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Contents

[+] Understand
History
Climate
Orientation
Tourism Information
[+] Get in
[+] By plane
International Flights
Domestic Flights
At the Airport
Between the airport and the city
By bus
By boat
By car
[+] Get around
Addresses
By Taxi
By Car
See
[+] Do
Music performances
Along the river
Other activities
[+] Buy
Grande Marche
Petite Marché
Fabric-buying
Other stores and markets
[+] Eat
Budget
Mid Range
Splurge
Other food tips
[+] Drink
Sorghum beer bars
Other bars
[+] Learn
Libraries
[+] Sleep
Budget & Mid range
Splurge
Contact

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Respect Niamey [1]

Stay Safe (http://www.niger-
[+] Cope tourisme.com/ville-
Embassies & Consulates niger.php?id_page=23&
Visa Extensions region=1&ville=1) , the
Banks/Currency Exchange capital of Niger, is a
Get out lively fairly modern city
of around 800 000 on
the banks of the Niger River in
the Tillaberi region in the far
southwest of the country. It is
the administrative, cultural and
economic center of the country
and hence generally offers good
facilities for travellers, both
budget and upmarket. Niamey
offers unique open-air markets
that are great for people
Niamey by night
watching—they’re patronized
by members of the Tuareg
Sonuri and Fulani tribes, as well as wrestling, one of the finest museums in
Africa and the massive Grand Mosque.

Understand
History

The comparably fertile area around Niamey has been inhibited inhabited for
millennia by tribes like the Gurma also found in Burkina Faso, but the
founders of the village would be the Maouri, who settled on an island called
Neni Goungou facing the current Niamey in the late nineteenth century,
before coming to settle on the left bank of the river. In 1898, the invading
French found the village a suitable location for a military base and in 1905 the
city, located in a stable region, became the capital of the Territoire Militaire
du Niger (Military Territory of Niger). Niamey was inhabited by about 600
people in 1901 when missionaries arrived in the village and increased to
nearly 2,000 after the arrival of the French and its estabnlishment as the
national capital. In 1911, the capital was transferred to the newly-stable and
more hospitable location at Zinder. However, tensions grew with the British
colony of Nigeria (very close to Zinder) and in 1928 the status of capital was
transferred back to Niamey. By the time Niger became an independent colony
in 1960, the city ballooned to 30,000 people. As drought, famine, locust,
conflict, and other problems arose in the country throughout the late 20th
century, the population of the city has grown tremendously to 750,000 by
2005.

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Climate

Niamey has a hot and generally dry desert climate with a short rain season
from June to September when there can be severe thunderstorms with
occasonial floodings. Rains can be unpredictable though and sometimes the
rainy season means just a few showers now and then. As with much of West
Africa, poor infrastructure leads to frequent flooding and miserable roads
during the wet season, so it is best to avoid travel to Niamey from
June-September (especially if traveling to nearby countries which receive
even more rain). Average annual rainfall is around 550 mm. The coolest and
driest (and arguably best) weather of the year is between December and
January with averages of 34/15 (93/57F) and no rainfall. In October,
November, & February the weather is hotter and still dry with 38C (100F) in
the afternoon and 18-23C (64-73F) at night. March to May are the hottest
months of the year topping out at 42C (108F) in the afternoon (although
45C/114F temps aren't uncommon) and a warm 25C (77F) at night; all three
months can see just a few showers.

Orientation

The city is divided by the Niger River, which is spanned only by the Kennedy
Bridge. The southern side is entirely residential, with the exception of the
university by the river (Gamkalle area), and of no interest to tourists. The
northern side spreads out in all directions from the bridge. The limits of the
"downtown" area seem to be Blv. de l'Independence and (further from the
river) Blv. Mali Bero. Radiating from the "Place des Martyrs" at the end of
the bridge:

Going left (northwest, Avenue Francois Mitterand), you will head past
the Hotel Gaweye and Palais du Congres towards the areas known as
Plateau/Issa Beri/Chateau 1 (Un) which are where the majority of
governmental buildings, embassies (most along Rue des Ambassades),
and upscale housing can be found. If you turn right at Place des Nations
Unis, head straight through Place de la Republique, and recah Blv. de
l"Independance, you will see the stadium to the right (opposite Place
des Forces Democratiques).

Going straight (northeast, Rue de Gaweye/Commerce/Kalley), you will

head past the Assemble Nationale (by Place de la Concorde) towards
the Grand Marche. If you head around the GM, you will pass through
the areas of Abidjan where the Grande Mosquee (at Place de la Grade
Priere), Police, & Centre Culturel Oumarou Ganda are locaed. After
Boulevard Mali Bero, you enter the "Dan Gao" area.

