Africa > Niger

The climate could be said to divide the year into three seasons: a hot season from March to May when temperatures can reach and even exceed 40°C and sandstorms can and do occur at times, followed by a rainy season from June to September making the air heavy and humid with finally a cooler season starting in October and lasting until February when temperatures stabilise at around 30°C.

The latter is obviously the best time to visit the country so avoiding the suffocating heat of the hot season.

Sitting between Black Africa and White Africa, Niger is an appealing country of different peoples and grandiose landscapes.

At Niamey, the capital situated by the River Niger, you can visit the National Museum which gives a fairly complete picture of the country’s culture with its reconstructed habitations and collection of various objects, there is also the opportunity to see craftsmen at work, the Grand Mosque with its emerald green dome and minaret from which you have a panoramic view over the town plus there is the market, a kaleidoscope of colours and odours. From Niamey you can venture forth to see the giraffes at Kouré, around 50 kilometres from the capital.

At Agadez you will find the mosque has a surprising minaret decorated with spiky palm fronds, built in the 16th Century, which dominates the town as well as the Palace of the Aïr Sultan. If you visit in December do not miss the Aïr Festival when the Tuarags in the costumes parade next to the dromedaries leading their white camels.

Maradi has gained renown for its leatherwork, produced from a particular breed of red goats, of which you can admire some items at the Crafts Centre situated at the entrance of the town. Its daily market is lively and full of colour where the town people rub shoulders with those from the country for a multitude of commercial transactions.

Niamey and Aqadez both welcome flights from France.

A visa is required.

The currency in circulation is the CFA Franc which can only be obtained within the country.

A fairly high budget will be required compared to other African countries: A fairly good meal will cost less than €10 but a double room around €30 with a fairly poor quality/price ratio and a limited selection too.

Health precautions are generally similar to those throughout Africa: Up to date normal vaccinations plus those for yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A and B. Beware of rabies and cholera and consider a vaccination for meningococcemia for children and adolescents. Take a well stocked first aid kit with you, protect yourself from mosquitoes, wash your hands well before handling food, peel fruit and vegetables and do not drink tap water or dairy products.

For reasons of security do not drive near certain areas such as those close to the borders of Libya and Algeria.

Internal travel can be made using buses for the main routes but the community taxi and lorry are the best solutions for local travel.