Maiduguri Travel Guide

Edit Section - Maiduguri Travel Guide - Hotels & Restaurants

Maiduguri has a provincial feel compared to the other regional capitals of Nigeria. This is probably because Borno State is not as crowded as the other states. On the surface, Maiduguri seems like a calm place that welcomes visitors (which it has few of). The wide boulevards of the city are lined with trees, there are fewer cars and mopeds on the roads... and really, there is not much to do. News agencies do report of sectarian violence.

The Shehu's Palace, home of the traditional leader of the northern Nigerian tribes, is an absolute draw for visitors. You may even get lucky and meet the man himself. The recently built mosque on the square adjacent to the palace is also a sight for sore eyes. The majestic place of worship was built as a present from Saudi Arabia. Surrounding these cultural spectacles is the Shehu's Quarter, a dusty medieval labyrinth that is a delight to get lost in. The neighborhood is a maze of dirt paths and mud brick walls where the peppery smells of the day's cooking and the sounds of televisions blaring Arab music videos lingers on the narrow paths. The many children playing in the alleys keep an awe-struck distance.

The market has a section where you can record bootleg copies of such wondrous artists as the Shehu's Band and other music with traditional Sahelian instruments. The perfume section is also treat with scents made from the natural ingredients of the desert (lots of musk). The Nigerians Air Force Officer's Mess has a party on Friday nights where you can get beer... and meet the other Christians in town (mostly students from the university).

If you have a Lonely Planet map of Maiduguri, its is hopelessly wrong... just rip it out of your guide and ask for directions.

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