

Exceptional Service from Victoria and the Samap travel Team! I cannot say enough wonderful things about Victoria. From the very beginning, she provided outstanding customer service, professionalism, and attention to detail that made the entire travel experience seamless and stress-free. Victoria went above and beyond to ensure every aspect of our African travel arrangements was handled perfectly. Her knowledge of destinations, accommodations, transportation, and local experiences was impressive, and her recommendations made our trip truly unforgettable. She took the time to understand our needs and customized an itinerary that exceeded our expectations. The car service Mikal were equally exceptional. Lagos traffic isnt easy to maneuver but Mikael did so with ease!! Every transfer was punctual, reliable, comfortable, and professionally managed. Knowing that transportation was taken care of allowed us to focus on enjoying our journey without any concerns. What truly sets Victoria apart is her dedication to her clients. She was responsive, patient, and available to answer questions throughout the planning process and during our travels. Her passion for helping people create memorable experiences is evident in everything she does. If you are looking for a travel agency that specializes in African travel, provides dependable transportation services, and delivers personalized attention from start to finish, I highly recommend Samap travel team (Request Victoria)!!!. Their commitment to excellence made our trip an amazing experience, and I look forward to working with them again in the future. Thank you, Victoria, for making our travel experience truly outstanding! 🌍✈️🚗

edotruce

A unique and eye-opening experience. Visiting Makoko offered a different perspective on Lagos and its people. The boat ride through the community was very interesting and gave me a deeper understanding of daily life in this remarkable part of the city. Highly recommended.

Art Cimento

I reached out to Samap Tours to organize a cultural tour of West Africa to add on to a birding trip in Ghana. Very easy to communicate via WhatsApp and advise on getting the necessary entry documents. I had three guides but the handoff worked fine. Easy to customize the itinerary using their 5 day West Africa tour as a starting point. Highly recommended!

Johannes Funk

I wanted to learn about Nigeria, but wasn't quite sure how to got about it, so I decided to book a three-day tour featuring some sights of Lagos (among othes, , the Badagry Slave Market, Nike Gallery, Makoko village and Lekki Conservation centre). I haven't regretted it! The communication was flawless, all activities were running gin time, the itinerary they put together made sense and gave me an impression of the country. Most importantly, in particular driver Michael and guide Victoria made the experience very fun and enjoyable! They took good care of me, answered all my questions and were very frank about the country. Plus: Victoria made extra sure to take enough photos for me to remember the trip (something I'm not always good at myself). I can absolutely recommend it!

Renee Bruns

This was a fantastic tour! In a short period of time, we visited four countries and experienced an immense amount of culture. Traveling in West Africa can be difficult, especially with border crossings and visa restrictions. However, with the help of Samap Travels, we were able to successfully and painlessly cross each border. We were guided in the process of getting our visas and making sure we were prepared at each border, which can be stressful for a novice traveler. This is a busy tour and you will be on the move, but it is worth it! The tour guides we had were top notch and I couldn't have asked for better guides. The sites we visited were well thought out and the culture and people of West Africa are something you will never forget. If you're looking to get a taste of West Africa, this is a great tour!

Kerstin P.

Very reliable tour adviser. We had a great experience in Makoko, Lagos. I would do it again with these agency people. Very warmhearted and friendly. Many thanks!!