Niger - There ARE things to see in Niamey
It's one day after Christmas and I arrived at 2am in the night in the capital Niamey. Maybe not the typical Christmas idyllic place to be when thinking of Christmas, cause even getting a Christmas tree (or any tree at all) here can be a tricky thing here in the sub-Saharan Islamic country Niger.
Research about traveling in Niger is not comprehensive or reflects actual circumstances. Almost all the articles and information I found on the internet didn't really describe the situation for a tourist point of view, because there are not many tourists since the problems with terrorists arose. But probably the lack of information only reflects the real situation regarding traveling, that even now there are still very few people coming here because of extended severe travel warnings from western countries.
Only bad news about Niger?
Security-wise, over the last half-year I regularly checked the news about the country and there almost always was news about terror attacks, the Niger ambush and 100 million dollar drone airbases that are freshly built by the US army. So yes the media and internet mainly put headlines of a recent ambush on top, where US soldiers have been killed.I almost didn't find any good news and I was curious about this, is Niger really only terror and negativity?
Niamey Map:
Niamey Map:
Tuesday, December 25 - Arriving in NIGER
From Casablanca to Niamey there were many French soldiers boarding the plane, all with their square-sized beige backpacks. Because of them, normal passengers were taken off their hand luggage as there was a lack of space in the cabin.As I only had hand luggage and no checked bag I had an annoying discussion with the airplane staff and luckily was allowed to take my cabin suitcase inside the plane. Didn’t want to arrive in Niger and wait an hour for my luggage in the middle of the night.
With the visa in the passport before arrival, it was no problem to get through immigration, not one question was asked, stamp, entry granted. I didn’t expect that and also money exchange in the middle of the night with no queue, no problem at the airport. The best currency to bring is although Euro, however, USD is fine too. But in town, it's easier to exchange Euro.
What is happening? They are in one of the top poorest countries, based on the ranking in 2018, and they wanted to give me a free ride even though I already had some money ready to hand over?! During the ride and after arriving at the hotel, I wanted to give them something again one more time, but they totally refused to accept it and even told me that if I needed help, information or a ride somewhere, I should call them. I didn't imagine this would be the first impression of this country. Very surprised!
While being in Niger I got asked a couple of times why I'm coming to Niger and if I am a soldier or something like that.
No, I'm not a soldier. Actually, somehow I expected to hear such questions. Asking whether I am a soldier working for the UN, whether I am a doctor or work for another organization.
With the visa in the passport before arrival, it was no problem to get through immigration, not one question was asked, stamp, entry granted. I didn’t expect that and also money exchange in the middle of the night with no queue, no problem at the airport. The best currency to bring is although Euro, however, USD is fine too. But in town, it's easier to exchange Euro.
Friendly welcome
I asked a few taxi drivers outside the airport and they asked for a skyrocketing price. One person besides (a local from Niamey) overheard the demanded price of the taxi driver and told me I shouldn't care, he waits for his sister and daughter who were on the same plane and I can drive with them, as they live in the same direction. I told him I will give him something of course, but he said:Listen, when you want to pay you should go somewhere else or take the taxi.
What is happening? They are in one of the top poorest countries, based on the ranking in 2018, and they wanted to give me a free ride even though I already had some money ready to hand over?! During the ride and after arriving at the hotel, I wanted to give them something again one more time, but they totally refused to accept it and even told me that if I needed help, information or a ride somewhere, I should call them. I didn't imagine this would be the first impression of this country. Very surprised!
While being in Niger I got asked a couple of times why I'm coming to Niger and if I am a soldier or something like that.
Welcome, but, why are you coming to Niger? Are you a soldier?
No, I'm not a soldier. Actually, somehow I expected to hear such questions. Asking whether I am a soldier working for the UN, whether I am a doctor or work for another organization.
All the more positively surprised they were when I said that I am only a tourist and that I wanted to visit Niger, to see what it looks like and have my own picture of the country.
Wednesday, December 26 - Visiting tourist things in Niamey
Didn’t sleep many hours and went up early. Walked towards the different things to see in Niamey.The streets are all full of Sahara sand and the wind covers cleaned streets within a few minutes with new sand. Sidewalks are intentionally made of sand as it helps to keep cars and motorbikes on the road and not passing the line via the sandy difficult-to-drive sidewalks.
So whenever I had to speak the country's name, I also used the French pronunciation instead of English - don't want to offend anybody here.
In general there are not many monuments in Niamey, but they built roundabouts and a lot of them compensate the issue because they look much better than many monuments.
This creek is against floods. Yes, its true, even tho Niger is mostly dry and hot, there is a season every year where huge floods completely destroy big parts of the country, especially Niamey is in danger every year.
But how to pronounce NIGER?
Niger has a difficult name for a country to pronounce these days. Depending on which country one is and what language one speaks, it's not such a big issue but, for other languages, the name "Niger" can easily be misspelled or mispronounced and gets a completely different meaning. Niger people speak French (and other 11 local languages) and so in French, Niger is pronounced something like "Nyshair".So whenever I had to speak the country's name, I also used the French pronunciation instead of English - don't want to offend anybody here.
