EXPLORE NIGER - DISCOVER AN EXCITING OFFBEAT HOLIDAY

As per archaeological evidence found in the regions of Niger, it is believed that the country has remained inhabited by humans since the Stone Age. Several hunter-gatherer tribes dwelled in the region for thousands of years. This was also the time when the sub-Saharan region was quite green and was a part of the Green Sahara. However, agriculture and other art forms like pottery developed during the Neolithic age when humans were living the life of a social animal. Local culture flourished gradually during this period.

It was in the early medieval period when the country witnessed the rise of different empires. Mali Empire, which is often considered the strongest ever in the region, ruled Niger from the 13^th century till the 15^th century. Songhai Empire centred on the Niger River also ruled the country between 1000 and 1591. The Sultanate of Air, Kanem-Bornu Empire, Hausa Kingdom and a few other small kingdoms also flourished until the 19^th century. This was the time when the country was developing at its own pace. Infrastructure was built and Niger slowly became an important centre of trade and politics in West Africa.

In the early 20^th century after the Europeans started sailing towards Niger, the country became a French colony. This foreign invasion led to the development of Niger on a large scale. They ruled the country for more than 50 years until eventually, Niger gained complete independence from France in the year 1960.

Spread over an area of about 1.2 million sq km, Niger has an amazing topographical landscape and is located in the western parts of Africa. Its diversity lies in the beautiful plains, desert areas, hills, forests and streams. That’s the reason the country is loved by some travellers across the world for its natural presence. Due to its diverse landscape, you have wonderful places to visit such as trekking trails, hiking spots, camping sites and more.

Niger is a landlocked country and hence, doesn’t have any coastline. The nearest beach to Niger is located in Nigeria. It is surrounded by Libya to the northeast, Nigeria to the south, Algeria to the northwest, Benin and Burkina Faso to the southwest, Chad to the east and Mali to the west.

Out of the total land area, about 0.02% make up for the water region here. The climate in Niger is desert to tropical and hence, it experiences extremely hot and dry weather.

The lowest point in the country is the Niger River at about 200 metres above sea level and the highest point is Mont Idoukal-n-Taghes at about 2022 metres above sea level.

The history of art and music in Niger isn’t quite old. Though there has been evidence of pottery and paintings present in the country thousands of years ago, the majority of the art and music scene here developed only after the Medieval Period. As France colonized Niger during the early 20^th century, the present form of art in the country is heavily influenced by the French culture and lifestyle.

The music of Niger has also developed over the centuries. It all started with local folk compositions developed by different ethnic groups. The presence of local music and art can be seen in the celebrations of regional festivals here. However, modern Niger music has taken its inspiration from France and other countries. Due to the effect of globalization, the art and music of Niger have become popular beyond boundaries.

Apart from Tuareg Blues and rap Nigerien, people also take great interest in jazz, pop, rock and others styles. The country also hosts many art and music festivals every year.

Niger cuisine isn’t one of the most popular cuisines in Africa, but it has its charm and flavours. As France has ruled the country for more than 50 years, its influence could also be seen in the local cuisine here. However, the basic traditional food in Niger is heavily based on spices, vegetables and meat. The staple foods here include millet, rice, beans, maize and sorghum. Porridge and dumplings are used as snacks in the country. However, with the advent of globalization, international cuisine is equally enjoyed in Niger.

People also love to drink in Niger along with their favourite meals. Tea is the most popular beverage in the country. However, beer is also relished to a great extent.

Jollof rice, Palm-nut soup, Shinkafa, Tattabara, Dodo, Moringa, soups, millet porridge

Laban, Tea and beer

Great hospitality is in the culture of Niger and hence, people in the country are quite friendly and welcoming. They are always kind and generous towards their guests. People in Niger despite being conservative perfectly know how to treat their guests and hence, always look forward to catering for their desires. The country makes for a happy and helpful crowd.

• Niger is one of the least-explored countries in the world and hence, one can roam around freely and explore several hidden places.
• Visit beautiful palaces and museums and learn about the ancient culture and lifestyle of Niger.
• Mingle with locals and come across cultures you have never heard of.
• Visit the capital city of Niamey and take shots of its beautiful setting on your camera.
• Explore the richness of Africa at the national reserves and parks of Niger and spot several rare species of plants and animals.
• Discover the hidden trails of Africa and bring home a lot of unforgettable memories.
• Partake in cultural and religious festivals and learn about the raw culture and lifestyle of Niger.
• Go offbeat and explore hidden trails of Africa in the unknown land of Niger.
• Sail the great waters of the River Niger and capture wonderful panoramas.
• Look into the locally prepared art and craft at street markets of Niger.

