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Introduction
Niamey: Spread along the northern bank of the River Niger, Niamey is a sprawling city with a modern centre and shanty towns on the outskirts. The two markets, the Small and Great markets, are worth a visit. Other places of interest include the Great Mosque, the National Museum (including a large park with botanical gardens and a zoo, and an artisan/crafts area), the Franco-Nigerian Cultural Centre and the Hippodrome where horse and camel races often take place on Sundays. Tours of the city are available.
Outside Niamey is the famous ‘W’ National Park, with its abundant wildlife including buffalos, elephants, lions, hyenas, jackals and baboons. The birdlife is also prolific.
Agadez: This beautiful old Tuareg capital is still a caravan trading city: it also now has a thriving tourist trade. Beautiful silver- and leatherwork can be bought in the back streets and the minaret of the mosque can be climbed at sunset for a spectacular view of the town.
Aïr Mountains: The Aïr Mountains, north of Agadez, enjoy slightly more rain than the surrounding semi-desert lowlands and were, until recently, home to many species of animals not generally seen at this latitude – leopards, lions and giraffes for example. However, the drought has even taken hold here and the stranded populations are dwindling rapidly. Special permission may be required to visit the region.
Expeditions can be arranged through the mountains to the springs at Igouloulef and Tafadek or the prehistoric site at Iferouane and beyond the Ténéré Desert and the Djado Mountain.
Zinder: The town of Zinder was the capital of Niger until 1927. The old part of the town is a compact maze of alleyways, typical of a Hausa town. Near the centre is the Sultan’s Palace and the mosque, which offers a good view from the minaret. The part of the town known as Zengou was formerly a caravan encampment. There is an excellent market here on Thursdays, selling beautiful leatherwork.
Elsewhere: On the route from Niamey to Zinder is the town of Dosso, founded in the 13th century by the Zarmas after the fall of Gao. It has an exceptional palace, a lively village square and celebrates many festivals with parades and official ceremonies. Niger’s economic centre is Maradi where the people are engaged in various activities from agriculture to diverse crafts. The Sultanate and the Mosque there are well worth viewing.
The Ayorou region on the Mali frontier is an old trading station where a market is held every Sunday. In the region around Tillabéri, giraffes are often encountered. Two-day tours are available from the capital.
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