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Niger Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know

Niger, a landlocked country in West Africa, offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path travel experience for adventurous tourists. With a vast expanse of desert landscapes, traditional nomadic cultures, and stunning natural wonders like the Sahara Desert’s dunes and the picturesque Air Mountains, Niger beckons travelers seeking an authentic African adventure. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of the Tuareg and Wodaabe peoples, explore ancient caravan routes, and witness the enchanting beauty of desert oases. Niger is a destination that promises to captivate with its rugged charm and timeless traditions.

What’s the Best Time to Visit? 📅

The best time to visit Niger as a tourist largely depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to undertake. Niger experiences a hot desert climate, so it’s important to consider the weather and temperature when planning your trip. Here are the two main seasons to consider:

• Dry Season (November to February): This is generally considered the best time to visit Niger. During the dry season, the weather is more moderate and comfortable, with cooler temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall. It’s an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the desert landscapes. Daytime temperatures are typically in the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit (20s to 30s Celsius), making it more comfortable for sightseeing and cultural experiences.
• Hot Season (March to May): The hot season in Niger can be extremely challenging for tourists, as temperatures can soar well above 100°F (37°C) during the day. It’s scorching hot, and outdoor activities can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous due to the extreme heat. Travel during this time is generally not recommended for most tourists.
• Rainy Season (June to September): Niger experiences a rainy season characterized by heavy rains and high humidity. This season can make travel difficult due to flooded roads and impassable terrain, especially in remote desert areas. Traveling during the rainy season is not advisable for most tourists.

It’s important to note that Niger’s desert climate can lead to significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, so packing clothing for both warm days and cool evenings is advisable. Additionally, if you plan to visit remote desert areas or engage in activities like camel trekking, it’s essential to be well-prepared for the desert environment.

Ultimately, the dry season, particularly from November to February, is the most comfortable and suitable time for tourism in Niger. However, be sure to check the weather and travel advisories before planning your trip, as conditions can vary from year to year.

What’s the Best Way to Get Around? 🚌

Getting around Niger as a tourist can be a unique and sometimes challenging experience due to its vast desert landscapes and limited transportation infrastructure. Here are some of the best ways to get around Niger:

• Domestic Flights: Niger has several domestic airports, including the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, which is the largest. Domestic flights can be a convenient way to cover long distances quickly. They connect major cities like Niamey, Agadez, and Zinder.
• Buses and Shared Taxis: In urban areas like Niamey, you can find buses and shared taxis (known as “bush taxis”) for local transportation. However, they may not always be the most comfortable or reliable option for longer journeys.
• Car Rentals: Renting a car can provide flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan to explore remote areas. Be prepared for rough road conditions, and it’s advisable to rent a 4×4 vehicle for desert travel.
• Camels: In desert regions, particularly around Agadez, camel trekking is a traditional mode of transportation. It offers a unique and authentic desert experience.
• Motorbikes and Scooters: In some urban areas and towns, you can hire motorbikes or scooters for short trips within the city.
• River Transport: Niger has several navigable rivers, and river transport can be an option for some regions. The Niger River, in particular, is used for transportation.
• Walking and Trekking: In certain areas, walking or trekking may be the only viable way to explore remote desert landscapes and traditional villages. Guided treks are available.
• Travel Agencies and Tour Operators: Consider booking tours and transportation through reputable travel agencies and tour operators. They can arrange desert safaris, cultural tours, and transportation to remote areas with experienced guides.

It’s important to note that transportation infrastructure in Niger can be limited and road conditions can be challenging, especially in remote desert regions. Travelers should be prepared for long journeys, have sufficient supplies of water and food, and ensure their vehicles are in good working condition when embarking on desert trips. Additionally, it’s advisable to check the latest travel advisories and consult with local authorities or tour operators for guidance on safe travel routes and conditions.

What’s the Official Language?

The official language of Niger is French. Here are some basic French phrases and words that can be helpful for tourists traveling to Niger:

Basic Phrases:

• Hello – Bonjour (bohn-zhoor)
• Goodbye – Au revoir (oh reh-vwahr)
• Please – S’il vous plaît (seel voo pleh)
• Thank you – Merci (mehr-see)
• Yes – Oui (wee)
• No – Non (noh)
• Excuse me / I’m sorry – Excusez-moi (ehk-skew-zay mwah)
• What is your name? – Comment vous appelez-vous ? (koh-mah voo zah-play voo ?)
• My name is [Your Name] – Je m’appelle [Your Name] (zhuh mah-pehl [Your Name])
• How much is this? – Combien ça coûte ? (kohm-byen sah koot ?)
• Where is…? – Où est… ? (oo eh… ?)
• I don’t understand – Je ne comprends pas (zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah)
• Help – À l’aide (ah layd)
• Water – Eau (oh)
• Food – Nourriture (noo-ree-toor)
• Bathroom / Toilet – Toilette (twah-let)
• Hospital – Hôpital (oh-pee-tahl)
• Police – Police (poh-lees)
• Numbers: Learn numbers from 1 to 10 at a minimum to help with basic transactions.

Useful Words:

• Hotel – Hôtel (oh-tell)
• Restaurant – Restaurant (reh-stoh-rawn)
• Market – Marché (mar-shay)
• Money – Argent (ahr-zhahn)
• Bus – Autobus (oh-toh-boos)
• Airport – Aéroport (ay-air-oh-poh)
• Taxi – Taxi (tak-see)
• Pharmacy – Pharmacie (fahr-mah-see)
• Post Office – Bureau de poste (byoor-oh duh pohst)
• I need help – J’ai besoin d’aide (zhay buh-zwahn dayd)
• I’m lost – Je suis perdu(e) (zhuh swee pair-doo)
• How are you? – Comment ça va ? (koh-mah sah vah ?)
• I’m fine – Ça va bien (sah vah byen)
• Good morning – Bonjour (bohn-zhoor)
• Good evening – Bonsoir (bohn-swahr)
• Good night – Bonne nuit (bohn nwee)
• Excuse me, where is…? – Excusez-moi, où est… ? (ehk-skew-zay mwah, oo eh… ?)

Learning a few basic French phrases will not only assist you in navigating Niger but also show respect for the local culture and make interactions with locals more enjoyable. Additionally, while French is the official language, Niger is culturally diverse, and many local languages and dialects are spoken across the country, especially in rural areas.

Where to Stay? 🏨

In Niger, tourists can find accommodation options in major cities and towns, although the choices may be more limited compared to some other destinations. Here are some places to consider for lodging while visiting Niger:

• Niamey: As the capital and largest city, Niamey offers the most diverse range of accommodations. You can find hotels ranging from budget to luxury options. Some popular areas to stay in Niamey include Plateau, where many government buildings and embassies are located, and the Corniche area along the Niger River, known for its scenic views.
• Agadez: This historic town in northern Niger is a gateway to the Sahara Desert and offers a unique desert experience. Accommodations in Agadez may be more basic but provide a rustic charm that immerses you in the desert culture.
• Tahoua: Located in central Niger, Tahoua is known for its colorful market and nearby Kourfey dunes. While accommodations in Tahoua are limited, you can find guesthouses and small hotels for your stay.
• Maradi: Maradi, in the south-central part of the country, is a bustling commercial center. It offers a few hotels and guesthouses, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the region.
• Zinder: Zinder, the second-largest city in Niger, has a historical old town with traditional architecture. It offers some accommodation options, including hotels and guesthouses.
• Guided Tours and Desert Camps: When embarking on desert safaris or tours into remote desert areas, some tour operators provide mobile desert camps or accommodations in traditional nomadic tents. This offers a unique and immersive desert experience.
• Homestays: In rural areas, consider arranging homestays with local families to experience Niger’s culture and hospitality firsthand. This can be arranged through tour operators or local communities.
• Online Booking Platforms: Utilize online booking platforms to find and reserve accommodations in advance, especially in Niamey. They often provide user reviews and ratings to help you make informed choices.

It’s important to note that Niger may not have the same level of tourist infrastructure as some other countries, so accommodations, especially in remote areas, may be more basic. Be sure to check the availability of amenities such as air conditioning, hot water, and reliable electricity when booking. Additionally, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance, particularly during the peak tourist season, to secure your stay.

What to Eat? 🍽️

Nigerien cuisine reflects the country’s diverse cultures and nomadic traditions. While dining options may be more limited compared to some other destinations, there are several delicious and must-try foods in Niger for tourists looking to experience local flavors. Here are some of the dishes to savor:

• Jollof Rice: Jollof rice is a West African staple, including Niger. It consists of seasoned rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s often served with chicken, beef, or fish and is a favorite at celebrations.
• Riz Gras: Similar to Jollof rice, Riz Gras is a flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s often prepared with meat, vegetables, and palm oil.
• Thiéboudienne: Although originating from neighboring Senegal, this fish and rice dish is popular in Niger. It features fish (usually tilapia) cooked with rice, vegetables, and a tomato-based sauce.
• Dambou: A traditional Nigerien dish, Dambou is made from millet flour and is similar to couscous. It’s often served with a rich sauce made from peanuts, okra, and spices.
• Bouillie: A breakfast favorite, Bouillie is a creamy porridge made from millet or maize. It’s sweetened with sugar or honey and often flavored with spices like cinnamon.
• Tô: Tô is a stiff porridge made from millet or sorghum flour. It’s typically served as an accompaniment to various sauces, stews, and soups.
• Brochettes: Brochettes are skewered and grilled meat, commonly served as street food. They are marinated in a flavorful sauce and often accompanied by spicy pepper sauce.
• Yam Fries: Fried yam slices, often seasoned with spices, are a popular snack in Niger.
• Bread Sandwiches: In urban areas, you can find sandwiches made with French baguettes filled with various ingredients like omelets, vegetables, and meat.
• Millet Beer: Try millet beer, a traditional alcoholic beverage made from fermented millet. It’s commonly enjoyed in rural areas.
• Fruits: Niger offers a variety of fresh fruits, including mangoes, guavas, oranges, and bananas. Enjoy them as a refreshing snack.
• Fulani Tea: Experience Fulani tea, a sweet and milky tea traditionally prepared by the Fulani people. It’s often flavored with spices like ginger.
• Fresh Fruit Juices: Sip on fresh fruit juices, which are widely available in markets and local eateries. Popular options include watermelon, orange, and pineapple juices.
• Street Food: Explore street food stalls for a taste of local snacks like fried bean cakes (acara), roasted maize, and fried plantains.

