Must See

Note: It is essential that all visitors report to the police station in any town where they are making an overnight stop.

Agadez

This beautiful old Tuareg stronghold in the heart of the Nigerian Sahara is historically a key stop-off on the trans-Saharan trading routes. Whilst some Tuareg tribes continue to work the traditional camel caravan routes to the Bilma salt mines, others have been forced to seek employment in towns. The city now has a thriving tourist trade, and visitors can buy stunning silver and leatherwork in the back streets. For a spectacular view of the town, try climbing the minaret of the mosque at sunset.

North of Agadez, the Aïr Mountains are home to many species of animals not generally seen at this latitude, including lions, leopards and giraffes. This is due to the fact that the area receives slightly more rain than the surrounding semi-desert lowlands; however, the recent droughts have affected even this area, and animal populations have begun to dwindle. Special permission may be required to visit the region.

Dosso

This town is found on route from Niamey to Zinder, and was founded by the Zarmas in the 13th century after the fall of Gao. It has a lively village square, an exceptional palace, and celebrates many festivals with official ceremonies and parades.

Niamey

Niamey is a sprawling, cosmopolitan capital, which draws an intriguing mix of local and regional traders, together with international aid and business workers. Located along the northern bank of the River Niger, it has some pleasant gardens and bustling markets - the Grand Marche is one of the biggest in the Sahel. Other highlights include the National Museum (which includes a large park with a zoo and botanical gardens, and an artisan area), the Great Mosque, the Hippodrome (where camel and horse races take place on Sundays) and the Franco-Nigerian Cultural Centre. For a timeless spectacle, catch a pirogue and watch the sparkling sunset over the River Niger.

The River Niger

Flowing for over 500 kilometres through the country, this mighty waterway is one of landlocked Niger's few bodies of water and a major transport route. Visitors can take motorboats or canoes along the River to the Mali border of the 'W' Game Park (see below).

Parc National Du 'W'

Outside Niamey is the famous 'W' National Park, which is part of a reserve that spreads into Burkina Faso and Benin, and named after the double U-bend in the River Niger.

Although the park may not have the same profusion of animals as parts of southern or eastern Africa, visitors can still spot a large variety of species and many aquatic birds, particularly between the months of February and May. Keep your eyes peeled for buffalo on the wooded savannah and herds of elephant in the Tapoa valley area. Various species of antelope, baboon, warthog, jackals, hyenas and hippo are common, whilst lions and leopards are also known to roam the area. The birdlife is also prolific.

Zinder

Up until 1927, the town of Zinder was the capital of Niger. The old part of the town is typical of a Hausa town, with its compact maze of alleyways. Near the centre is the mosque, which offers a good view from the minaret, and the Sultan's Palace. There is an excellent market in the part of town known as Zengou (formerly a caravan encampment); this takes place on Thursdays, where visitors will be able to buy beautiful leatherwork.