Visiting Niamey
My plan for the next two days was to walk towards the many unique roundabouts, the Niamey Museum, Kennedy Bridge, the water towers, Grand Marché, Grand and Great Mosque.In general there are not many monuments in Niamey, but they built roundabouts and a lot of them compensate the issue because they look much better than many monuments.
Some "green" spots in the desert
There are a few green spots in Niamey, although the water in there is surely not recommended to drink. People along the small creek are praying and when not praying, doing the "other" silent business.This creek is against floods. Yes, its true, even tho Niger is mostly dry and hot, there is a season every year where huge floods completely destroy big parts of the country, especially Niamey is in danger every year.
Day against violence
While walking I passed by the sports area, the 29 Juliet area, and they had an event inside the main hall.It was the day of Nigerien women and against violence. Heard people singing inside and so took a look. They allowed me to get in and take photos and listen to the women singing on their stage. The big audience was sitting there, most of them women dressed in traditional or local dresses and clothes.
Meat from the Museum
Not many restaurants around Niamey to have clean food.Almost all food is sold outside directly from BBQs around the corner and the streets. The scenery in the street with markets isn’t the typical African market scene, it's more quiet and ordinary and not so much hassle and stress and with lack of space.
But didn't want to risk getting sick already on the first day and kept walking until I found a proper restaurant for African standards.
But didn't want to risk getting sick already on the first day and kept walking until I found a proper restaurant for African standards.
There are only very few restaurants designed to cater to foreign people and such people working for organizations, but all are a bit spread out and apart from each other. I continued until I was in the museum, as they also had a restaurant but they only had one meal. Bread and beef skewers. Well, absolutely fine for me.
The museum itself is an open-air museum and has a zoo with crocodiles, hippos and lions, goats and other African (or Nigerien) animals. The most important building it seemed was this blue white house. There are a few others like this.
Walked around towards my pins on Google Maps and more or less found everything I wanted to visit.
The museum itself is an open-air museum and has a zoo with crocodiles, hippos and lions, goats and other African (or Nigerien) animals. The most important building it seemed was this blue white house. There are a few others like this.
Walked around towards my pins on Google Maps and more or less found everything I wanted to visit.
There aren’t the typical architectural masterpieces but as in many other underdeveloped countries, it’s the scenery with unlimited different factors that make every place unique to visit. And so it was in Niamey, including its people. Very friendly and interested people, greeting along the streets and no hassle at all.
Compared to the South Pacific, this is very comfortable here. And I'm saying this coming from central Europe where it is deep wintertime with around zero degrees.
Due to climate change however Niger is one of the hottest countries in the world and even tho it is in the center of the African heat, Niamey, however, wasn't as hot as I expected. There is almost always a nice breeze. But probably it is a recovery season. In recent years the was a severe drought these years and the food was scarce. With such a disaster scenario it's getting difficult for locals as being one of the poorest countries, it's almost impossible to buy food.
Among the hottest countries on earth
Walking was not even uncomfortable at any time during the day. Especially at night, I had to turn off the air-conditioning and as soon the sun goes down it gets a bit freezing.Compared to the South Pacific, this is very comfortable here. And I'm saying this coming from central Europe where it is deep wintertime with around zero degrees.
Due to climate change however Niger is one of the hottest countries in the world and even tho it is in the center of the African heat, Niamey, however, wasn't as hot as I expected. There is almost always a nice breeze. But probably it is a recovery season. In recent years the was a severe drought these years and the food was scarce. With such a disaster scenario it's getting difficult for locals as being one of the poorest countries, it's almost impossible to buy food.
Entrance to the Grand Marché.
Great Mosque
The biggest and most impressive building that is open to the public in Niamey is the Great Mosque and not far from the Grand Marché.However, it's a bit confusing as there is a Mosque called Grand Mosque which is also nearby and based on who gets asked along the street they point in one or the other direction.
Friendly Nigeriens? Friendly Nigeriens!
In the afternoon I went for a coffee but as they didn't have coffee I ordered a cold Coke. However, as I had to pay upfront, I figured out I had no more money in my pocket. I wanted to bring the Coke back in the freezer but she stopped me and said I should keep it, it's fine, I can give what I have. Another moment when I realized that these people are not what we always think of when we read the internet or watch the news. These people try really hard to change their reputation of all being terrorists and bad people. These people are the poorest people on earth but that doesn't stop them for helping out and give presents. Well, I returned the next day and paid for the coke as I felt I cannot just go along and exploit.But... the North of Niamey is not so friendly
Now its dark outside and I'm back in the hotel, whereas while writing I'm hearing gunshots from far away.Just reminds me that this country is indeed having terrorist threats and even the country seems to be peaceful, it's dangerous to underestimate the threat and blindly leave the secure cities. Along with travel warnings, and based on discussions with soldiers here in Niamey, I wouldn’t even think of trying to move outside of Niamey towards the north.
Thursday, December 27 - Two Days in Niamey
To find out what else is a good idea to do in Niamey I was at the tourist information. Yes unbelievable but it's up and running in the center of Niamey.However, they only speak French and there is almost zero written information in the form of brochures in the tourist information. Also, they didn't support my idea to go visit some part of the desert just outside of Niamey.
