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15 Best Places to Visit in Niger

Before we extoll its beauties, let’s get the gritty side of Niger out of the way. Beset by military juntas and tribal uprisings and other terrorist groups now marauding through the states of Central Africa, Niger has never been and still isn’t the safest of places to explore. Travelers under its spell should bide their time, check FCO warnings and wait; with luck, one day, this great cut-out of the Sahel and Sahara will once more open its doors and borders.

Until then we can only pine. So, pine we shall. Pine for the undulating dunes and the shifting sea of sands that is the Ténéré Desert. Pine for the mud-brick mosques of towns like Agadez. Pine for the winding alleyways of Zinder; the energetic markets of Balleyara, and for the old regal homes of onetime monarchic Dosso.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Niger :

A maze of tight-knit lanes and hidden streets weaves and winds to form the hard-to-navigate heart of Zinder.

Meanwhile, the Sultan’s Palace towers over the town with its great adobe architectural achievements.

And that’s not even mentioning the bustling bazaar, which stretches as far as the eye can see – it’s easy to believe it was once one of the busiest camel caravan stops on the trans-Saharan route! Yep, Zinder comes top for many reasons: its rich history of French rule, tribal culture and trading; its mercantile energy; its sheer, raw African beauty.

In short: not to be missed.

More than 1.3 million people live, work and play in the capital city of Niamey, making it the veritable human heart of Niger.

The city straddles the courses of the Niger River in the south-west, and bustles with fantastic open air markets, and a surprisingly heady nightlife scene after dark (check out the beer joints around Yantala Ancien – and remember the strict drinking laws as you do!). International eateries touting pizzas and pastas mix with the spicy creations of the African kitchen too, while the bulbous blue domes of the Grand Mosque are simply not to be missed!

Boasting nearly 1,000 years of history and steeped in tales of Sahelian camel caravans, the Ottomans (believe it or not!), and the old Songhai imperialists, enthralling Agadez certainly has a story to tell.

The town is found smack bang in the heart of the country as a whole, surrounded by the sun-scorched dunes of the Sahara Desert and the endless yellow of the sand sea.

It’s formed from a grid of narrow streets and adobe, mud-brick homes.

The centerpiece has to be the earthen minaret of the central mosque, which mimics the great landmarks of the desert towns of Mali to the west.

4. W National Park

Unquestionably the most famous national park in all of Niger, the W National Park has also attained that coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site tag, which it was awarded on account of its unique display of transition habitats between the savannah and the West African woods.

Just one fragment of the huge W Transborder Park that crosses into Burkina Faso and Benin, it’s made up primarily of dusty bushland.

And the animals? Well, suffice to say you should get the camera ready for a medley of baboons and African buffalo, giraffes, leopards, lions and more!

After just three hours on the rumbling dust roads from the capital you could find yourself alighting in the charming river town of Ayorou, one of the top draws of Southwestern Niger.

Known for the surrounding riparian habitats that encompass the settlement, Ayorou itself sits on its very own island, where the mosque and marketplaces both make their home too.

In fact, the bazaar is a great place to start your travels here, searching through the curious folk remedies and sampling simple Sahel street food, all before breaking out to see the hippos splashing and lazing in the muddy waters nearby.

6. Abaaba National Park

Established back in 1987 for the sole purpose of protecting the endangered animals that make this territory their home, the Abaaba National Park has remained firmly off the radar for nature-loving travelers making their way through this land on the join of the Sahel and Sahara.

That doesn’t mean it’s not worth the trip though.

There are forests of low-lying acacia trees and semi-savannah plains aplenty, all crisscrossed by herds of bucks and elephants.

The territory is also important on the conservation front, as one of the last remaining habitats of the uber-rare black rhino.

The gateway to the aforementioned Abaaba National Park and the easternmost settlement in the whole of Niger, the town of Nguigmi buts up the banks of cross-border Lake Chad with its humble air strip and pretty city mosque.