As Niger falls in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa, it experiences extreme weather throughout the year. Hence, most of the time in a year, Niger is hot and dry in its desert plains and dune areas. However, by the Niger River basin, the country experiences a bit of tropical climate. The dry season here is characterised by hot days and cool nights.

• April is the hottest month in Niger with an average temperature of about 41°C.
• January is the coldest month in Niger with an average temperature of about 32 °C.
• August is the wettest month in Niger with an average rainfall of about 42 mm.

If you are looking forward to making the most of your trip to Niger, then December to February is the best time to explore it. This is the time when you would find the weather quite pleasant and hence, your excursions won't witness the cruelty of extremely hot days. During these months, you would also be able to witness several species of plants and animals at its natural reserves and parks.

• Explore the rich flora and fauna of Niger at the Niger National Park and the Gadabedji Reserve.
• Spend time with family at the gardens and parks of Niamey.
• Take your kids to the museums and art galleries of Niger and let them understand the culture of the country.
• Visit the outskirts of Niamey and other cities to explore the countryside lifestyle of Africa.

• Explore the different art and craft markets of Niger.
• Discover the beautiful desert landscapes of Niger in its sub-Saharan region.
• Take a walk together in the hilly area of Niger and have a great time.
• Go on a shopping spree for wonderful souvenirs at Maradi.
• Catch extremely beautiful wildlife at W National Park.

• Explore the mazes and great streets of Zinder.
• Go offbeat and discover new places away from the regular tourist spots of Niger.
• Take beautiful photos of Niger’s desert landscapes.
• Mingle with locals and learn about the raw culture and lifestyle of the country.
• Visit the gorgeous Air Mountains and come across nomads and great wildlife.
• Witness the regional festivals of Niger and learn about different traditions.

• Taureg leatherwork
• Handmade jewellery
• Batik
• Tie-dyed Clothes
• Carvings
• Hausa handcrafts

There cannot be a better place in Niger than its National Museum to dig deep into the history of the country and learn about its past. Also called Musee National Boubou Hama, the National Museum of Niger houses a beautiful collection of ancient artefacts. Its great exhibitions attract visitors from across the continent and beyond. The museum was founded in the year 1959 and since then, it has been one of the most visited places in Niger. It also houses the remains of the Tree of Tenere.

Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm
Entry Price: $4- $5 per person

The ultimate place to witness the best of Niger wildlife is W National Park. It is spread across an area of about 10,000 sq km and hence, covers the land of neighbouring countries of Benin and Burkina Faso as well. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is frequented by wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. Apart from 454 species of plants, you get to witness large mammals like baboons, African buffalo, cheetah, bush elephant, African leopard, hippopotamus and more. Visit it and capture some of the best wildlife shots on your camera.

Timings: 07:00 am to 06:30 pm
Entry Price: $12 - $15 per person (including a fee of a local guide)

Agadez is a beautiful city with traditional houses lying in the Sahara Desert and is famous amongst tourists for its historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town served as a significant centre on the trans-Saharan trade route and hence, it is of great historical and cultural importance. Visit the Grand Mosque of Agadez or explore the old market lawns. Every corner in Agadez's historic centre speaks of its 1000-year-old tales. Also, explore the sandy landscapes of the Sahara Desert.

Timings: Anytime

Beautiful streets and narrow rustic lanes knit together to form a great maze, Zinder is one of the cities in Niger and is noted for its labyrinthine setting. That's why it is often visited by street photographers and explorers. Visit it and explore its settlement. The Sultan's Palace in Zinder is also a popular attraction that could share an insight into the history of the town. Also, take a tour of the museum here to get details about the development in the town.

Timings: Anytime
Entry Price: $15 - $20 per day per person

How can you leave Niger without witnessing the majesty of giraffes? And Koure Giraffe Reserve is the best place in Niger to go giraffe spotting. Here, you find the last surviving giraffe herd in the country and that's why it becomes more important for explorers and wildlife lovers to take its tour. The town also has sandy landscapes and green corners to explore. Hire a local guide as they would help you spot more species of animals and would also share details about the town.