When dining in Niger, you’ll often eat with your right hand or use flatbread to scoop up sauces and stews. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for their recommendations, as they can guide you to the best places to savor these authentic Nigerien dishes.

What to See? 🔍

Niger offers a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and historic sites for tourists to explore. Here are some must-see places to visit when traveling in Niger:

• Air Mountains (Massif de l’Air): This stunning mountain range in northern Niger features dramatic landscapes, including rugged peaks, canyons, and rock formations. It’s an ideal place for hiking, photography, and cultural encounters with Tuareg communities.
• Agadez: The historic town of Agadez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved mud-brick architecture. Explore the ancient town, visit the Sultan’s Palace, and take a camel trek into the desert.
• W National Park: This UNESCO-listed national park in the southeast of Niger is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and numerous bird species. It offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and safaris.
• Sultan’s Palace in Zinder: Visit the impressive Sultan’s Palace (Palais du Sultan) in Zinder, a city renowned for its architectural heritage. The palace is an excellent example of Sahelian mud-brick architecture.
• Niamey: Niger’s capital city, Niamey, offers a range of attractions, including the National Museum, the Grand Mosque, and the bustling Grand Market. Stroll along the Niger River’s Corniche area for scenic views.
• Aïr and Ténéré Natural Reserves: These UNESCO World Heritage Sites encompass the vast desert landscapes of the Sahara, including the iconic Ténéré Tree, known as the “Tree of Ténéré.” Explore the mesmerizing desert scenery and nomadic culture.
• Djado Plateau: Located near the Libyan border, the Djado Plateau is known for its ancient rock art, petroglyphs, and abandoned settlements. It’s a remote and historically significant region to explore.
• Dosso: This town in southwestern Niger is famous for its colorful market and vibrant atmosphere. It’s an excellent place to experience Nigerien culture and traditions.
• Kaouré Giraffe Reserve: Located near Niamey, this reserve is home to the last population of West African giraffes. You can observe these graceful creatures in their natural habitat.
• Diffa Region: Visit the Diffa Region in southeastern Niger, known for its beautiful scenery, including the Komadugu Yobe River, and experience the unique cultures of the region’s diverse ethnic groups.
• Ayorou: This small town on the Niger River is famous for its picturesque sunset views over the river. Take a boat ride to appreciate the natural beauty and local culture.
• Koure Island: Explore Koure Island, known for its scenic landscapes and the presence of the West African manatee, a rare and endangered aquatic mammal.
• Birni N’Konni: This town is known for its vibrant animal market, where you can witness the trading of livestock, including camels, cattle, and goats.
• Mangoro Gorge: Located near Niamey, this picturesque gorge offers hiking opportunities and the chance to see rock formations and cave paintings.
• Fachi and Bilma: These oasis towns in the Sahara Desert are known for their palm groves, salt mines, and the ancient tradition of salt caravans.

When traveling in Niger, it’s important to be well-prepared, especially if you plan to explore remote desert regions. Guided tours and local guides can enhance your experience and help you navigate the unique landscapes and cultures of this West African country.

What to Do? 📸

Niger offers a range of exciting and culturally enriching activities for tourists looking to make the most of their visit. Here are some must-do things when traveling in Niger:

• Camel Trekking: Experience the Sahara Desert on a camel trek. You can embark on guided camel expeditions into the dunes of the Air Mountains or explore the vast desert landscapes.
• Attend a Tuareg Festival: If your visit coincides with a Tuareg festival, such as the Cure Salée, don’t miss the opportunity to witness traditional music, dances, camel races, and cultural celebrations.
• Visit Local Markets: Explore local markets in cities and towns to immerse yourself in Niger’s vibrant culture. Markets like Niamey’s Grand Market offer a colorful array of goods, from textiles to spices.
• Stargazing in the Sahara: The clear desert skies make Niger an excellent destination for stargazing. Spend a night under the stars and witness the beauty of the Milky Way.
• Learn About Tuareg Culture: Engage with Tuareg communities to learn about their nomadic way of life, traditional craftsmanship, and intricate jewelry-making.
• Explore Ancient Rock Art: Discover the ancient petroglyphs and rock art found in the Djado Plateau and other desert regions. These prehistoric carvings offer a glimpse into Niger’s rich history.
• Safari in W National Park: Take a safari in W National Park to spot diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, and numerous bird species. It’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
• River Cruises: Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the Niger River, which offers a unique perspective of the country’s landscapes and communities.
• Taste Local Cuisine: Savor traditional Nigerien dishes like Jollof rice, Riz Gras, and grilled brochettes. Try Fulani tea and local millet beer for an authentic taste of Niger.
• Visit Historic Sites: Explore historic sites like the Sultan’s Palace in Zinder and the ancient town of Agadez, both of which offer insights into Niger’s cultural heritage.
• Hike in the Air Mountains: Go hiking in the Air Mountains to witness dramatic landscapes, visit traditional villages, and enjoy breathtaking views of the desert.
• Attend a Wrestling Match: Experience Niger’s traditional sport of wrestling, which is a popular and entertaining pastime. Local wrestling matches often draw enthusiastic crowds.
• Learn About Salt Caravans: In the Bilma region, discover the ancient tradition of salt caravans, where salt is mined from the desert and transported by camels.
• Take a Dip in Oasis Pools: Cool off in the natural pools found in desert oases like Timia and Gougaram. These serene spots offer a refreshing break from the desert heat.
• Interact with Locals: Engage with the friendly and hospitable Nigerien people to learn about their way of life, traditions, and daily routines.
• Birdwatching: Niger is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a wide variety of bird species. Bring binoculars and a field guide to identify the many species you may encounter.
• Explore Underground Villages: Discover the unique underground dwellings of the Kanuri people in the region of Bilma, known as troglodyte villages.
• Photography: Capture the striking landscapes, vibrant markets, and rich cultural traditions of Niger through photography. Be sure to ask for permission before photographing people.

When visiting Niger, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, particularly when interacting with communities and participating in cultural events. Hiring local guides and using reputable tour operators can enhance your experience and help you navigate the challenges of desert travel.

Culture and Safety 🦺

Traveling to Niger as a tourist offers a unique opportunity to experience West African culture and explore stunning desert landscapes. However, it’s essential to be aware of cultural norms and safety considerations to ensure a rewarding and safe trip. Here are some cultural and safety tips for traveling to Niger:

• Respect Local Traditions: Niger is culturally diverse, with numerous ethnic groups, including the Tuareg and Fulani. Be respectful of local customs, dress codes, and traditions. When visiting villages or participating in cultural events, ask for permission before taking photos.
• Greetings: Greet people with a friendly “Bonjour” (good morning) or “Bonsoir” (good evening) in French-speaking regions. Handshakes are common, but use your right hand or both hands, and follow local customs for greetings.
• Dress Modestly: In many areas of Niger, particularly in rural and conservative regions, modest dress is appreciated. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites and rural villages.
• Language: French is the official language, but there are also many local languages and dialects spoken. Learning a few basic French phrases can facilitate communication and show respect for the local culture.
• Bargaining: Bargaining is common in markets and when shopping at street stalls. Be prepared to negotiate prices, but do so respectfully and with a friendly attitude.
• Food Etiquette: When dining with locals, it’s customary to wash your hands before and after a meal. Meals are often eaten with the right hand without utensils in some regions.
• Religion: Respect religious practices and places of worship. If entering a mosque or church, dress modestly and remove your shoes if required.
• Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas. Some people may prefer not to be photographed.
• Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, leaving a small tip, around 10% of the bill, is customary. Tipping guides and drivers on tours is also appreciated.
• Travel Advisories: Check for travel advisories and stay informed about the current political and safety situation in Niger. Register with your embassy or consulate if required.
• Health Precautions: Consult a healthcare provider for recommended vaccinations and health precautions before your trip. Malaria is prevalent in Niger, so take appropriate preventive measures.
• Security: Niger faces security challenges in some regions, particularly near its borders. Be cautious when traveling near border areas and follow local advice and restrictions.
• Road Safety: Road conditions in Niger can be challenging, with poorly maintained roads and limited road signs. Exercise caution when driving, especially in rural areas.
• Water Safety: Use bottled or purified water for drinking and brushing teeth. Avoid consuming untreated tap water.
• Emergency Contacts: Familiarize yourself with local emergency contact numbers for medical services, authorities, and your embassy or consulate.
• Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuations, and theft or loss of belongings.
• Wildlife Safety: When exploring national parks and reserves, follow the guidance of park rangers and guides. Maintain a safe distance from wild animals and avoid feeding them.
• Local Customs: Be aware of local customs and respect them, particularly when visiting rural areas and interacting with indigenous communities.
• Cultural Awareness: Be mindful of cultural sensitivities, particularly regarding public displays of affection, dress codes, and appropriate behavior in different settings.

By respecting local customs and being aware of safety precautions, you can have a fulfilling and secure experience while traveling in Niger. Engaging with local communities and embracing the country’s cultural diversity will enhance your trip and create lasting memories.

In conclusion, a visit to Niger is a journey into the heart of West Africa’s desert landscapes and rich nomadic cultures. With its awe-inspiring Sahara Desert vistas, ancient traditions, and welcoming communities, Niger offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. From the mesmerizing sand dunes to the lively Tuareg festivals, Niger beckons adventurous travelers to explore its hidden treasures and embrace the beauty of its untouched landscapes. It’s a destination that leaves a lasting imprint of discovery and appreciation for the African wilderness and its resilient people.

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Introducing Niger

About niger.

• Images of Niger
• History, language & culture
• Weather & geography
• Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

• Travel to Niger
• Where to stay

While you’re there

• Things to see & do
• Shopping & nightlife
• Food & drink
• Getting around

Before you go

• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free

Book your flights

Niger travel guide

One of the world’s poorest nations, Niger might be a challenging destination to travel around, but rewards abound for those willing to persevere. And with political stability returning to this West African nation, it is slowly opening up to tourists.