The whole place oozes the character you’d expect of a far-flung desert town, with camel caravans coming and going every day of the year.

The small settlement is also home to the tribal groups of the Kanuri people, the Daza and the Wodaabe-Fulani – many of whom are some of the few remaining examples of Niger’s fascinating pastoral communities.

For most travelers, Maradi – the third-largest city in the whole country – will be just an administrative stop; to switch transports or stock up before heading out to the historic richness of Zinder, or to the Nigerian border to the south.

However, those who linger will discover a town that hardly feels like any other urban destination in the nation; a place of (relative) economic prosperity and buzzing markets, oozing confidence and panache.

Head down to the Grand Marché to haggle your way through shamanic jewelry and magic charms like lizard tails and the like.

There’s also the awesome palatial home of the tribal leader: the Maradi palace, rising in grand styles on one of the central squares.

Traditionally the place where the Tuareg tribes of the northern desert lands fused with the Fulani folk of the southern reaches of the country, the town of Tahoua is where two of the major cultural identities in Niger can be seen mingling, mixing, and – most importantly of all – trading their wares.

The market here really does take center stage, so be sure to head down and see its buzzing stalls and the endless wealth of carved totems and witch doctor’s trinkets there.

The place is also known as one of the country’s phosphate mining hubs – so don’t be surprised if there’s a clutch of unattractive industry too.

Bulbous pink pomegranates, blood-red and orange citrus fruits, and bountiful clusters of watermelons are might not what you’d expect to see this deep in the heart of the Sahara Desert, but the far-flung town of Timia tells a different story.

Fed by an oasis for the entire year, the little clusters of low-rise cottages is surrounded by verdant fields of orchards and agricultural ground.

They stretch along the length of the valleys that carve through the heart of the Air Mountains, popping up here and there in a bloom of date palms, or a crash of green grasses.

Travel to Timia is intrepid, and promises fulfilling encounters with the desert nomads and villagers of the region.

Kouré is the place to go giraffe spotting.

Encompassed by hot and sandy Sahelian landscapes, the tiny town has its claim to fame in the long-necked creatures that stalk its backcountry.

They are said to be the last remaining complete giraffe herd in all of West Africa; an honor which continues to draw wide-eyed folk over the rumbling pathways from the capital (more than 60 kilometers to the north-west) by the bucket load.

Local guides can help you spot the rare creatures, but be prepared, because you may need to walk some before they reveal themselves!

Dosso, ancient Dosso, is one of the few palpable remaining relics of the pre-colonial era of Niger.

The onetime epicenter of the Dosso Kingdom, the state that commanded the loyalty of tribes in the south-west corner of the country before the coming of the Europeans, it’s a place alive with heritage and traditions.

Today the town is a fusion of the new and old, with low-rise concrete buildings mixing with ramshackle yurts.

The marketplace still bustles with life too, as groaning camels move in and out of the dusty streets all around.

13. Balleyara

A trip to the famous animal bazaar of Balleyara Market is a glimpse at the traditional lifestyles of central Africa.

A fusion of tribes and peoples, it draws traders from Mali, Burkina Faso and all over the far-flung reaches of greater Niger.

The result is a crash of folksy stalls and emporiums touting curious pieces of whittled art and good luck charms.

The other side – and by far the largest – of the market is the animal area, which means seeing everything from bull herds to camels changing hands.

And the really good news? Balleyara can be reached in just two hours from the capital at Niamey.

If you can get past the overtly industrial character of Arlit, then you might just appreciate the town for the earthy and folksy place that it is.

Deep in the wild Agadez Region, it’s one of the best gateways to the vast dunes of the Ténéré Desert (although, admittedly, Agadez is better). The homes are crumbling, sunbaked bricks of mud; the people are tired uranium miners with leather-like faces, and you can pretty much be certain that very few – if any – travelers have ever lingered here for very long before you.

Diffa is a difficult place to pin down.