Timings: 06:00 am to 05:00 pm
Entry Price: No fee ($8 - $10 per person for entrance to Koure Giraffe Reserve)

• Maradi
• Niamey Great Mosque
• Air Mountains
• Ayorou Market
• Nguigmi

Also called Cure Salee in Niger, Salt Cure Festival is one of the most celebrated ceremonies in the country. It marks the end of the rainy season and is held by Fulani and Tuareg ethnic groups. This is the time when people take their cattle on the grassy lands of Niger for food. Dancing, singing and drinking make for the major celebrations during the festival! A beauty contest is also held for women. Young men participate in Yaake events where they dance and flaunt their beauty to impress women.

Location : Across Niger
Date : 3 August

Guerewol Festival is one of its kind in West Africa and hence, it grabs the attention of numerous world explorers. The festival is all about celebrating the nomadic lifestyle and culture of Fula people of Niger. It is an annual ritual where young men dress up traditionally, apply paintings on their faces and dance and sing to impress women. It all happens under the scorching desert sun. Drinking is also a major part of Guerewol celebrations.

Location : In-Gall
Date : September

As Muslims form the majority of the population in Niger, Eid is one of the most-awaited and popular cultural festivals in Niger. It marks the end of the 30-day fast period called Ramadan and is one of the holiest times in the Islamic Calendar. This is the day when people break their fast, attend Eid prayers, and indulge in gift-giving ceremonies and more. People also wear new clothes and prepare traditional meals. This is the best time to witness cultural celebrations in Niger.

Location : Across the country
Date : May

• Easter
• Tabaski
• New Year’s Eve

As per the visa policy of Niger, every tourist is supposed to obtain a visa to enter the boundaries of the country unless they belong to a visa-exempt country. Below given are all the countries that are allowed to enter Niger or any other place in the country without any prior visa. The list includes:

Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hong Kong, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Tunisia

The country also allows transit without a visa for a maximum of 24 hours except for the following given nations:

Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Niger visa requirements are:

• A passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
• Return ticket
• Visa Application form
• Amount to support your stay
• Proof of accommodation
• Two recent passport-size colour photographs 

Citizens holding regular passports of all the other countries need to apply for a regular tourist visa to enter the boundaries of Niger.

Transportation in Niger isn't as easy as in other countries of Africa. However, buses are still available at major locations to commute between cities and towns. They are the cheapest means of transportation in the country. As buses provide comfortable rides too, they make for a decent option, especially if you are looking forward to travelling from one city to another via road and also don't desire to spend much on commuting. All the major cities in the country are well connected by buses.

If you do not desire to compromise with comfort at any cost, then taxis or private minivans would be perfect for you. They are available at all the major locations in Niamey and across all significant towns and cities in the country. Make sure you finalize the price before getting into the cab.

As of now, there is no rail service for the public in Niger.

The fastest way to reach Niger is by taking the air route. Located in the capital city of Niamey, Diori Hamani International Airport is the major airport serving the country. It is well connected to the other parts of the world. You can take direct flights from places like Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, Chad, Ethiopia Togo and France to reach Niger easily. If you are coming from some other country, then you can take a connecting flight to Niger.

As of now, there are no comfortable and decent bus services from other neighbouring countries to Niger. Hence, it is always advisable to rely on the air route.

As of now, there is no rail service available in the country for passengers.

• Niamey is the best place to stay in Niger if you are looking forward to enjoying great services and hospitality.
• Tipping is not so common in Niger; however, it is always appreciated. So, do not shy away from tipping your waiter.
• The best place to enjoy a wide range of traditional Niger meals is the capital city of Niamey.
• Do not rely on cards as they are not accepted at most of the places in the country.
• Head to unexplored paths of Niger to discover the hidden natural beauty of the country away from the tourist crowd.
• The cab is the best option if you want to explore different cities and towns in a minimum timeframe.
• Always keep cash with you. Do not completely rely on cards.
• Check about Niger weather before booking your tickets so that you figure out what to pack and whatnot.

• Get a local guide along if you are taking an offbeat road trip in the remote regions of Niger.
• While exploring around crowded places, keep a check on your belongings.
• Always carry a copy of your passport and a hotel card while exploring. It is helpful in case of emergencies.
• Save your drinks from getting spiked in public. Do not leave your food unattended, especially at crowded tourist places.
• Do not flaunt your valuables in public, especially at crowded tourist spots. Always leave them in your hotel room.
• Stay away from travelling through poorly lit streets. Women should avoid travelling at night alone.