A country shaped by Saharan trade routes, visitors came and went through this land for centuries, leaving behind them a wonderful fusion of Arab and African traditions.

Agadez and Zinder sprung up along these now defunct routes and today these cities retain their ancient mercantile charm. Comprised of beautiful adobe dwellings, their labyrinthine streets are home to bustling markets, which sell pottery, leather and other decorative pieces. Zinder is also renowned for its extravagant Ramadan festival, during which horsemen can be seen riding through the streets in the most flamboyant fashion.

Unlike Agadez and Zinder, Niger’s capital, Niamey, was never a site of trans-Saharan trade, and remained relatively unimportant until the 20th century. It continues to be possibly the least-hurried and most relaxed capital in the region. Situated on the lush banks of the Niger River, from which the country takes its name, Niamey is the commercial centre and a great place to delve into local life.

Niger’s biggest cultural event, however, occurs out in the desert town of Ingall. At the end of the rainy season the town’s population of 500 swells to several thousand as Tuareg and Wodaabe nomads attend the annual Cure Salée festival. The centrepiece is the Wodaabe gerewol, during which unmarried men adopt extravagant makeup and sing rhythmic chants in the hope of impressing a future bride.

Naturalists are also well catered for in Niger, which is home to a number of national parks, most famously W Regional Park, a haven for lions, leopards, elephants, baboons and much more. Ultimately, though, it’s Niger’s ancient cities, time-honoured festivals and nomadic culture that make this friendly country so beguiling.

1,267,000 sq km (489,191 sq miles).

20,715,285 (UN estimate 2016).

14.2 per sq km.

President Mohamed Bazoum since 2021 was removed in a military coup in July 2023. General Abdourahmane Tchiani is head of the new National Council for Safeguarding the Fatherland, since July 2023.

Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zène since 2023.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

FCDO advises against all travel to Niger

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

FCDO advises against all travel to Niger, including the capital city of Niamey, for security reasons.

Security situation in Niger

There has been a military takeover in Niger, which has led to protests and unrest.

These protests may be violent and the security situation could change quickly without warning.

Travel within or out of Niger is at your own risk. The  FCDO  cannot offer advice on the safety of travelling to any departure point within Niger. 

Nigerien airspace has reopened, however there could be disruptions to commercial flights from Niamey’s Diori International Airport at short notice.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .  

British Embassy in Niger

The British Embassy in Niamey does not offer consular assistance. Consular support is provided from the British Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria. They cannot provide in-person assistance.

Help and support  

If you are a British national in Niger and need assistance, contact  FCDO ’s 24-7 services in Lagos by telephone on +234 (1) 277 0782 and select option 2 for consular services for British nationals.

If you are in the UK and worried about a British person in Niger, you can call  FCDO  in London 24-7 on 020 7008 5000.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers
• disabled travellers

LGBT+ travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Niger set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Niger Consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Niger. 

Passport validity requirements

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity is needed.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You will need a visa to enter Niger. You can apply for a visa from the Nigerien Consulate in Milton Keynes.

Visit the  consulate’s website  for application forms, payment, and more information on requirements.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Niger guide .

All arrivals in Niger require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Niger. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Niger is a cash-based society. Credit cards are rarely accepted even in hotels and restaurants visited by international clients. There are few ATMs. Banks accept travellers cheques. You will have to produce your passport and the receipt for the cheques from the issuing bank.

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety advice for regions of Niger .

There is a high threat of terrorist attacks globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Niger

Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Niger.

There is a heightened risk of attack in Niamey. Attacks could be indiscriminate and occur without warning, including in places visited by foreigners. You should be especially vigilant and where possible avoid places frequented by foreigners, such as: 

• diplomatic premises
• conference centres
• locations popular with tourists and foreigners
• sporting and cultural events
• shopping centres
• transport hubs
• religious sites and places of worship, particularly churches
• national parks and nature reserves; including the Parc du W
• foreign, national or local government buildings
• large crowds

There may be a heightened risk of attack during election periods and religious festivals including the month of Ramadan.

You should be vigilant, monitor announcements and local media, and follow the advice of local authorities.

There have been multiple recent attacks in Niger, particularly in the Diffa and Tillabéri regions. Notable recent attacks include:

• on 2 October 2023, terrorists killed around 30 soldiers in Takanamat, Tahoua
• on 30 September 2023, terrorists killed 33 soldiers in Imbalagan, Tillaberi
• on 16 August 2023, terrorists killed 30 civilians in the Kandadji region, Tillaberi
• on 1 February 2023, terrorists killed 18 people in an attack on a refugee camp in Tillia, Tahoua
• in 2022, an IED explosion took place in Bougoum (approximately 5km from Niamey city limits) killing 2 civilians
• in 2022, a Gendarme Post in Bougoum was attacked by armed individuals on motorbikes

Terrorist kidnap

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release. 

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal. 

There’s a very high threat of kidnapping by AQ-affiliated and other regional Islamist groups. These include Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) and Islamic State Greater Sahara (ISGS), who operate throughout Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso; and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) and Boko Haram who operate in the Lake Chad Basin. Criminal groups also carry out kidnaps.

Westerners have been kidnapped in Niger and the wider Sahel region, including in Niamey and the north and west of Niger. In October 2020 an American was kidnapped (and rescued shortly after) in Massalata near the border with Nigeria. In September 2018, a Catholic priest was kidnapped in Makolondi, 125km south-west of Niamey. An aid worker was kidnapped in the Tillabéri region of Niger in April 2018.

If you’re working or travelling in Niger, you should be aware of the risk of terrorist kidnapping. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, including when travelling. You should be particularly vigilant when walking (in Niamey, you should not cross the bridges over the River Niger on foot at any time), in crowded public places, including camps for displaced people, religious gatherings and insecure spaces like places of worship, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, night clubs, restaurants, nature reserves and national parks, and transport hubs. You should make sure you have carefully considered the threat and have reasonable, proportionate mitigation measures in place.

Political situation

On 26 July, the Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP) launched a military coup which has led to protests and unrest.

The President of Niger, His Excellency Mohamed Bazoum of the PNDS political party, has been detained since 26 July.

Protests, marches and demonstrations can occur with little prior notice and can be violent. If you become aware of any protests, marches or demonstrations, you should move away from the area immediately, as the atmosphere can change quickly and without warning.

Levels of crime, especially in the capital Niamey, are high. Thefts, robberies and residential break-ins can occur at any time. Take sensible precautions to keep important items like money, passports, jewellery and mobile phones safe.

The areas around the Gaweye Hotel, National Museum and Petit Marché in Niamey are particularly prone to muggings. Avoid walking alone there, and do not cross the bridges over the River Niger on foot at any time. Be vigilant when walking anywhere in the city. Walking at night is more dangerous as there’s a lack of street lighting.

There have been attacks on people, including westerners, as they are leaving banks and ATMs. Be careful when using ATMs on the street, never do this at night-time, and if possible use the ATMs available in most large hotels. 

Car thieves often target 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Make sure car doors are locked at all times.

Banditry, smuggling and other criminal activity is common in border areas (particularly Maradi, Tillabéri and Diffa). You should take special care and avoid crossing borders after dark.

There have also been hold-ups and robberies on public buses between Tahoua and Agadez and between Agadez and Arlit. In some cases people have been killed.

British nationals are increasingly being targeted by internet and other scams. The scams come in many forms – romance and friendship, business ventures, or work and employment opportunities. Victims are at great financial risk.

Laws and cultural differences

Niger is a Muslim country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. Be aware of your actions and dress in case they offend, especially during the month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas.

If you commit a crime you will be subject to local law. Local prison conditions are harsh.

Personal ID

You should carry identification at all times. This would normally be your passport or residence permit. If you drive outside the main towns, authorities are very likely to ask you to produce identification.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. In 2024 Ramadan in Niger is expected to be from 11 March to 9 April. During this time, do not:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.    

Using cameras in secure areas

Do not photograph military or government installations.

There is no law criminalising same-sex sexual activity in Niger. However, there are laws under the Penal Code of 1993 covering ‘public outrage against modesty’ and ‘immodest or unnatural acts’. An ‘unnatural act’ with a person of the same sex who is under the age of 21 can be punishable by a fine of up to 100,000 francs and up to 3 years imprisonment. Although we are not aware of any prosecutions under this legislation, attitudes within society towards LGBT+ people can be discriminatory.

There are no laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and no legal recognition of same-sex couples.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Transport risks

FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Niger. Travel within or out of Niger is at your own risk. The  FCDO  cannot offer advice on the safety of travelling to any departure point within Niger.

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Niger, see information on driving abroad .

You can drive in Niger using a  1968 International Driving Permit ( IDP )  for up to 3 months. If you’re staying longer than 3 months, you will need to get a Nigerien licence.

You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. You can buy an IDP in person from some UK post offices – find your nearest post office branch that offers this service.

Carry your UK driving licence and car registration documents with you at all times.

Road safety

The main roads between Niamey and other large towns are generally satisfactory by African standards, but some roads are pot-holed, conditions are often worse during and just after rainy season. Driving standards are poor. Vehicles often drive without lights at night and there is little street lighting.

Travel around Niger can be difficult, and conditions are poor for overland travel. Avoid travelling between towns at night.

Aim to use local travel agents and guides when travelling outside main towns and in desert areas. An approved local travel agent can arrange all the necessary permits for your journey and give details of your itinerary to the local authorities. Travel in convoy and carry an independent satellite phone. Make sure you have a supply of drinking water and food.

There have been reports of landmines being used in Burkina Faso on the road between Ouagadougou and Niamey. Seek local advice before making this journey.

In the case of an accident, you should go immediately to the nearest police station to file a report. Crowds can gather quickly and you may be vulnerable if you remain at the scene. Medical help in the event of an accident is likely to be limited.

Public transport

Avoid using buses or taxis where possible.

