Niger – The Undeniable Holiday Destination

The nation of Niger is truly an incontestable destination of the visitors who want to take back some never erasing mesmerizing memories of their fun-filled journey. Some captivating sights ranging from the Sahara’s most meditating dunes, absolute magnificence of the famous Air Mountains and Tenere Desert, the exciting and old trans-Saharan trade route halts bearing some glorious mazes of mud brick architecture, and ever-kind locals – never fail to make an international demand.

The poor country’s name has been in bad light due to its food shortages and drought problems. Despite the fact being true, I would say that lucky are the ones who have visited this place of enduring splendor. Irrespective of whether you roam through bush taxis with the natives to explore the lively villages, drop into a 4WD to equip the Tenere, or rush into the Air on a camel; you will surely feel like visiting it again.

Prime Attractions

Agadez

This is the ancient trading Sahara town similar to Timbuktu, which acts as the first step to the really impressive desert and mountain views. It is the most whimsical city in Nigeria that certainly captivates your mind and earns your consideration. Just be there under the popular Grand Mosquee’s porcupine shadow, crisscross on the sandy lanes, and wonder at the unique architecture of mud and brick. By doing so, you will feel the status of this city before 400 years.

Aïr Mountains & Tenere Desert

This stands among the most stunning scenes in West Africa. To be drenched in its beauty, discover the dark volcanic heaps towering from the Saharan setting until the peaks of 2000 m height. On the other hands, the amazing deep-blue marble pushing out from the sands will just mesmerize you here.

Then, we explored the absorbing pieces of Neolithic rock art, thermal hot springs at Tafadek, and roamed in the spectacular retreat towns of Timia and Iferouane. As it was the December time, we could attend the Festival de l’Air in Iferouane that is celebrated since 2000 A.D. to commemorate the traditional Tuareg culture. To the northeast of Iferouane, the sand dunes at Temet are worth admiring.

Next, we headed towards the Tenere for appreciating the sand dunes that is located east of the Air. This holds its rank among the most significant deserts on the planet loaded with the most remarkable and tranquil dunes leaving you with a feel of the best place to meditate.

Here, were surprised to view the magnificent secrets of huge dinosaur graveyards and ancient deserted hamlets – the one being that of Djado.

Maradi

This is the third largest city of Nigeria that is the governmental capital and agricultural centre. Not much to offer, you can at least spend a worthy day here.

Give some time to Maradi’s Grande Marche (BRJ Rue 1) opened from sunrise to sunset on trading days of Monday and Friday. Further, discover a completely different experience here of the Centre Artisanal de Maradi (BRJ Rue 1) opened from 8 am to 10 at a distance of 2 km north. It offers workshops and different exhibits of the workmanship.

Niamey

If you are tired of the wilds and deserts, refresh here on the Niger River’s shore with the gastronomic delicacies that has no match anywhere else in the nation. However, in summer this can be exactly the opposite with the dusty experience. We visited the following places here.

• Fruit Bats:
  Looks like flying dogs towering in the sky, we had a closer look at de la Republique along Ave de la Mairie.
• Grand Marche:
  Meander through this bursting market full of spices, colorful clothes, and many local shoppers along with the maze of thin streets shaded by a kaleidoscope of ragged sheets. In this crows, try to hunt for a fine hiding location and watch this wonderful market where Nigerians interact with each other – the time of serenity amidst the chaos.
• Grande Mosquee:
  Located in the east, the huge minaret accessible by 171 steps and round green dome are worth exploring. The exteriors are ornately carved with wooden doors and its interiors with 16 decorated pillars.
• Musee National du Niger:
  Here, we could discover the modern and historic Niger along with the themed pavilions and Hausa architecture. Do not miss to see the Pablo Toucet pavilion that holds the dress of Niger’s ethnic groups.
• Petit Marche:
  This is the lively market selling fruits and vegetables, but beware of pickpockets here.

Zinder

Previously the capital of Niger, this historical city offers traditional Hausa houses, intricate old-quarter passages, a prison within the Palais du Sultan, and a French fort.

Best Time to Visit

The period of December to February is the preferred one, as it is the coolest and driest time.

Accommodations

• Hotel du Sahel (Hotel) – mid range
• Hotel Maourey (Hotel) – mid range
• Hotel Tenere (Hotel) – mid range
• Mission Catholique (Hotel) – budget one