• Get vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, shingles, measles, mumps, polio, chickenpox, rubella and pneumonia before flying.
• Get your journey insured to help you in case of medical emergencies.
• Tap water is not safe in Niger and hence, you must depend on bottled water.
• Keep insect repellent with you while exploring the remote parts of the country.
• Always eat at cafes and restaurants that are popular amongst locals.

• Travel documents
• Universal adapter
• Phone/Tablet/Laptop charger
• Sunscreen and Sunglasses
• Power Bank
• Bug spray
• Flip-flops and sandals
• Walking shoes
• Warm clothes for hilly areas
• Hat
• Masks
• Sanitizers

• Cover your head and shoulders while entering churches, mosques, temples and other sites of religious significance.
• Always use your right hand to greet people and shake hands with them.
• Do not make fun of local traditions and customs and do not talk ill of the country.
• Welcome people with happy faces and winsome smiles.
• Dress modestly for most of the people in the country are quite conservative and orthodox.

There cannot be a better weekend getaway from Niger than Nigeria. This beautiful rich country is filled with innumerable places that would soothe you to the core. Game reserves, islands, beaches, wildlife, museums and other historical sites are the major attractions here. Explore the natural reserve of Lekki Conservation Centre or crash the sands of Tarkwa Bay Beach. Visit the multi-tiered cascade of Erin Ijesha or explore the great nightlife of Victoria Island. Nigeria also has wonderful trekking and hiking places for adventurers.

Mali is one of the most beautiful landlocked nations in West Africa and has great sights to look forward to. Visit it and get the opportunity to explore the great Mosque of Djenne. Also, come across the great park and garden of Mali National Park, the rare collection of the National Museum and the archaeological site of Mount Hombori. Other significant places to visit in Mali include Gouina Falls, National Zoo, Djinguereber Mosque, Bafing National Park and Tomb of Askia.

Another great place that could be visited from Niger is the North African nation of Algeria. It is the largest country in Africa and hence, houses many important tourist destinations. The country has beautiful monuments, lush green gardens, ancient buildings, museums, mountains, ski resorts, seashores, cliffs, beaches and of course, greenery. The must-visit places in Algeria include Madagh Beach, Cap Carbon, Monument of the Martyr, Botanical Garden, Fortaleza de Santa Cruz, Djurdjura, Tikjda and more.

A landlocked nation bordering the Republic of Niger, Burkina Faso is another place that proves to be an amazing excursion for the country harbours several unmissable sites for tourists and explorers. Listen to untold legends of the country's history at the ancient Ruins of Loropeni. Get hypnotized by the untroubled nature of places like Cascades de Karfiguela and Pics de Sindou.

• Though Niger is an African country, it has French as its official language due to the influence of colonial rule in the past.
• Niger is one of the hottest places in the world and that’s why it is often termed as the Frying Pan of the World.
• The largest protected area in Africa is located in Niger as it is spread across more than 7 million hectares.
• Niger is one of the few places in the world where a dinosaur was discovered. It was named Nigersaurus and had a history of more than 100 million years.
• With an area of more than 1.2 million sq km, Niger is the largest nation in West Africa.
• Niger has got its name from the River Niger which flows through the country and is one of the longest rivers in Africa.
• Niger is quite rich in greenery and hence, it is home to a number of rare species of plants, animals and birds.

Country Calling Code: +227

General Emergency Numbers:

Police: 17

Ambulance: 15

Fire: 18

West African CFA Franc is the legal currency in Niger. It has been in use since 1945 after it replaced the franc as the official tender. Today, the West African CFA Franc is used for exchanging goods and services across the eight independent states of West Africa that includes Niger.

Symbol: CFA

Code: XOF

1 West African CFA Franc = 100 centimes

Few Togo money conversion rates for your reference (As of July 2021)

1 AED into Togo currency

1 AED = 150.47 XOF

1 USD into Togo currency

1 USD = 552. 71 XOF

West African CFA franc banknotes are generally available in the denomination of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000

West African CFA franc bank coins are generally available in the denomination of 1, 5, 10, 25, 100, 200, 250 and 500

Please note that the ROE is subject to change as per currency fluctuations

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