Hadejia is a historic town in Jigawa State on the Hadejia River. It was the capital of the Hadejia emirate, one of the emirates of the Sokoto Caliphate, and is the seat of the Emir of Hadejia.
The town is the gateway to the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands, a huge floodplain of lakes, channels and grasslands where the Hadejia and Jama'are rivers spread out. The wetlands are internationally recognised for their birdlife and support thousands of farmers and fishermen.
Top things to do in Hadejia
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Explore the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands
The wetlands flood after the rains and slowly shrink through the dry season, creating lakes and marshes rich in fish and birds. Local guides can arrange boat trips and walks.
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Go birdwatching
In the dry season, the wetlands host large numbers of waterbirds, including ducks, herons, storks and waders, along with migrants from Europe and Asia.
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Visit the Emir's palace
The Emir of Hadejia's palace is the centre of the emirate's traditions and the setting for its durbar during Eid.
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See river life
Fishermen work the Hadejia River with canoes and nets, and the floodplains are farmed for rice, wheat and vegetables in the dry season.
Upcoming events in Jigawa
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Festivals and culture
The Hadejia durbar during Eid features horsemen in ceremonial dress saluting the Emir. Fishing activities on the wetlands and weddings are other highlights of the local calendar.
Food to try
Try fresh fish from the river and wetlands, tuwo with miyan kuka, local rice, fura da nono and kilishi.
Best time to visit
November to February is dry, cooler and the best time for birdwatching. March to May is very hot. The rainy season runs from about June to September.
Getting around
Tricycles and motorcycle taxis cover the town. Hadejia is about three hours from Kano by road. Wetland trips are best arranged with local guides.
Questions about Hadejia
What are the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands?
They are a large floodplain of lakes and marshes in Jigawa and Yobe states, formed by the Hadejia and Jama'are rivers, important for birds, fishing and farming.
When is the best time for birdwatching in Hadejia?
The dry season, from November to February, when migratory birds arrive and waterbirds gather on the shrinking lakes.
How do I find events in Jigawa State?
Browse upcoming festivals, conferences, parties and free events in Jigawa State on Shows.ng, and filter by today, this weekend or this month.