Buses operate on routes between Niamey and other large towns, but distances are long and buses are prone to mechanical failure. There have also been hold-ups and robberies on public buses. See ‘Crime’.

Taxis are available, but are often in poor mechanical condition. Driving standards are poor.

Air space has now re-opened, although flight options may be more limited and could change at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for the latest information. 

Flights within Niger remain limited.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards . 

Floods and landslides

The rainy season in Niger is from June to October. Torrential rains can cause floods and landslides. Monitor local weather reports and expect difficulties when travelling to affected areas.

This section has safety advice for regions of Niger. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .

Northern and eastern Niger

Local authorities are extremely sensitive about foreigners travelling out of Tahoua to other parts of Niger in the east and the north.

These roads in northern Niger are permanently closed to tourists, except with special authorisation:

• Chirfa (Djado) / Djanet (Algeria)
• Achouloma (north Djado) / Salvador Pass (Libya)
• Adrar Bous (north Aïr) / Djanet (Algeria)
• Adrar Bous (north Aïr) / In Azawa (Algeria)
• Agadez / Arlit / Iferouane
• Agadez / Tahoua

The MNJ armed group has launched attacks in the north including the use of landmines, and Islamist terrorist groups have previously launched attacks in Agadez, Arlit and against a prison in Niamey. Attacks against tourists are known to take place at El Meki between Agadez and Timia. The Aïr and Ténéré regions are particularly prone to attacks.

An official curfew has been implemented by the authorities in the whole of the Diffa region since 2014. Since 2019 this has prohibited the movement of motorised vehicles from 8pm to 6am. There is also a general curfew from 10pm to 6am.

Western Niger

A state of emergency has been in place in the urban municipality of Tillabéri since 2019. The movement of motorbikes and cars is banned from 7pm to 6am, and the movement of pedestrians is banned from 10pm to 6am. Public meetings are banned, unless expressly permitted by the authorities. Defence and security forces are authorised to carry out searches, and to check IDs, both day and night.

Following an attack in 2020 which killed 6 French nationals and 2 Nigeriens in Kouré, Tillabéri, a state of emergency is in place for the whole of Tillabéri apart from Niamey.

A state of emergency has also been in place in Ouallam, Ayorou, Bankilare, Abala and Banibongou (Tillabéri region) and Tassara and Tillia (Tahoua region) since 2017.

Southern Niger

A state of emergency is in place in the states of Borno and Yobe in Nigeria, which border Niger. The border areas of the Maradi region are increasingly prone to banditry. Kidnap for ransom and robberies are commonplace.

In 2020 an American was kidnapped (and later rescued in a US military operation in Nigeria) in Massalata near the border with Nigeria.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 15 and ask for an ambulance.

Public emergency services can be slow to respond. Some private medical clinics also have ambulance services.

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccination recommendations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Niger guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Niger

Medical facilities are poor, even in Niamey. Serious medical treatment would require evacuation to Europe. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Private hospitals and clinics include:

• Polyclinic Magori (+227 2074 1291, or +227 2074 3347 in an emergency)
• Clinique Gamkalley (+227 9696 4886, or +227 2073 4639 in an emergency)

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Niger

Ambulance: 15

Police: 17  

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking  lawyers
• dealing with a  death abroad
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Niger and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Consulate in Lagos who provide consular assistance for Niger.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Book a Hotel

© Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2024

Home » Travel Guides » Niger » 15 Best Places to Visit in Niger

15 Best Places to Visit in Niger

Before we extoll its beauties, let’s get the gritty side of Niger out of the way. Beset by military juntas and tribal uprisings and other terrorist groups now marauding through the states of Central Africa, Niger has never been and still isn’t the safest of places to explore. Travelers under its spell should bide their time, check FCO warnings and wait; with luck, one day, this great cut-out of the Sahel and Sahara will once more open its doors and borders.

Until then we can only pine. So, pine we shall. Pine for the undulating dunes and the shifting sea of sands that is the Ténéré Desert. Pine for the mud-brick mosques of towns like Agadez. Pine for the winding alleyways of Zinder; the energetic markets of Balleyara, and for the old regal homes of onetime monarchic Dosso.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Niger :

A maze of tight-knit lanes and hidden streets weaves and winds to form the hard-to-navigate heart of Zinder.

Meanwhile, the Sultan’s Palace towers over the town with its great adobe architectural achievements.

And that’s not even mentioning the bustling bazaar, which stretches as far as the eye can see – it’s easy to believe it was once one of the busiest camel caravan stops on the trans-Saharan route! Yep, Zinder comes top for many reasons: its rich history of French rule, tribal culture and trading; its mercantile energy; its sheer, raw African beauty.

In short: not to be missed.

More than 1.3 million people live, work and play in the capital city of Niamey, making it the veritable human heart of Niger.

The city straddles the courses of the Niger River in the south-west, and bustles with fantastic open air markets, and a surprisingly heady nightlife scene after dark (check out the beer joints around Yantala Ancien – and remember the strict drinking laws as you do!). International eateries touting pizzas and pastas mix with the spicy creations of the African kitchen too, while the bulbous blue domes of the Grand Mosque are simply not to be missed!

Boasting nearly 1,000 years of history and steeped in tales of Sahelian camel caravans, the Ottomans (believe it or not!), and the old Songhai imperialists, enthralling Agadez certainly has a story to tell.

The town is found smack bang in the heart of the country as a whole, surrounded by the sun-scorched dunes of the Sahara Desert and the endless yellow of the sand sea.

It’s formed from a grid of narrow streets and adobe, mud-brick homes.

The centerpiece has to be the earthen minaret of the central mosque, which mimics the great landmarks of the desert towns of Mali to the west.

4. W National Park

Unquestionably the most famous national park in all of Niger, the W National Park has also attained that coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site tag, which it was awarded on account of its unique display of transition habitats between the savannah and the West African woods.

Just one fragment of the huge W Transborder Park that crosses into Burkina Faso and Benin, it’s made up primarily of dusty bushland.

And the animals? Well, suffice to say you should get the camera ready for a medley of baboons and African buffalo, giraffes, leopards, lions and more!

After just three hours on the rumbling dust roads from the capital you could find yourself alighting in the charming river town of Ayorou, one of the top draws of Southwestern Niger.

Known for the surrounding riparian habitats that encompass the settlement, Ayorou itself sits on its very own island, where the mosque and marketplaces both make their home too.

In fact, the bazaar is a great place to start your travels here, searching through the curious folk remedies and sampling simple Sahel street food, all before breaking out to see the hippos splashing and lazing in the muddy waters nearby.

6. Abaaba National Park

Established back in 1987 for the sole purpose of protecting the endangered animals that make this territory their home, the Abaaba National Park has remained firmly off the radar for nature-loving travelers making their way through this land on the join of the Sahel and Sahara.

That doesn’t mean it’s not worth the trip though.

There are forests of low-lying acacia trees and semi-savannah plains aplenty, all crisscrossed by herds of bucks and elephants.

The territory is also important on the conservation front, as one of the last remaining habitats of the uber-rare black rhino.

The gateway to the aforementioned Abaaba National Park and the easternmost settlement in the whole of Niger, the town of Nguigmi buts up the banks of cross-border Lake Chad with its humble air strip and pretty city mosque.

The whole place oozes the character you’d expect of a far-flung desert town, with camel caravans coming and going every day of the year.

The small settlement is also home to the tribal groups of the Kanuri people, the Daza and the Wodaabe-Fulani – many of whom are some of the few remaining examples of Niger’s fascinating pastoral communities.

For most travelers, Maradi – the third-largest city in the whole country – will be just an administrative stop; to switch transports or stock up before heading out to the historic richness of Zinder, or to the Nigerian border to the south.

However, those who linger will discover a town that hardly feels like any other urban destination in the nation; a place of (relative) economic prosperity and buzzing markets, oozing confidence and panache.

Head down to the Grand Marché to haggle your way through shamanic jewelry and magic charms like lizard tails and the like.

There’s also the awesome palatial home of the tribal leader: the Maradi palace, rising in grand styles on one of the central squares.

Traditionally the place where the Tuareg tribes of the northern desert lands fused with the Fulani folk of the southern reaches of the country, the town of Tahoua is where two of the major cultural identities in Niger can be seen mingling, mixing, and – most importantly of all – trading their wares.

The market here really does take center stage, so be sure to head down and see its buzzing stalls and the endless wealth of carved totems and witch doctor’s trinkets there.

The place is also known as one of the country’s phosphate mining hubs – so don’t be surprised if there’s a clutch of unattractive industry too.

Bulbous pink pomegranates, blood-red and orange citrus fruits, and bountiful clusters of watermelons are might not what you’d expect to see this deep in the heart of the Sahara Desert, but the far-flung town of Timia tells a different story.

Fed by an oasis for the entire year, the little clusters of low-rise cottages is surrounded by verdant fields of orchards and agricultural ground.

They stretch along the length of the valleys that carve through the heart of the Air Mountains, popping up here and there in a bloom of date palms, or a crash of green grasses.

Travel to Timia is intrepid, and promises fulfilling encounters with the desert nomads and villagers of the region.

Kouré is the place to go giraffe spotting.

Encompassed by hot and sandy Sahelian landscapes, the tiny town has its claim to fame in the long-necked creatures that stalk its backcountry.

They are said to be the last remaining complete giraffe herd in all of West Africa; an honor which continues to draw wide-eyed folk over the rumbling pathways from the capital (more than 60 kilometers to the north-west) by the bucket load.

Local guides can help you spot the rare creatures, but be prepared, because you may need to walk some before they reveal themselves!

Dosso, ancient Dosso, is one of the few palpable remaining relics of the pre-colonial era of Niger.

The onetime epicenter of the Dosso Kingdom, the state that commanded the loyalty of tribes in the south-west corner of the country before the coming of the Europeans, it’s a place alive with heritage and traditions.

Today the town is a fusion of the new and old, with low-rise concrete buildings mixing with ramshackle yurts.

The marketplace still bustles with life too, as groaning camels move in and out of the dusty streets all around.

13. Balleyara

A trip to the famous animal bazaar of Balleyara Market is a glimpse at the traditional lifestyles of central Africa.