Only a few flyers from hotels are lying around. But no maps brochures available or tour operators contact offering their business. They told me:
Well, summarized I felt a bit sorry for them. But on the other hand I think it's a good idea to keep the business open, it's an indicator that they are willing to cater to tourists, even though the security situation seems, doesn't allow it these days.
Continued to walk the streets.
Only a few flyers from hotels are lying around. But no maps brochures available or tour operators contact offering their business. They told me:
These days we have on average about 5 people coming her per week to visit the information center.
Well, summarized I felt a bit sorry for them. But on the other hand I think it's a good idea to keep the business open, it's an indicator that they are willing to cater to tourists, even though the security situation seems, doesn't allow it these days.
Continued to walk the streets.
After visiting almost all the places I pinned down on google maps, I was trying to figure out what else I can do as a tourist in Niger under the given geographical travel restrictions.
The police is my tourist information
Talked to a few police officers which are plenty all over Niamey along the roads. All told me it's strictly not recommended for unaccompanied tourists or visitors leaving Niamey, except when not having some kind of business need or security assistance. They said the city Zinder is normally fine and secure to visit but all other places are definitely not good to go.They explained how difficult it is for the Niger army to keep the country safe, as they have to protect a border with 2000km in length to bordering countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, Libya, Chad, which are all under terror surveillance by themselves. So yes, protecting a distance of 2000km in length is not easy. So I understand them, they don't want a tourist to disappear and then they have to run after the kidnappers or search for a stupid tourist who didn't follow the security guidelines.
However, one more time I had the feeling that the travel advice, in general, are a bit too exaggerated for many places in Africa (yes I know it's because nothing happened, but…). It's stated that all travel to Niger has to be avoided and everyone who is there should leave as fast as possible and as long as they can. I would understand if it would be outside some specific regions, for example outside Niamey. But, not the WHOLE Niger.
I spent now a few days in Niamey and I found it fine.
I spent now a few days in Niamey and I found it fine.
Not once I felt unsafe or threatened or saw something suspicious. Instead, I found that these people try their best to comfort foreigners and visitors. Even taxi drivers are probably among the friendliest taxi drivers on the planet, which is something to be proud of. However, as often the danger isn't visible until it unveils out of a sudden.
The police said that it's absolutely no problem going to the south of Niamey. Unlike the Nile River, the Niger River is clear and not wasted with shit like the Nile.
Went on the south side of Niamey, across the Niger River. There are massive water towers visible from many kilometers away.
Today also I realized I forgot some parts and so spent time visiting the area again with some of their cool roundabouts and then after that there was really not much more I could have visited.
Some parts of the street were completely blocked by soldiers.
Especially they make it not so easy to get in and out of Niamey, whereas the focus is more on difficulty getting in Niamey. There are major checkpoints at the borders to the city Niamey.
What most surprises me again and again in specific several airports, not just here in Niger, is that they do not care about bottles with fluids brought through the baggage screening. Also here I brought two water bottles of 0.5 liters and the officers didn’t worry at all. Yes, that was the moment when I felt like a little terrorist too.
The police said that it's absolutely no problem going to the south of Niamey. Unlike the Nile River, the Niger River is clear and not wasted with shit like the Nile.
Went on the south side of Niamey, across the Niger River. There are massive water towers visible from many kilometers away.
Today also I realized I forgot some parts and so spent time visiting the area again with some of their cool roundabouts and then after that there was really not much more I could have visited.
Some parts of the street were completely blocked by soldiers.
Especially they make it not so easy to get in and out of Niamey, whereas the focus is more on difficulty getting in Niamey. There are major checkpoints at the borders to the city Niamey.
Leaving to the Ivory Coast
Now I'm at the airport of Niamey (Diori Hamani International Airport) and waiting for the flight to the Ivory Coast. Not many amenities are available here at Niamey airport but I didn't expect a lot anyway.What most surprises me again and again in specific several airports, not just here in Niger, is that they do not care about bottles with fluids brought through the baggage screening. Also here I brought two water bottles of 0.5 liters and the officers didn’t worry at all. Yes, that was the moment when I felt like a little terrorist too.
Enjoyed the read and the photos.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. Truly enjoyed it...
ReplyDeletetruly lovely post! i am considering a vacation to niger, and you really helped me out. thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the detailed review.
ReplyDeleteI can only confirm what Sven wrote. Just spent a week here in Niamey for work. Friendly and warm hearted people they are. Would I come here for a vacation? Rather not. Will I come back? I certainly hope so!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great trip report!
ReplyDeleteHave lived in neighboring country for six years ... the travel warnings are even more grim than for Niger, and in no way correspond to the daily life experience I have here. A few years ago the US eliminated the system that give different warnings for different parts of the country, replacing it with the same warning for entire countries reflecting the very worst situation in any part of the country. Other countries have adoped the US system. This system is very racist against Africa, non-African countries that may have similar or worse problems do not receive the same dire warnings. It is very destructive to the economies of the countries that get these travel warnings.
ReplyDelete