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Dufuna Canoe Discovery Site

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The Dufuna Canoe discovery site in Yobe State marks the location of one of Africa's most significant archaeological breakthroughs. The canoe was accidentally found in 1987 by a Fulani nomad while digging a well, leading to a subsequent excavation by a joint German-Nigerian team. Radiocarbon dating revealed the artifact to be approximately 8,000 years old (dating back to roughly 6,000 BC), making it the oldest known boat in Africa and the third oldest in the world. Carved from African mahogany, the canoe measures 8.4 meters in length and features remarkably thin walls and a sophisticated hydrodynamic shape. This discovery provides concrete evidence that the inhabitants of the Lake Chad basin possessed advanced woodworking skills and maritime knowledge as early as the Neolithic period. The canoe is currently preserved at the museum in Damaturu, but the discovery site remains a vital reference point for understanding the environmental history of the region when it was much wetter than today. The find fundamentally reshaped the narrative of technological development in early African history.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	26	29	33	34	32	29	27	28	28	26	23
Rain mm	0	0	0	4	21	66	139	202	90	16	2	0

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Dufuna canoe discovery site is an open-air archaeological site that can be visited freely. There are no visitor facilities; the spot is marked by an information board.

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Typical hours

As the site is unguarded, it is accessible at any time during daylight hours. Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended to avoid the heat.

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Photography

Photography is allowed without restrictions; the discovery site itself is unassuming, but the surrounding landscape is photogenic. The information board provides a good backdrop for historical shots.

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Time needed

The stay at the site is short - usually 15 to 30 minutes are enough. If you want to explore the area, you can stay longer.

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Combine with

Nearby are traditional villages of the Fulbe and Kanuri people, worth a visit. Archaeological sites in the Yobe region also offer further insights into Nigeria‘s early history.

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Getting there

The site is near Dufuna village in Yobe State and reachable by car or motorcycle on dirt roads. A local guide is helpful to find the exact location.

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Insider tip

Combine the visit with a trip to the region to experience the cultural diversity of northern Nigeria. Respect local customs and ask permission before photographing in villages.