A fusion of tribes and peoples, it draws traders from Mali, Burkina Faso and all over the far-flung reaches of greater Niger.

The result is a crash of folksy stalls and emporiums touting curious pieces of whittled art and good luck charms.

The other side – and by far the largest – of the market is the animal area, which means seeing everything from bull herds to camels changing hands.

And the really good news? Balleyara can be reached in just two hours from the capital at Niamey.

If you can get past the overtly industrial character of Arlit, then you might just appreciate the town for the earthy and folksy place that it is.

Deep in the wild Agadez Region, it’s one of the best gateways to the vast dunes of the Ténéré Desert (although, admittedly, Agadez is better). The homes are crumbling, sunbaked bricks of mud; the people are tired uranium miners with leather-like faces, and you can pretty much be certain that very few – if any – travelers have ever lingered here for very long before you.

Diffa is a difficult place to pin down.

At times it’s been a tenacious hotbed for military uprisings against the Niger government; at others – like today – it’s a receptacle for the thousands of refugees that come flocking across the Nigerian border in fear of militant groups and extremists.

Unfortunately, those more recent developments have made the place pretty unsafe for modern travelers (even by Niger’s standards), so it looks like we’ll have to wait to explore the peaks and troughs of the dust-caked Diffa Region – the home of wandering waterbucks and rare leopards and more.

15 Best Places to Visit in Niger:

• W National Park
• Abaaba National Park

Niger Travel Guide

Popular destinations, san francisco, new york city.

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Explore Niger

Plan Your Trip to Niger: Best of Niger Tourism

Essential niger.

Must-see attractions in Niger

Musée National du Niger

The sprawling Musée National du Niger is one of West Africa's standouts. Numerous themed pavilions, each tipping their hat to Hausa architecture, give…

Petit Marché

The Petit Marché is smack-dab in the centre of town and merits a visit. Self-caterers can go crazy, squeezing fruit and veg to their hearts content in…

More destinations you need to see

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Economy
• 6.2 By plane
• 7.1 By road
• 7.3 Rent a car
• 7.5 By rail
• 10.3 Shopping
• 15 Stay safe
• 16 Stay healthy

Niger ( Nee-ZHAIR , rarely NY-jer ) is a large, arid, landlocked country situated in the Sahel . Formerly a French colony, Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world and is largely agrarian. Negative things aside, Nigeriens in general are quite friendly and down-to earth, and you can expect to come across numerous curious faces during your stay. Chances are, you may be the first person from your country they have ever met!

Tourism in this large country is limited, but travel allows you to explore an isolated nation tucked away from the rest of the world.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• 13.515 2.1175 1 Niamey — Although both the administrative capital and commercial centre, possibly the least crowded and hectic capital in West Africa
• 16.972222 7.990833 2 Agadez — A trade hub along trans-Saharan trade routes for over five centuries, home to a magnificent palace and several mosques and a gateway to the nearby Air Mountains
• 14.7346 0.9201 3 Ayorou — Along picturesque section of the River Niger with one of Niger's best markets, and a starting point for river trips to Gaya
• Diffa — Peul town between shifting sand dunes and disappearing swampland which serves as the gateway to SE Niger & Lake Chad
• Dosso — has a small ethnic museum, colourful market and even more colourful chief's palace
• 13.5 7.1 4 Maradi — Centre of agriculture (especially peanuts), home to a colorful chief's palace, and near seasonal rivers/floodplains which have caused interesting land formations to the south
• Tahoua — Stop en route to Agadez
• 13.8 8.983333 5 Zinder — The cultural capital of Niger, this Peul-Hausa city has perhaps the most colourful craft markets (pottery & tanning are local specialities) as well as a noteworthy regional museum and sultan's palace

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 12 2.5 1 W National Park — magnificent National Park, easiest accessed from Niamey
• 13.3106 2.576 2 Koure — See the last herd of giraffes in West Africa
• Balleyara Market — Two hours from Niamey , one of West Africa's largest animal markets, plus a colourful array of other traditional market and artisan wares (Sundays)
• 14.7346 0.9201 3 Ayorou — A river-side town three hours from Niamey with a colorful, laid-back Sunday market as well as pirougue tours to see the hippos and islands
• Bilma — an oasis situated in the northeast
• Boubon — Bar/restaurant and huts to rent nightly on an island in the Niger River
• Termit & Tin Toumma National Nature and Cultural Reserve — one of Africa's largest reserves (twice as large as Costa Rica), the park protects several animals (including the critically endangered addax, Dama gazelle, & desert cheetah), protects the nomadic culture, and features lots of scenic desert landscape. Established in 2012, it will take a few years for guides, ecotours, and facilities to become available.
• 19.4 9.7 4 Air and Ténéré Natural Reserve — a natural reserve in the desert, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

Not until 1993, 35 years after independence from France, did Niger hold its first free and open elections. A 1995 peace accord ended a five-year Tuareg insurgency in the north. Coups in 1996 and 1999 were followed by the creation of a National Reconciliation Council that effected a transition to civilian rule by December 1999. In 2009, a coup d'état toppled the elected-turned-dictator government, and returned Niger to an electoral democracy. After the transition to democracy, Niger became a strong ally of Western states like the United States and France, both of which established military bases and military cooperation with the Nigerien armed forces. Niger has played an outsized role in the global anti-terror movement, serving as a base of operations for the fight against insurgents in the Sahel and Saharan regions. However, this has led to an increase in terrorist attacks in and around Niger itself by militants that cross the porous borders from Mali and Burkina Faso.

Although Niger has huge economic potential, Niger has never particularly been a wealthy country and the country has a myriad of social, economic, and political problems. Most people live in poverty and work as farmers. Niger is also the country with the youngest average population.

Economy [ edit ]

Niger's economy centers on subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, reexport trade, and increasingly less on uranium, because of declining world demand. The 50% devaluation of the West African franc in January 1994 boosted exports of livestock, cowpeas, onions, and the products of Niger's small cotton industry. The government relies on bilateral and multilateral aid — which was suspended following the April 1999 coup d'état — for operating expenses and public investment. In 2000-01, the World Bank approved a structural adjustment loan of $105 million to help support fiscal reforms. However, reforms could prove difficult given the government's bleak financial situation. The IMF approved a $73 million poverty reduction and growth facility for Niger in 2000 and announced $115 million in debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. Niger is the world's second poorest country and has the world's lowest standard of living.

People [ edit ]

Niger has a population of over 25 million. The Hausa (Zarma and Songhai) make up the largest ethnic groups of Niger.

Over 20% of Nigeriens are made up of nomadic and livestock raising tribes, including Fulani, Tuareg, Wodaabe, Kanuri, Arabs and Toubou.

Talk [ edit ]

The official language in Niger is French , although very few people speak it outside Niamey and even there do not expect a high level conversation with the traders at the markets. The local languages include Djerma (spoken mainly in Niamey and the bordering Tillaberi and Dosso regions), Hausa, Fulfulde and Tamashek (spoken by the Tuaregs in the north), and Kanuri (spoken by Beri Beri). English is of no use outside the American cultural center and a few big hotels in Niamey. However, you will find English-speakers in border towns along the Nigerian border, such as Birni N Konni and Maradi. These people are usually from Nigeria to the south and in general want something from you. As friendly as they may be, always listen to a professional guide over anyone that speaks some English.

If you learn about 20 phrases in a local language, you will gain respect in a heartbeat. Simply greeting people in their local tongue will make your trip there smoother than you would have ever thought possible.

Top essential Zarma/Djerma phrases :

• Fofo : hello
• Mate ni go? (mah-tay nee go?): How are you?
• Samay (sawm-eye): Fine
• Man no...? Where is...?
• Ay ga ba... (Eye gah bah): I want...
• Wo-ne: That one
• Ay mana faham (eye) MAH fah-ham : I don't understand.
• KaLA-tonton : Goodbye

Top essential Hausa phrases :

• Sannu : Hello
• Me sunanka : What is your name?
• Kana LA-hiya : How are you?
• LA-hiya LO : It's all good.
• Na GO-day : Thank you
• Sai ANjima : Goodbye
• Na GO-day, Na KO-shi : Thank you, I am full. (Polite response when offered food you are afraid to eat)

Some Arabic words are also common :

• salam-u-laikum , which roughly means, "peace be with you," and is used in Niger when you enter a house or greet someone
• al hamdallaye , which means to a Nigerien "Bless it, it's finished." It can also mean "no thank you." The latter can also get you out of having to sample possibly dirty food, or from eating at someone's home until your stomach explodes.
• In-shah-allah , which means "God willing." For example, "I'll come to visit your family in-shah-allah."

Get in [ edit ]

Visas [ edit ].

Visas are required by all nationals except:

• Nationals of the African countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo and Tunisia, as well as those of Hong Kong
• Alien residents holding a valid Permis de Séjour or Visa de Séjour
• Transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours who do not leave the airport

An International Vaccination Certificate for Yellow fever is mandatory, but Cholera vaccination certification is required only if travelling from a neighbouring country where an outbreak of the disease has been reported.

• At the London Niger consulate , single entry visas are GBP120, double GBP220 and a multiple entry visa valid for one year costs GBP260.
• Overland travellers can acquire a visa from the consulate in Parakou, Bénin. A hotel address in Niger is required and the consul will issue a 30-day visa for 22,500 CFA (€34) on the spot (January 2019).
• The Nigerien embassy in Abuja, Nigeria offers up to 90 days, multiple-entry visa for NGN 20,000 (€39), 180 days is also available for a higher price. Requirements are two passport photos and a reference in Niger. They will send your application to headquarters in Niamey, which usually takes a long time to reply. But if you explain that you are short on time they will often be happy to give you the visa anyway (November 2016).
• A 30-day visa from the Niger Embassy in Ouagadougou Burkina Faso cost CFA 25,000 =£34.

By plane [ edit ]

There is one international airport (Aéroport International Diori Hamani de Niamey) in Niamey .

As of August 2017, there were flights from West and North African capitals, Istanbul , and Paris .

