Country 18/196: Niger
Destination: Niamey
Our stay in Niamey was short but sweet. The capital of Niger is powered by the Niger River, which is also an endless source of beauty. There are people farming by the river, fishing, selling pumpkins, washing clothes, bathing, or simply having fun. The rest of the city is pretty remarkable as well. It offers amazing works of art, countless colorful markets, great food, and lots of wonderful sights. ♥
Things to see and things to do
Along with Zinder, Agadez, Bilma, Ayorou, and W Bénin-Niger National Park, Niamey is one of Niger’s most popular destinations. It is the capital and largest city of Niger. Niamey’s top attractions include:
- Niger River
- Niamey Skyline
- Musée National Boubou Hama
- Great Mosque of Niamey
- Kennedy’s Bridge
- Sultan’s Palace
- The Leather Market
Where to stay
We were staying at the lovely and comfortable Residence Plateau. Otherwise, there are lots of upscale, mid-range, and budget accommodation options to be found in Niamey.
Are you planning a trip to Niamey? Here you can get a room with a 10% discount!
Budget
Niger is a relatively inexpensive travel destination. Getting there is expensive due to the fact that it’s not a very popular destination, but the accommodation, food, and local transportation prices are quite cheap – that is, if you sleep, eat, and travel like a local.
Best time to visit
Temperatures are high in Niger year-round. However, the best time to visit Niger is in January and February and from July until December, as these months tend to be relatively dry.
Environmental issues
In the Niger, frequent oil spills that keep degrading its biodiversity and rich mangrove system, yet the corrupt government doesn’t seem to care. Oil spills are wiping out large areas of vegetation, destroying crops, harming fish, and contaminating groundwater. Other environmental issues include the burning of bush and grass to prepare for the planting of crops, overgrazing, soil erosion, and desertification. Deforestation caused by tree cutting for fuel and construction is also a major concern. Several animal species (such as elephants, hippopotamuses, giraffes, and lions) are threatened by poaching, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction.
Romance and adventure
Although Niger may not be your typical honeymoon destination, we found the walk along the Niger River and the scenic sights along the way both adventurous and romantic.
196xLOVE
Found lots of LOVE in Niger. 😉 ♥
Honeymoon rating of the visited destinations: ♥♥♥♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
* Note: This is NOT a general rating of the country, it is merely our personal opinion of the mentioned site(s) as honeymoon destinations, based on the level of tourism development, the number and quality of romantic and adventurous activities and sites it offers, and safety. We strongly believe that every country is beautiful in its own way, they may simply be more or less honeymoon oriented/friendly.
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