Dutse is the capital of Jigawa State, created in 1991 from part of Kano State. Its name means "rock" in Hausa, after the granite hills and boulders that surround the town.
Dutse is the seat of the Emir of Dutse and has grown from a small town into a planned state capital with a federal university. Jigawa's wetlands and ancient rock art sites are within reach.
Top things to do in Dutse
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Explore the granite hills
Large granite outcrops rise around Dutse and give good viewpoints over the town and the savannah, especially in the early morning and at sunset.
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See the rock paintings at Birnin Kudu
At Birnin Kudu, south-west of Dutse, rock shelters hold ancient paintings of cattle and other figures, among the best-known rock art sites in Nigeria.
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Visit the Hadejia wetlands
The Hadejia-Nguru wetlands, to the north-east of the state, are a vast floodplain of lakes and channels that support farming, fishing and huge numbers of birds, including migrants from Europe in the dry season.
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Visit the Emir's palace
The Emir's palace is the centre of Dutse's traditions and a focus of Eid celebrations and durbars.
Upcoming events in Dutse
See more events in Dutse
Festivals and culture
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the biggest celebrations, with durbars in emirate towns across Jigawa. Weddings and cultural events are common in the dry season.
Food to try
Try tuwo with miyan kuka, fura da nono, masa, kosai, kilishi and suya, and fresh fish from the wetlands.
Best time to visit
November to February is dry and cooler, and the best time for birdwatching in the wetlands. March to May is very hot. The rainy season runs from about June to September.
Getting around
Taxis, tricycles and motorcycle taxis cover the town. Dutse is about two hours from Kano by road and has an airport.
Questions about Dutse
What does Dutse mean?
Dutse means "rock" in Hausa, after the granite hills around the town.
Where can I see rock paintings in Jigawa?
At Birnin Kudu, south-west of Dutse, where rock shelters hold ancient paintings.
How do I find events in Dutse?
Browse upcoming festivals, conferences, parties and free events in Dutse on Shows.ng, and filter by today, this weekend or this month.