• Air Algerie flies from Algiers a few times a week (sometimes including a stopover in Ouagadougou ).
• Asky Airlines and Air Burkina connect Niamey with Ouagadougou
• Air Côte d'Ivoire flies daily from Abidjan
• Ethiopian Airlines flies from Addis Ababa a few times a week
• Afriquiyah connects Niamey with Tripoli (Mitiga) a few time a week
• Royal Air Maroc flies almost daily from Casablanca
• Asky Airlines and Air France fly from Lomé
• Turkish Airlines offer flights from Istanbul (IST) via Bamako
• Tunisair connect Niamey to Tunis

There are a few private companies and one mission aviation group (SIMAir) that do charter flights from Niamey in small planes.

By car [ edit ]

Travellers can get to Niger overland by roads from Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin and Nigeria.

Some adventurous souls still cross the Sahara from the north (Algeria), but that area is not secure.

As with most of the other Saharan and Sahelian states, the borders of Niger are truly just "lines in the sand" and thus are extremely porous. With the dangerous security situations in neighboring states (c.f. Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, northern Nigeria, and Libya), conflict can spill over into Niger and there is a general sense of lawlessness around borders, especially in the Saharan part of the country. It is probably safe to say that, as of 2023, no land border should be considered safe to cross.

By bus [ edit ]

There are a number of private companies offering bus services from Niger to neighbouring countries and even as far as Dakar and Nouakchott (e.g. Rimbo Transport Voyageurs or SONEF). They are daily services to Lomé and Cotonou (stopping at Parakou and some towns on the road), as well as Abidjan, Bamako, Dakar, Nouakchott (all through Ouagadougou). The service to Gao in Mali was suspended due to security reasons. Tickets can be bought on at the respective companies or a sales office in town.

Along the Nigerian border there are local minibuses and taxis which connect Maradi and Zinder with Katsina and Kano. Normally you do not have to change vehicle at the border.

Get around [ edit ]

By road [ edit ]

Of the 19,000 km of highways, around 4,000 km is paved (as of 2010) and efforts are being made to improve some of the sections that have previously been endlessly under repair. You can travel from Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso all the way to Diffa, near Lake Chad on roads that are in decent to tolerable condition. The road from Niamey to "Park W" in the south is paved. The Zinder-Agadez route is being repaved after being in severe disrepair for years. The Birni Nkonni-Agadez-Arlit road is in poor shape.

The country has 27 airports/landing strips, 9 of which have paved runways.

From mid-December to March the Niger River is navigable for about 300 km, from Niamey to Gaya on the Benin border.

Taxis in Niamey charge about CFA 200 if the distance isn't too long, or CFA 400 for going almost across the city. At the airport in Niamey there is a taxi monopoly and the lowest you'll get a taxi for is CFA 3,000 - and that's if you haggle a lot! However, if you walk south from the airport you'll hit a main road and for CFA 100-150 you can get a ride from a beat up van to the Grand Marché (Main Market), luggage included.

The Nigerien government operates a bus service along the major routes of the country. While taking cars is exciting and interesting, they are dangerous, extremely hot, and more expensive. Plus, they are forced to pull over after midnight due to banditry. Because these cars often only leave in the evening, it can take several days to travel a relatively short distance. The large buses are brand new Mercedes buses and they carry a soldier at night so they may drive all night long. In addition, due to their large size, they can skim over potholes that would destroy the smaller vans.

Rent a car [ edit ]

There is almost no possibility to rent a car in the usual sense, although in 2005 a Hertz franchise came to Niamey and rents Toyota RAV4s. Also, you can rent a full-size "cat-cat" (4x4 from the French quatre-quatre ) with a driver/guide, but in most cases you will have to arrange with companies that organise expeditions.

• Tidene Expeditions , BP 270 Agadez, +227 440568, fax: +227 440 578

By air [ edit ]

Niger Airlines operates flights between Niamey (NIM), Zinder (ZDR), Agadez (AJY), and Diffa (DZRF) as of Mar 2020.

By rail [ edit ]

A railway line exists between Niamey and Dosso, but as of 2021 there are no trains operating.

See [ edit ]

• Aïr Mountains
• Ténéré Desert
• Parque Nacional Du W Du Niger

Do [ edit ]

• Watch the observance of Guérewol, an annual courtship ritual amongst the Wodaabe peoples.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The currency of the country is the West African CFA franc , denoted CFA (ISO currency code: XOF ). It's also used by seven other West African countries. It is interchangeable at par with the Central African CFA franc (XAF), which is used by six countries. Both currencies are fixed at a rate of 1 euro = 655.957 CFA francs.

US dollars and other foreign currency are not accepted in daily transactions, only to exchange into local money via a bank or black market. Exception: near the border of Nigeria, the devaluing Nigerian currency naira is accepted.

ATMs [ edit ]

Ecobank take Mastercard and Visa card at their ATMs in Niger.

Shopping [ edit ]

Bargaining and haggling is essential and expected. It's best to have a low price and a maximum price in mind before entering into a negotiation. If the price is higher than you want, just say thanks and walk away: if you were offering a fair price you will be called back. If you were offering too low a price, you won't be called back, but you can always go back later and offer more.

Nigerien artisan specialities include:

• intricately imprinted leather boxes (ranging from small 5-cm boxes to full-size trunks)
• other leather goods
• silver jewellery
• colourful hand-woven wedding blankets
• coloured straw mats (and here, we don't mean the plastic mats from China)
• fabric (only the Enitex brand is made in Niger, but there are many other kinds that are also good)

See the Niamey section and the Balleyara section for sample prices of these goods and where to find them.

Eat [ edit ]

Local, traditional food includes:

• a dense millet porridge with an okra sauce, a pepper sauce, a tomato sauce, or a squash sauce on top, sometimes with veggies and a couple chunks of meat
• rice with the above sauces
• mushy macaroni pasta with an oily red sauce
• rice & beans
• corn cous-cous mixed with moringa leaves, black-eyed peas, and sauce (called dumbou in Djera/Zarma, and only available in Djerma/Zarma regions)

Availability varies widely by region, but visitors may wish to try the following delicious specialities, usually available as street food:

• dumbou (see above)
• kilishi : beef jerkey that comes in three flavours: regular, peanut-spiced, and hot-pepper-spiced
• masa : delicious sourdough pancakes eaten with a peanut/hot pepper/ginger spice mix or a brown sauce
• fari masa : fried dough balls served with either a squash/tomato salsa or sugar
• chichena : like fari masa above, but made from bean flour instead of wheat flour
• koudagou (Djerma/Zarma): fried sweet potato chunks with sauce

Less exotic but also tasty:

• brochettes — meat kabobs made from either beef, lamb, or goat
• omelet sandwiches
• mangoes: if in season, they are bigger and juicier than any available in the western world
• yoghurt: pasteurized, sweet, and available wherever there is a fridge
• fried fish sandwiches
• ground beef sandwiches
• plates of garlicky green beans or peas (usually in bars and restaurants)

Be careful of the salads — even in the city, they're usually not OK for western travellers.

Drink [ edit ]

• Drink plenty of filtered or bottled water . You will get dehydrated during your trip to Niger at one point. At times it can be hard to find bottled water, but ask for "Purewater" (pronounced pure-wata ) that comes in sealed plastic bags for usually CFA 25 (CFA 50 in some hard-to-reach places). You will also need to replenish your salts more frequently than you are accustomed.

Keep in mind that drinking alcohol is generally forbidden in Muslim culture , so take extra care to keep drunken, inappropriate behaviour behind closed doors and out of the public eye.

The national beer is called, appropriately, Biere Niger. The only other locally produced beer is a franchise of the French West-African Flag brewery. While taste is in the eye of the beerholder, Biere Niger is decent. Both are brewed in the same tank from the same ingredients with the slightest variation on how much reconstituted malt they put in each batch. All other beer, boxed wine, and hard liquor is imported.

In rare pockets of the capital you can find millet beer homebrew, brewed by Burkinabe immigrants. This is drunk out of calabash gourd bowls. Some compare the taste to a dry, unsweetened cider. See the Niamey section for directions.

Locally-made non-alcoholic drinks are delicious. Safety depends on the water quality: generally OK in the capital and NOT OK in rural areas. They are either sold by women out of their houses (ask around), by young girls from trays on their heads, or by young boys pushing around coolers. These drinks include:

• lemu-hari : a sweet lemony-gingery drink
• bisap : a dark red kool-aid-type drink made from hibiscus leaves
• apollo : a thick, pinkish-brownish drink made from the baobab fruit
• degue : sweet yoghurt with small millet balls (like tapioca)

To drink, you bite the corner off the bag.

Learn [ edit ]

There is a dearth of educational opportunities in Niger. Illiteracy is a huge problem in Niger and most Nigeriens are unable to get an education.

This all is enough to say that the educational scene of the country is unlikely to be attractive to most people reading Wikivoyage.

Work [ edit ]

Working in Niger can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved. Security is a major concern and it is important to take precautions when working in the country.

Niger's biggest export happens to be people leaving Niger. Because the country is so poor, many Nigeriens move abroad in search of better opportunities.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Niger is politically unstable and lawlessness is widespread. The latest coup d'état in early 2010 increased the unstable situation and every traveller should follow independent news closely and stay in contact with their embassy. Vicious and sadistic Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram members are present in Niger and have kidnapped and killed many, so it is essential to know the off-limit regions and avoid them.

In the region north of Agadez, there have been many carjackings, kidnappings and robberies in the past sixteen or so years. The problem continues to this day, and tourists should consider the area essentially lawless. You should not venture beyond Agadez even if you have a guide and a 4x4 vehicle unless you seriously know what you are doing. The roads past this point are of terrible quality and bandits are abundant.

Avoid driving late at night in a private vehicle. Occasionally armed robbers will operate near the town of Galmi (central Niger) and around Dosso-Doutchi (in western Niger), as well as on the road to Gao, Mali in the Tillabery region. Normally, there are police checkpoints on the main highways which limit criminal activities during the day.