To the East (follow Rue du 1er Pont, Rue du Grand Hotel, Ave. de
l'Amitie) you will find the Nouveau Marche area, then heading NE

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along Ave. de L'oua/l'Entente you will pass through Sabon Gari &
Poudriere areas (the Wadata handicrafts center is at Blv. Mali Bero). If
you continue straight along Ave. de l'Amitie through the Place de la
Bienvenue, you will pass the race course and the road becomes Rue de
l'Aeroporte and leads past the airport and towards Koure (giraffes, see
"Get out").

Going right (southeast, Rue de 1er Pont then Corniche Gamkalley), you
will pass the Grand Hotel and enter the Terminus and the Gamkalle
Sebangaye areas.

There are few traffic lights. There are numerous roundabouts where traffic
from several directions merge; these are known as "Place _____" and are
chaotic during rush hour but calm most other times of the day. A few notable
roundabouts are: "Place des Martyrs", "Place de la Concorde", "Place de la
Republique", & "Place Mandela".

Road names change frequently. Names generally stick with a road for only a
few blocks. A straight road a 3-4 kilometers long might have 5 or 6 sections
known by different names. For example, the road which passes over the
Kennedy Bridge is known as "Blvd de l'Universite" on the south side, "Pont
President Kennedy" over the bridge, "Rue de Gaweye" after Place des
Martyrs, "Rue du Commerce" for a couple blocks, then "Rue de Kalley" until
it ends at the Grand Marche. And it's length through all those name changes?
Barely 2km!

Tourism Information

The official (but very small) tourist office is located on the west side Ave. du
President Henry Luebke (Tel. 73 24 47) just north of Place de la Fraternite on
the same block as the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire (visa
extensions). Be sure, also, to check out the Niger Ministry of Tourisme (in
French) (http://www.niger-tourisme.com/|website) , which lists local tour
operators [2] (http://www.niger-tourisme.com/agence-voyages-niger.php|here)
. InfosNiger.com (also in French) has a list of Niamey tour operators [3]
(http://www.infos-niger.com/annuaire-telephone-pages-jaunes-
niger.php?cat=4&ville=Niamey&Submit=Chercher|here) and the embassy of
Niger in Canada has some good tourism info (click "Travel & Tourism)
(http://www.ambanigeracanada.ca/indexAn.htm|here) .

Local operators include:

Get in
By plane

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Diori Hamani International Airport (IATA code: NIM) is the only

international airport in Niger (since the escalation of violence around Agadez)
and is located in the southeastern suburbs of the city along Route National 1
(the main east-west highway in southern Niger).

International Flights

The four major carriers serving Niamey are Air France (Paris-de Gaulle);
Royal Air Maroc (Casablanca); Arik Air (Abuja, Cotonou, Kano, Lagos via
Abuja or Cotonou); & Afriqiya Airways (Tripoli, Bamako, Couutonou).
Several West African airlines also serve the city. As of 2009 these include Air
Algerie (Algiers); Air Burkina (Ouagadougou, Abidjan); andCompagnie
Aerienne du Mali (Bamako, Ouagadougou).

If you are flying from North America, you can fly with Air France
(numerous cities via Paris), Royal Air Maroc (New York-Casablanca-
Niamey), or Arik Air (New York-Lagos-Niamey with stops in Abuja or
Cotonou without changing planes, begins November 2009).

From Europe, you can fly Air France (numerous cities via Paris),
Afriqiya Airways (a few cities via Tripoli), Air Algerie (a few cities vie
Algiers), or Arik Air (London-Lagos-Niamey with stops in Abuja or
Cotonou without changing planes).

From the Middle East, you can fly Afriqiya Airways (several cities via
Tripoli) or Air France (several cities via Paris).

From Asia, you can fly Air France (numerous cities via Paris).

From South Africa, you can fly Arik Air (Johannesburg-Lagos-Niamey

with a stop in Abuja or Cotonou without changing planes

Domestic Flights

Currently only Arik Niger (an Arik Air subsidy, [4] (http://www.arikair.com/)
) offers scheduled domestic flights, serving Agadez, Maradi, Tahoua, &
Zinder. There have been a couple of different charter airlines operating in the
country in recent years (mostly hauling employees & management to the
country's remote mines), but they are VERY expensive (think tens of
thousands of dollars or euros per flight hour)and since there's not much
demand, you'll likely have to pay for the return flight too.