At times it’s been a tenacious hotbed for military uprisings against the Niger government; at others – like today – it’s a receptacle for the thousands of refugees that come flocking across the Nigerian border in fear of militant groups and extremists.

Unfortunately, those more recent developments have made the place pretty unsafe for modern travelers (even by Niger’s standards), so it looks like we’ll have to wait to explore the peaks and troughs of the dust-caked Diffa Region – the home of wandering waterbucks and rare leopards and more.

15 Best Places to Visit in Niger:

• W National Park
• Abaaba National Park

Must-see attractions in Niger

Musée National du Niger

The sprawling Musée National du Niger is one of West Africa's standouts. Numerous themed pavilions, each tipping their hat to Hausa architecture, give…

Petit Marché

The Petit Marché is smack-dab in the centre of town and merits a visit. Self-caterers can go crazy, squeezing fruit and veg to their hearts content in…

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Top Niger Attractions

Things to do in niger, explore popular experiences, popular cities in niger.

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THE 10 BEST Niger Sights & Landmarks

Niger landmarks.

• Sacred & Religious Sites
• Ancient Ruins
• Neighbourhoods
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Historic Sites
• Churches & Cathedrals
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Grande Mosquée d'Agadez

2. Niamey Grand Mosque

Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (3)

3. The Old Quarter

4. Sultan's Palace

5. Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

6. Birni Quarter

7. Ferme Youyou

8. Grande Marche

9. Mosquée Cité Caisse

10. Residence of Heinrich Barth

11. Grande Mosque de Zinder

12. eglise 17 portes.

13. Grande Mosquée de Tahoua

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Things to see and do in Niger

Attractions in niger, buy a camel at ayorou market.

Trawl the animal market in Ayourou, an ancient trading station located on an island in the Niger River, close to the Malian border. While in the region, use the town of Tillabéri as a jumping off point for reaching W National Park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for the endangered West African giraffe, which clings on in the park.

Catch a tribal festival

Celebrate the end of the rainy season with the Peulh people, who mark the change in weather with a lively knees up. Alternatively, witness the Cure Salée at Ingall, when nomads gather their cattle to go to new pastures. Not to be missed is the Wodaabé tribe's gerewol , an annual courtship festival, the largest of which takes place at Ingall.

Discover Niger’s desert landscapes

Arrange an expedition through the mountains to relax at the springs at Igouloulef and Tafadek or the oasis town of Iferouane. Beyond, the Ténéré Desert offers a charismatic landscape of dunes and open plains, while the Djado Plateau is rich in prehistoric rock painting and engraving.

Experience Zinder’s labyrinthine alleyways

The Old Town in Zinder, which was the capital of Niger until 1927, is a compact maze of alleyways, typical of a Hausa settlement. Near the centre is the adobe Sultan's Palace, while the central market impresses with its sheer size alone. Artefacts in the small museum help to explain the history of the town.

Explore the Aïr Mountains

Within the Sahara Desert, the rugged Aïr Mountains rise steeply out of the desolate landscape to more than 1,800m (6,000ft), and extend over some 85,000 sq km (32,000 sq miles). A region traditionally roamed by Tuareg nomads, it is home to a surprising array of wildlife, including hyena, baboon and desert specialists such as the fennec.

Go souvenir shopping in Maradi

Niger's third largest city, Maradi is one of the country's economic hubs. As a centre for Hausa culture, Maradi hosts an artisan market for handicraft purchases in the Solitan quarter, as well as the historically important Katsinawa Provincial Chief's Palace and Dan Kasswa mosque which are well worth visiting.

Kick back in the capital, Niamey

Niamey is the country's sprawling capital, situated on the east bank of the Niger River. The Small and Grand Markets are worth a visit, as is the Great Mosque, the National Museum (including botanical gardens and a zoo) and the Hippodrome, where horse and camel races often take place.