The main annoyances you are likely to meet are young boys shouting "Anasara", which means 'foreigner' in most local languages, derived from the Arabic word. You will also be asked for a 'cadeau' pretty much every time you see a person outside your hotel. The word is French for 'gift,' and it is best to remember not to perpetuate the misery this word causes to foreigners working in the country.

In Niamey the safety level is better. If you stay away from markets after dark and use taxis and are EXTRA careful to avoid where the streets cross ravines, you shouldn't run into any problems. In markets there is a risk of pickpockets or handbag straps being cut but you are more likely to lose money by haggling poorly and in French.

Carrying a backpack and camera, looking like a tourist, and especially being white, will definitely draw some unwanted attention. Most of the attention is from people who try to get your money legally, either by selling you a toothbrush or by begging, but there are always a few less honest people.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

The Centers for Disease Control is an excellent resource for authoritative advice on health issues for travellers to Niger.

Drink lots and lots of water while in Niger because the dry heat will dehydrate you and you won't realize it. It is the best preventative step you can take. Bottled water or water sealed in a bag (called pure-wata ) is available in most of the cities but in a pinch, city tap water is well-chlorinated (this is according to one traveller; another American who lived in Niger for two years says never drink unfiltered water anywhere! — that includes ice!). Be particularly wary of well water, stream water, and rural water.

Be sure to replenish your salts as well as liquids.

Wear loose conservative clothes, big hats, and lots of sunscreen. If in doubt, wear what the locals wear.

Malaria , including encephaletic malaria, is a problem, and is chloroquine resistant in Niger [dead link] . Take your prophylaxes, use heavy-duty insect repellent (DEET is best, though nasty), and consider carrying a mosquito net to sleep under.

Giardia and amoebic dysentery are common. Be wary of any roadside food, unless you buy it hot off the grill. Even items fried in oil could make you sick if the oil has been heavily used and is old. Best to avoid salads and uncooked veggies. Also, never drink unfiltered water (including ice).

Schistosomiasis is present in most water bodies in Niger, so travellers should avoid going in the water everywhere — except chlorinated swimming pools.

In case you were unable to stay healthy, the Clinique Pasteur (situated in front of the Lycée Fontaine) has clean facilities, sterile needles, and competent, sympathetic doctors. The Clinique Gamkalley and many other clinics are around, however, you may need to watch out for dirty needles, over-prescription and aggressive staff.

Respect [ edit ]

Visitors are treated as kings in Niger (there is a Koranic proverb to that effect), so be careful not to abuse the hospitality you will be shown. For the most part, try to accept all the small tokens and gestures (cokes, tea, small gifts, etc.) that are offered to you during your time in Niger. It really isn't good to refuse too much and don't think "these people are too poor to give me these things". That is offensive as taking good care of guests is a point of honour and gives people great pleasure.

Subjects (politics, religion, family) that are considered private in other parts of the world are discussed openly and freely in Niger.

When speaking to Nigeriens, make direct eye contact and try not to raise your voice.

Nigeriens are well aware of the fact that their country has a lot of issues and most Nigeriens are dissatisfied, angry, and frustrated with their government. There's nothing wrong with discussing politics so long as you approach the subject with respect and caution.

In the working world, money is one of the most important motivational factors. Given the extremely poor state of the Nigerien economy, many Nigeriens strive to make a lot of money to escape a life of hardship. This sadly is also one of the reasons why fraud and scams are common in the country.

Friendships and relationships are taken seriously in Niger. If someone does something for you, you're expected to return the favour. Not doing so is rude.

Dress conservatively, which means no shorts, no skirts above the knees, and no tank tops. For women, dressing revealingly can be seen as very offensive, even in Niamey. Also, dress nicely, as clothes determine how well you are treated back.

Islam is the dominant religion in the country and is practiced by virtually everyone. Ramadan is strictly observed. This being said, Niger is a secular state and the form of Islam practiced by the population is, by a long chalk, liberal. Niger is a rare example of religious tolerance; there are no sectarian tensions whatsoever. You're unlikely to offend a Nigerien by discussing religion — it's easy to talk about it openly.

Always ask people, especially camel drivers, market sellers, and the elderly, before taking a photograph. Many Nigeriens still find it offensive.

Slavery is still relatively common in the central areas, away from the towns. You can generally spot slaves by the unadorned, solid ankle bracelets on both feet, which look like manacles and may well serve that purpose. Unless you feel particularly brave, discussion of the subject with either victims or perpetrators is probably best avoided.

Connect [ edit ]

See the Friends of Niger website for discussion boards where you can ask questions before you go to Niger and maybe get some Nigeriens or others to fill you in.

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Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

FCDO advises against all travel to Niger

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

FCDO advises against all travel to Niger, including the capital city of Niamey, for security reasons.

Security situation in Niger

There has been a military takeover in Niger, which has led to protests and unrest.

These protests may be violent and the security situation could change quickly without warning.

Travel within or out of Niger is at your own risk. The  FCDO  cannot offer advice on the safety of travelling to any departure point within Niger. 

Nigerien airspace has reopened, however there could be disruptions to commercial flights from Niamey’s Diori International Airport at short notice.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .  

British Embassy in Niger

The British Embassy in Niamey does not offer consular assistance. Consular support is provided from the British Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria. They cannot provide in-person assistance.

Help and support  

If you are a British national in Niger and need assistance, contact  FCDO ’s 24-7 services in Lagos by telephone on +234 (1) 277 0782 and select option 2 for consular services for British nationals.

If you are in the UK and worried about a British person in Niger, you can call  FCDO  in London 24-7 on 020 7008 5000.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

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Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

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If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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Traveling to Niger: Practical Tips

Most people visit the capital of Niamey and Agadez if they’re attending a Guerewol Festival, but there are other things to see in the country as well.

Niger is often confused with Nigeria – even google automatically tries to finish the word in search engine. Niger is a large desert nation located in the heart of West Africa.

Safety in Niger & What to See

The region is never fully stable, hence why Niger is always on the “do not travel” list of places when it comes to the advisory. However, Niger is safe enough to visit, but tourists cannot venture outside of the city limits without a military escort – hence why you need a guide to arrange it for you.

They won’t usually arrange it for solo travelers, so for bigger events like Guerewol Festival, a lot of groups are combined in one convoy together.

Niamey is rather safe, so you’re free to walk around and explore the city market, visit the Grand Mosque, the Maorey Cathedral, the national zoo & museum (which I admit I don’t recommend because it’s a very depressing zoo with small ages and hungry animals), and other places by foot.

Another point of interest nearby is West Africa’s last remaining Giraffe herd, about 1.5 hours from Niamey.

Agadez saw a lot of violence in the early 2000s due to the Tuareg civil rebellion, but that violence has since diminished and the city is considered generally safe now

In Agadez, the house complexes look like mazes and the intricacy of the city is accentuated by its olden free-form clay architecture. The Grand Mosque in the center of the historic old town is the tallest clay-mud brick structure in the world.

Money in Niger

Credit cards are accepted at a few restaurants and top hotels, but otherwise it makes sense to bring cash and exchange into CFA.

I kept reading that USD isn’t accepted and to bring EUR, but this is absolutely not true. Any place will exchange dollars and other African currencies.

French is the preferred language and only a few people speak English.

There are no service desks at the airport, so if you need to change something you must call the airline. Even though it’s an international airport everything is very small and casual.

Accommodation in Niger

There is a brand new Radisson Blu in Niamey, but this is where the luxury ends. Other hotels are just relatively fine – about 3*.

I stayed at Hotel Terminus and it was perfectly fine

The beds are usually just like in any other hotels in the region: hard and basic, but they do the job. The only exception for me was our hotel in Agadez where the bed mattress was basically only springs popping out of the cover.

Food in Niger

I was surprised by the variety of food in Niger. Even in smaller towns we were always able to find good restaurants. Every hotel also has a restaurant on its property.

For other cuisines, there’s a great Chinese restaurant in Niamey along with an Indian restaurant. In Agadez, we had a chance to dine at an Italian restaurant which I recommend as the location is gorgeous!

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Where is Niger located?

What countries border Niger?

Niger Weather

What is the current weather in Niger?

Niger Facts and Culture

What is Niger famous for?

• Cultural Attributes : City people are working for rent, electricity, water bills or occasionally major purchases like a t.v. or satellite dish or... More
• Family : Women spend most of the day taking care of the children and preparing meals. Among the Hausu a woman cannot... More
• Personal Apperance : Men where boo-boo's (a long roomy dress that comes to the ankles). They also wear pants under the boo-boo. A... More
• Recreation : Soccer is a favorite sport among Niger children.Wrestling is also popular and most cities have wrestling arenas. Horse races are... More
• Food and Recipes : Typically Nigerians eat only one meal a day. It is usually Millet patties with sauce in the evening. During the... More
• Visiting : People do lots of things like talk under shade trees, eat together (men with men, women with women), people bring... More

Niger Facts

What is the capital of Niger?

Niger Demographics

What is the population of Niger?

Niger Government

What type of government does Niger have?

• Executive Branch: chief of state: President ISSOUFOU Mahamadou (since 7 April 2011) head of government: Prime Minister Brigi RAFINI (since 7 April 2011) cabinet:... More
• Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal More
• Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Niger dual citizenship recognized: yes residency... More
• National Holiday: Republic Day, 18 December (1958); note - commemorates the founding of the Republic of Niger which predated independence from France... More
• Constitution: several previous; passed by referendum 31 October 2010, entered into force 25 November 2010 More
• Independence: 3 August 1960 (from France) More

Niger Video

Countryreports youtube channel:, niger geography.

What environmental issues does Niger have?

• Overview: The Republic of Niger covers 1,267,000 square kilometers (490,000 square miles). Landlocked, it is bordered by seven countries. Niger is... More
• Climate: Niamey's climate varies with distinct seasons. April and May are the hottest months, with noontime temperatures often rising above 48°C... More
• Border Countries: Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina Faso 628 km, Chad 1,175 km, Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria... More
• Environment - Current Issues: overgrazing; soil erosion; deforestation; desertification; wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus, giraffe, and lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat... More
• Environment - International Agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed,... More
• Terrain: predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in north More

Niger Economy

How big is the Niger economy?

