NIGER
The Republic of Niger is a landlocked country in west Africa named after the Niger River which is the third longest river in Africa after the Nile and Congo. The River flows through the west of the country and the origin of its name comes from the Toureag N’gehirren, meaning “River of Rivers”. The capital is Niamey, official and administrative language is French. It is surrounded by Libya and Algeria to the north, Chad to the east, Nigeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso and Mali to the north. Niger is the largest country in West Africa with land area of almost 1,270,000 Km (490,000 Sq mi). Over 80% of its land area lies in the Sahara desert. Some of the many ethnic groups are the Hausa, Djerma, Songhai, Toureag, Fulani, Kanori and Toubou.
HIGHLIGHTS
NIAMEY
Niamey is the capital of Niger, situated on the Niger River in the west of the country with a population of almost 1,5 million. It became capital in 1926, replacing Zinder. This city offers many historic places and much can be learned through the visit to the National Museum (one of the best in West Africa). It showcases beautiful Hausa and other traditional house styles, includes a zoo as well as artisanal workshops.
A peaceful boat ride away, with hippos always in sight, is the Boubon village, known for its colorful weekly market. Another beautiful day-trip from Niamey is the visit to the village of Kouré, home of last remaining species of giraffes in West Africa.
PARC NATIONAL DU W
This 9120 sq km parc, part of UNESCO World Heritage, is shared with Burkina Faso and Benin. IT offers diverse species of wildlife of West Africa: elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals and more than 300 species of migratory birds.
ZINDER
This former capital of Damagaram state or Niger until 1926 represents the second largest city in Niger. It was an important and famous caravan trade route of ivory, salt, slaves and gold in the 11th century. Nowadays the Sultan of Zinder still plays an important role in consulting the government for any major decisions in the town. The historic city offers a lot to visit: the Sultanate palace with decorated walls and doors, the old town of Zinder with many traditional houses built with adobe bricks, the regional Museum and the residence of Dr. Henrich Bart, the 17th century German explorer.
AGADEZ
Agadez was founded in the 11th century. For centuries, it was an important centre of nomads’ caravans crossing the desert. Today, parts of the city are classified as UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a center of Toureag cultural and nomadic festivals. Some of the city attractions include: great mud mosque dating back to 1515 (rebuilt in 1844), camel market including donkeys, sheep and goats, artisanal market famous for silver and leather objects as well as an ancient, richly decorated, baker’s house.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Area: 1 270 000 sq. km
Capital: Niamey
Country Code: 00227
Language: French, Arabic, Hausa, Sonrai, Fulani, Zarma, Tamacheq
Population: 22.44 million
Documentation | You will need a visa for most countries in West Africa with a valid passport at least 6 months longer than your visit. One cannot obtain a visa at the airport or border. Please contact your nearest Niger embassy to obtain your visa before travelling in the country.
Money | ATMs are available in the big cities. Euros and US dollars are the preference for foreign currency. The currency of all West Africa is the CFA franc, the exchange rate is generally: 1 euro = 655 Cfa, 1 US dollar = 580 Cfa
Religion | Around 95% of the population is Muslim.
When to travel | The best time for a visit over the whole country is from November to January, when you can expect fine weather and the Niger River is still navigable for river trips. July to September is an ideal time during the rainy season as the countryside is very green. March to June the hot and dusty Harmattan wind blows across the country.
Transportation | We ride in bush taxis or private 4WD vehicles, travel by pinasse (wooden traditional boat), by charter plane, and take donkeys and camels on the sands of the Sahara.