Observe wildlife in W National Park

Named so because of the W-shaped meander in the River Niger, W National Park is the country's most important conservation area. Spanning 10,000 sq km (4,000 sq miles) across three countries, its abundant wildlife including buffalos, elephants, lions, hyenas, jackals, baboons and giraffe. The birdlife is also prolific, with over 350 species identified.

Pay your respects to the King of Dosso

Royalists may want to swing by Dosso, seat of the Dosso Kingdom, which came to dominate the region before colonialism and continues to perform a ceremonial role. The city in southwest Niger is home to an exceptional palace, museum, and lively town square. Many festivals with parades and official ceremonies are celebrated here.

Sail the Niger River

Take a canoe for a sunset sail along the Niger River, one of Africa's most important waterways and Niger's lifeblood. Fishing for some of the 250 species in the river is possible throughout the year, the main season being from February to July.

Visit the ancient trading city of Agadez

Climbing the pyramidal minaret of the mud-brick Grand Mosque at sunset provides spectacular views of Agadez, the old Tuareg capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Still a caravan trading city, it has a thriving camel market, but also a lively handicraft trade. Beautiful silver and leatherwork can be bought all around the city.

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Niger — Attractions

Places to see in Niger are diverse, from cultural attractions reflecting the traditions of desert empires, to wild and wonderful natural beauty that many potential visitors would expect from an African country. A couple of the nature sights are relatively close to Niamey, meaning a day trip is always possible. For some of the rich culture of the Sahel region, you will need to head east and north of the capital to reach the great Sahara Desert.

Agadez is an ancient city founded in the 11th century. It then became an important seat of the famous sultanates of the Sahel, and an established center of Islamic learning. It was an important stop on the trans-Saharan trade route for merchants crossing the desert by camel, and today it also remains an important point on the trans-Sahara highway, an important trunk road for transporting goods north to south through Africa. It is still a populated and busy city, important for trade in the region, and today visitors can enjoy a mix of the old and new. The key sites from the Islamic tradition are the Sultanate Palace and the Agadez Mosque, built in the 16th century. It is also an important center for the Tuareg people, who are famous for producing metal and leather handicrafts, which you can purchase at the local markets. Around the city you can enjoy views of the spectacular rugged desert terrain of the Air Mountains. Address: Agadez, central northern Niger Phone: n/a Website: n/a

This is a picturesque town on the banks of Niger River, almost at the point where the country borders Mali to the north. One of the most popular activities to do in Ayorou is to go on a hippopotamus tour on the river. The tour will also take you to a couple of the inhabited islands on the river so you can experience the village life there. Ayorou is about three hours north of Niamey and is easily reached from the capital. Address: Ayorou, southwest Niger Phone: n/a Website: n/a

Zinder is often referred to as the cultural capital of Niger, and indeed it was for a long time the true, administrative capital city of the country until 1927, when the capital was moved to its current location of Niamey. Today, the city offers plenty of attraction for tourists, including the Sultan’s Palace, which is made from mud brick so uniquely stylized to the traditions of the Sahel region. There is also a large market here offering a glimpse into the mercantile past, and these traditions that continue in this part of the world. Bartering is the norm here, so expect to haggle to grab the best bargain. Address: Zinder, central south Niger Phone: n/a Website: n/a

W National Park

This protected park land is actually shared across a tri-border area between the nations of Niger, Benin, and Burkina Faso and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. A big area of the park lies within Niger, and here it was decreed a national park in 1954. As you may imagine, a park in sub-Saharan Africa is notably home to large mammals, including some of the last African elephants left in West Africa. Also there are baboons, water buffalo, hippos, cheetahs, leopards, and lions, and there have been 350 species identified in the park. The park is named so because it occupies an area where the river Niger meanders, forming the letter ‘W’ from an aerial view. Address: W National Park, far southwest Niger Phone: n/a Website: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/749