• Economic Overview: Niger is a landlocked, Sub-Saharan nation, whose economy centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium... More
• Industries: uranium mining, cement, brick, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses More
• Currency Name and Code: West Afrtican CFA Franc (XOF) More
• Export Partners: France 39.1%, Nigeria 33.3%, Japan 17.3% More
• Import Partners: France 17%, Cote d'Ivoire 14.9%, China 9.9%, Nigeria 7.3%, US 5.3%, Japan 4.6%, India 4.3% More

Niger News and Current Events

What current events are happening in Niger? Source: Google News

Niger Travel Information

What makes Niger a unique country to travel to?

Country Description

Criminal penalties, medical facilities and health information, safety and security, traffic safety and road conditions.

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Travel Facts

Us state dept travel advisory.

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Niger due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.

US Embassy/Consulate

[227] 20-72-26-61; US Embassy Niamey, BP 11201, Niamey, Niger; [email protected]; https://ne.usembassy.gov/

Telephone Code

Local emergency phone, vaccinations.

An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for all travelers. See WHO recommendations. On 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Niger is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine. http://www.who.int/

Varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north

Currency (Code)

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (Western African CFA francs, XOF)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

Major Languages

French, Hausa, Djerma

Major Religions

Muslim 99.3%, Christian 0.3%, animist 0.2%

Time Difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Road driving side, tourist destinations.

Zinder; Niamey; Agadez; W Benin-Niger National Park; Ayorou

Major Sports

Soccer, rugby

Cultural Practices

Using the left hand for eating or greeting is considered unclean, use the right hand instead.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping 10% of the total restaurant bill is appropriate. Tour guides and/or drivers should receive 10% and 5% respectively of the total bill.

Gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, dyed fabric items, Tuareg native weapons, woven baskets, decorated gourds

Traditional Cuisine

Dambou - rice flour, fine hard wheat semolina (couscous semolina), or millet, wheat or corn couscous; the cereals are steamed for about 20 to 30 minutes and added to boiling moringa leaves; other ingredients are added including onion, chili, salt, broth, peanut, vegetable oil, meat or fish as a side dish

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination. World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination. US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens. To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) How to get help in an emergency?  Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444 Page last updated: Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Discovering the thrills of Niger’s tourism

Niger, like many of its West African neighbours has got huge tourism potential that is yet to be explored and tapped. This year, the country hopes to make its offerings more visible and accessible to the global travelling market. From business event spaces to historic monuments, sprawling wildlife and immersive cultural heritage, Niger presents travellers and visitors with options for a truly riveting experience.

In an exclusive interview with VoyagesAfriq, the Director General of agence de promotion du tourisme du Niger Souleymane Anafi revealed their plans for shoring tourism numbers while introducing us to the country’s unique attractions, sights, and sounds.

Can you give us an overview of the destination Niger?

Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa located between Algeria and Libya to the north, Mali and Burkina Faso to the west, Benin and Nigeria to the south, and Chad to the east. With a surface area of 1,267,000 km2, it is the largest of the West African countries. The population of Niger is estimated at 26,747,896 million in 2022, with a growth rate of 3.9% and a GDP/H of 213,450 FCFA with a growth rate of 10.8%. The main cities are Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Tahoua, Tillaberi, Zinder, Niamey.

The official language in Niger is French, and the currency is the CFA franc with an inflation rate of 0.5%. Niger is a landlocked country with a Sahelian climate that has only 3 months of rainy season per year. The capital of Niger is Niamey with 1,011,277 inhabitants.

The country’s geographical position makes it a major crossroads for trade between Sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab Maghreb countries. Niger’s most important mineral resources are gold, iron, coal, uranium, and oil. Niger is easily accessible, particularly by air from Europe and from other African countries. There are thirteen (13) border crossings into Niger.

Niger, through its eight regions, contains cultural and wildlife riches, historical and archaeological remains, and magnificent tourist sites to discover. These include the Aïr Massif, the Ténéré, Termit and Tal deserts, the dinosaur cemetery, the Addax sanctuary, the last specimens of West African giraffes, the W Park, traditional architecture and the rich and varied age-old craft industry, which has adapted to the current modern context.

What are the main tourist products of Niger? Niger is divided into 8 regions: Niamey, Agadez, Dosso, Maradi, Tahoua, Tillabéry, Zinder and Diffa. Each of them has certain natural assets and comparative advantages in terms of the vestiges of age-old civilisations such as archaeology, history, traditional architecture, culture, parks and protected areas, fauna, flora, arts and crafts, etc.

Niger’s tourism product is centered on three destinations: “Saharan Tourism” in the North with the Blue Mountains of Aïr, the Oases of Kawar, the Citadel of Djado and the vast and mythical deserts of Ténéré, Termit and Tal, the Rupestral Engravings, the Dinosaur Cemeteries, the Sanctuary of Addax, the Mosque of Agadez, the Thermal Spring of Tafadek, the Crafts, etc.

This region is the main tourist attraction where one finds an authentic culture still entirely preserved (Festival of Aïr and the Salt Cure, the Bianou under the bewitching rhythm of the Touareg Tendé). A crossroads of exchanges and a meeting place where Tuaregs, Woodabé, Fulani, Arabs, Toubous and Haoussas rub shoulders, Agadez was one of the major stages of the Paris – Dakar Rally.

“Cultural tourism” is dominant in Central-Eastern Niger and presents a rich cultural and artisanal diversity. It is the land of great African empires such as Kanem Bornou, the Hausa city-states and the Peulh empire of Sokoto, and of influential sultanates such as Damagaram. This region has a high concentration of typical architectural works, and the influence of the traditional chieftaincy is still very much in evidence.

“Endowed with magnificent tourist sites and numerous resources that can allow the development of all forms of Tourism, NIGER can rightly be considered as a Great Country of Tourism”.

What are the Agency’s plans to position tourism as a key economic driver in Niger? Given the situation in the Sahel, we have carried out an uncompromising diagnosis to determine the most appropriate strategy for putting tourism back at the heart of Niger’s economic ambitions. The environments characterised by the covid 19 pandemic and the insecurity in the Sahel require us to reorient our priorities to adapt them to the context. Until recently, 78% of our tourism offer was oriented towards Western clients.

It is difficult for us to ignore the disadvantageous situation that this approach imposes on us. Therefore, the option is to choose the Nigerian middle class and the countries of the sub-region as our promotional target.

This realignment of our priorities requires us to review our offer to adapt it not only to the portfolios of our targets but also to their cultural and cultural concerns. This also implies acting in concert with private promoters to accompany them in redefining their commercial strategies which must imperatively be in line with the tastes and purchasing power of these new targets.

The second axis of our strategy is to improve the quality of the offer. Most promoters are not from the tourism sector and tend to employ family members who are trained on the job. The Niger Tourism Promotion Agency has a training centre for the tourism and hotel industry, whose purpose is to provide capacity building for the staff of tourism and hotel units in order to improve the quality of services to customers.

The third focus of our strategy is to develop national and regional demand through intensive communication. We have a young population in our countries to whom we must give the desire to discover or rediscover the riches of Niger. APTN has started a digital marketing campaign that is focused on the Net and social networks in particular. Our campaign to promote the destination is based on storytelling. Each site has a story to tell about the region in which it is located, the hidden beauties of its regions, and an experience to be had.

The fourth axis of our strategy is to organise eductours to allow travel prescribers and tourism information professionals to discover the products offered by Niger tourism and to collect their opinions in order to make the necessary adjustments to better respond to travellers’ demands.

The fifth axis is to make all the national and international events organized in Niger into tourism products with tour and discovery offers as well as adapted activities to enhance the participants’ stays.

We are also planning to run communication campaigns in certain large-audience media to attract customers. We aim to reach a maximum number of target travellers.

Finally, we plan to participate in trade fairs that we consider relevant to our objectives in order to engage with travellers and stakeholders in the sector.

What is your projection for tourism in Niger for 2023? Our projection for tourism in Niger for the coming year is that it will be dominated by business tourism because Niger is showing a growth rate that is whetting the interest of investors. Niger has resolutely positioned itself as a hub for international events and our ambition is to make them niches to boost related tourism events.

Regions such as Zinder and Agadez have tourism potential for a revival of tourism in secure environments. National events such as the Aïr Festival, the Bianou, the salted wax; the Gueréwol and the hotoungo which take place in secure environments will be niches which will be programmed to welcome charter flights of tourists.

Niger offers a different product from those offered by most destinations in the UEMOA region. We believe that a good partnership between travel agencies in this area could boost the promotion of inter-state tours, which is dear to the UEMOA

The year 2023 will be the start of the domestic tourism development programme “Nigeriens rediscover Niger”.

This article was first published in the March 2023 issue of VoyagesAfriq Travel Magazine

VoyagesAfriq is Africa’s No 1 Travel & Tourism Media & News publication with specialist interests in presenting the continent's travel & tourism to a Global Audience. VA provides superior News content about Travel and Tourism in Africa & beyond. Our specialist team of writers and editors ensure the African travel story is told with a global perspective.

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Niger Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 8, 2024, niger - level 3: reconsider travel.

Last updated on January 8, 2023, to remove the Ordered Departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and eligible family members, and lower the overall risk level from Level 4 to Level 3.

Reconsider travel to Niger due to risk of crime , civil unrest, terrorism , and kidnapping .

Violent crimes, such as armed robbery, are common.

Demonstrations, while generally peaceful, may become violent at any time and lead to civil unrest. 

Terrorist groups continue plotting kidnappings and possible attacks in Niger. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting foreign and local government facilities and areas frequented by Westerners. Terrorists operate in the areas bordering Mali, Libya, Burkina Faso, and throughout northern Niger. Avoid travel to Niger’s border regions, particularly the Malian border area, Diffa region, and the Lake Chad region. Mali-based extremist groups have crossed the border and conducted multiple lethal attacks on Nigerien security forces.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Niger.

If you decide to travel to Niger:

• Visitors are urged to stay in hotels with armed Nigerien security presence.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Make contingency plans to leave the country.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Niger.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

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