Destination Overview
Niger is a landlocked country in the heart of Africa most famous
for its diverse cultures and oases of wildlife amidst its mostly
arid, desert landscape. The capital city is Niamey, a pleasant,
fairly modern settlement with great open-air markets and a
picturesque position along the Niger River. The National Museum is
worth a visit, mostly for the impressive artisans collective which
produces high-quality goods for fair but surprisingly
non-negotiable prices. Travel can be arduous as the roads are
mostly unpaved and potholed, plus banditry amounts to a night time
curfews for cars. It is also astoundingly hot. The country's top
attraction is W National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and
home to abundant wildlife. Koure, south-east of Niamey is famous
for its herd of giraffe, the last wild herd in West Africa. Other
sites worth visiting are the old trading centres of Agadez with its
vibrant Touareg and black African cultures, and Zinder with its
maze-like old town and interesting Sultan's Palace. Niger was a
former French colony, achieving independence in 1960. It suffers
from periodic droughts, widespread corruption and poorly developed
human capital, all which conspire to make this one of the poorest
countries in the world. Niger also has the tragic distinction of
having the highest fertility rate in the world (7.2 births per
woman) and one of its highest infant mortality rates. Apart from
aid workers and businessmen the only visitors Niger sees are
intrepid backpackers and adventurers. Those that do take the
trouble to visit report meeting some of Africa's most friendly and
interesting people.