This town in southwestern Niger is close to the last known home of a herd of giraffes in West Africa. It is easily accessed from Niamey, less than two hours’ drive, and once there you can head out in a car to the surrounding park to spot these lofty mammals feeding off the treetops. During the rainy season, the giraffes feed closer to the road, so you can walk from Koure to see them, but still expect at least an hour’s hike. Address: Koure, southwestern Niger Phone: n/a Website: n/a

Dabous Giraffe Rock Art

There are two carvings of giraffes at this site, first discovered in 1997. Estimated to have been completed between 9,000 and 5,000 BC, they are prime examples of early human existence in the area, and reflect their nomadic activities. Each carving is around 20ft in height. Address: Dabous Giraffes, Dabous, northern Niger Phone: n/a Website: http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/giraffe/

Situated on the banks of the Niger River, the waterway for which the country is named, is the nation’s capital, Niamey. It is situated at a place where the river flows by gently. Aside from the best hospitality and entertainment options in Niger, there is plenty to do in Niamey, such as visiting the colossal Grande Mosque. The edifice is testament to Niger’s huge Muslim population, which makes up over 90 percent of the total. After visiting the mosque you could always attempt to somewhat balance this out by taking a look at the Cathedral de Maorey, which is interestingly architecturally because it mixes European and African styles. Address: Niamey, southwest Niger Phone: n/a Website: n/a

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Top Niger Attractions

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Republic of Niger Africa Niamey 17,466,172 inhabitants 1,267,000 sq km 13.79 inhabitants/sq km Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) population evolution

Top tourist attractions in Niger

Here is a list of top tourist attractions in Niger . Only the topmost tourist destinations are presented here. To see other destinations, please check the images from Niger section.

Curious if any of these place from Niger made it our best tourist attractions in the world list? Read the aformentioned article in order to find out.

You can also view all tourist attractions in Niger and other countries on our tourist attractions map .

Aïr Mountains

Mountain range

The Aïr Mountains is a triangular massif, located in northern Niger, within the Sahara desert. Part of the West Saharan montane xeric woodlands ecoregion, they rise to more than 1,800 m and extend over 84,000 km². Lying in the midst of desert north of the 17th parallel, the Aïr plateau, with an average altitude between 500 and 900 m, forms an island of Sahel climate which supports a wide variety of life, many pastoral and farming communities, and dramatic geological and archaeological sites. There are notable archaeological excavations in the region that illustrate the prehistoric past of this region. The endangered Painted Hunting Dog, Lycaon pictus once existed in this region, but may now be extirpated due to human population pressures in this region.

Agadez Mosque

Tourist attraction

Agadez Mosque is a prominent mosque in Agadez, Niger. Made of clay, it was originally built in 1515 and restored in 1844.

Niamey Grand Mosque

The Grande Mosquée is an Islamic mosque in Niamey, Niger. The largest mosque in the city, it is located along Islam Avenue. Funded with money from Libya, the mosque features a minaret with 171 steps from top to bottom.

Top Niger Attractions

Things to do in niger, explore popular experiences, popular cities in niger.

Top Attractions in Niger

What travellers are saying

THE 10 BEST Niger Sights & Landmarks

Niger landmarks.

• Sacred & Religious Sites
• Ancient Ruins
• Neighbourhoods
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Historic Sites
• Churches & Cathedrals
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Grande Mosquée d'Agadez

2. Niamey Grand Mosque

Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (3)

3. The Old Quarter

4. Sultan's Palace

5. Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

6. Birni Quarter

7. Ferme Youyou

8. Grande Marche

9. Mosquée Cité Caisse

10. Residence of Heinrich Barth

11. Grande Mosque de Zinder

12. eglise 17 portes.

13. Grande Mosquée de Tahoua

What travellers are saying.

Top Niger Attractions

Things to do in niger, explore popular experiences, popular cities in niger.

Top Attractions in Niger

What travellers are saying

Top Things to Do in Niger - Niger Must-See Attractions

Things to do in niger, explore popular experiences, popular cities in niger.

Top Attractions in Niger

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