Niger OVERVIEW
Landlocked right in the heart of dust-swept arid Africa and boasting some of Sahara's most impressive dunes, Niger undeservedly remains a country off tourists holiday plans. The answer must be the unstable social scene and ongoing political turmoil apart from which the country has all to gain the hearts of its visitors. Newspaper headlines inform of food shortages and natural disasters, shocking literacy rate and banditry but should you venture a visit, you're bound to return home with memories of the most resilient and optimistic people, West African spectacular sights and a feeling of time and money well spent.
Although moving about might be arduous here and it's true that it's usually the most intrepid of backpackers who set foot to the bumpy dust trails, yet the rewards are many and they do compensate the hardships. On the plus side you'll soon put the majestic Aïr Mountains with their rugged vistas and a deep hidden gem of Dabous, home to one of the finest examples of ancient rock art in the world. There is the Ténéré Desert, or, as the name translates, "a land where there is nothing", echoing over two millennia of trans-Saharan caravan trade and luring with the mysterious Tuareg nomads. The highlights also include the magnificent mudbrick architecture of Agadez and its architectural jewel of the Grande Mosquée, ornamenting the landscape with pyramid-like minarets and wooden scaffolding. The capital Niamey, picturesquely set along the Niger River and bustling with vibrant open-air markets, will bring a lot of the human element to your kaleidoscopic Niger picture whereas the famed W National Park, home for some of West Africa's last wild African Elephants, is sure to make your camera memory card swell with animals pics. You'll be spoilt for choice in this former French colony - baboon spotting in the game reserves, canoeing down the River Niger, exploring Zinder's maze-like old town and weaving through its sandy pathways, or trawling the Sunday markets in the Ayorou region - are jus a few of the countless possibilities here. The country's appeal turns out to be undisputed as Niger's attractions start popping up and make it a true destination.
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