The Republic of Niger is located in Central Africa. It is one of the world's poorest countries, with two thirds of the population living in poverty, the economy depending on foreign investments in spite of the mineral deposits.

Several thousand years ago, the climate in the Sahara desert was quite humid, which contributed to the development of several civilizations. However, after drying of the Sahara, the people left these territories. Only in the 19th century, the French came here and got engaged in the Niger agriculture. The history of the state is often associated with poverty and endless civil wars.

The attractions of Niger are dispersed in all the cities. The capital of the republic is Niamey, which has grown in recent years to a modern city that preserves a traditional African flavor, despite the construction of modern buildings. Niamey has lots of modern government buildings and bright and contemporary streets. As elsewhere in the desert, the sky above the city is very clean, and the hallmark of the capital is a myriad of stars that are well discernible in the sky at night. Here is one of the largest African markets, which is also an architectural monument. Around the market there are many fountains. Here you can buy gifts for everyone: a variety of fabrics, silver jewelry, leather goods. Another sight in the city that is worth visiting is Great Mosque, the entrance to which is allowed to both sexes, and the National Museum, which tells about the earlier civilizations.

A number of Niger’s attractions can be seen in the former capital of the country, Zinder. The once great city, now it is divided into two blocks, where the travelers can admire the magnificent buildings, palaces of the colonial period and small cozy houses. Zinder is located on the ancient trade route between Agadez and Kano in Nigeria. It is the second largest city in the country. Earlier it was one of the richest cities in Africa with the fantastic court of the Sultan and his harem.

Agadez is famous for its ancient fort and the old quarters of the city. This is one of those strange towns which are as if flowing in the stream of history. In the Middle Ages, it used to be a thriving town on the edge of the desert, with innumerable caravans of camels, gold markets and slave traders. The local Great Mosque is a very beautiful spot, completely restored in 1844 to the image of the pyramid with wooden scaffolding minarets. It is a perfect example of Sudanese architecture. Climbing to the top of the minaret requires some effort, but it gives an opportunity to admire the magnificent panorama of the surrounding mountains. You can wander for hours along the curved ancient streets, visit tiny shops, explore the ancient buildings, and go to the 'camel market'.

It is also very interesting in the south of the country. Here one can see the string of southern towns that are worth visiting. Dosso is an important Islamic citadel and the residence of Djerma religious leaders. Tahua, the fourth largest city in Niger, is famous for its main attraction, the market, with large and noisy crowds. Maradi, which lies at the Nigerian border, was destroyed in 1945, but has been rebuilt. It is always cheaper than anywhere else, but the goods are often smuggled across the Nigerian border.

Tenere, which lies to the north-east of Agadesa, is a huge desert with some of the most beautiful sand dunes in the world. In the east, one will find Bilma, a unique 'dinosaur graveyard' full of fossils scattered across 150 kilometers of constantly shifting sand dunes. In the south, there are picturesque mountain ranges, some of the country’s most spectacular natural attractions in West Africa, famous for its black rocks and surprisingly sharp peaks.

Design a memorable tour to Niger using the expertise of local Niger travel agents. If you want something like international or local flights, accommodation or tour guides, use one of Niger tour operators.

Traditional settlement in Niger


Enjoy visiting Niger and share your travel experiences on Tripcook!