At the Airport

Immigration/Customs: Upon arrival, you will disembark the plane,

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walk across the tarmac and enter the terminal building. If you have a
visa you simply fill out an entry card and pass through customs
(remember to keep your yellow fever vaccine card easily available). If
you do not have a visa, you will need to fill out some paperwork and
submit two photographs and (for most nationalities) 30 euros before
passing through immigration/customs. After collecting your baggage,
you enter the main arrival hall which will be filled with porters (see
bellow) and if you have organized a tour which includes airport transfer
you'll see signs for it here. From the arrival hall, simply exit to catch a
taxi or bush taxi.

Airport Porters: Porters in the airport are determined to try to help you
carry your bags, even trying to take them from you, so hold on tight and
continue to refuse politely if you don't want help. If you do want their
help, tip 1000-2000F or a couple US dollars or equivalent.

Currency Exchange: You can change money at the airport but not at a
good rate. Since the CFA franc is pegged to the Euro, the Euro will get
the best exchange rate. The US dollar and UK pound can also be
readily exchanged, but most other currencies will either get a bad rate
or will be refused.

Flight confirmation
Airport flight information: +227 20 732381 or 732133
Air France: +227 20 733121/22
Royal Air Maroc +227 20 732853

Shopping: A few shops open around the time of each flight, even in the
early morning. Mostly food/drink and a few small souvenirs.

Between the airport and the city

Taxi: For a more comfortable welcome to Niger or if your flight comes

in in the middle of the night (like most Air France flights) you will have
to bargain for a taxi into town, for a minumum of 3000F during the day
& 5000F at night. If you have a night departure, don't forget to
prearrange a taxi! There are very few on the streets at night. Most
hotels can call a taxi for you.

Bush Taxi: During the day, simply walk out of the airport to the main
road (Route Nationale 1) and flag down a bush taxi (van) heading right.
They come by all the time. The price is fixed at 125F per person, and
no charge for bags. They will drop you off at the Grande Marche, and
from there it is easy to get a white taxi (200F/person) to anywhere else
in town. To get back to the airport to fly out, go to the Grand Marché –
Côté Chateau. There are two gas stations on the corner. In front of one

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you will see several bush taxis (vans) lined up facing away from the
Grand Marché and towards the airport. Tell them “aeroport.” Again, it
costs 125F per person. The van usually fills up and leaves within 5
minutes. Get off in front of the airport and walk in. (If you’re not
familiar with where the airport is, tell the young guy managing the van
and he’ll let you know when it’s time for you to get off.) No tips
required or expected.

By bus

Buses travel between Niamey and Cotonou in Benin, taking 14 hours for the
journey. Crossing is at the Gaya/Malanville border where otherwise you can
take a moto and walk across if you don't feel like doing the whole trip in one
stage. There are also buses and minibuses to Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso,
taking around 10 hours. Crossing is at Foetchango, west of Niamey. Finally,
there is bus service between Niamey and Gao in Mali, taking up to 20 hours.

Buses and bush taxis connect Niamey to other destinations in Niger, including
Zinder and Agadez.

By boat

While the Niger River runs through the city and there are no impediments to
river travel (rapids, waterfalls), there is no regular boat service like there is
upstream in Mali. Many pirougue operators will gladly take you along the
river for a reasonable price, but you will need to find one heading in your
direction. Pirougues operate on erratic schedules, are both much slower and
less comfortable than busses.

By car

There are several highways leading to/from Niamey.

To the northwest: A newly-paved routes exists along the north side of

the Niger connecting the city with Gao, Mali and which passes through
Boubon, Farie, Tillaberi, & Ayorou. A less-travelled route on the
south-side of the Niger in the same direction leads through several
small towns towards Tera in the Liptano region.

To the southwest: A major highway leads to Ouagadougou, Burkina

Faso passing through the towns of Lamorde, Kobadie, & Torodi.

To the 'south: A highway leads to W National Park, passing through

Boyenga & Say.

To the southeast: A major highway leads through Koure & Birni

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N'Gaoure to Dosso, where the major highway to Gaya & Benin heads
south and the major highway to the eastern half of the country (Route
Nationale 1) heads east.

To the northwest: A minor road leads to Route Nationale 1 at

Dogondoutchi.

To the north: A minor road leads to Anderamboukane, Mali passing

through Oullam & Bani Bangou.

Get around
Addresses

Street addresses were not devised until the past decade for most West African
cities. Niamey implemented one of the most efficient plans in the region
between 2001-2002. The city has been divided into 44 sections (named and
based largely on existing neighborhoods) and each was given a two letter
prefix (for instance, "GM" for "Grende Marche). Since the vast majority of
roads lacked names, numbers were assigned to each road (even if it has a
name); streets running roughly parallel to the river were assigned even
numbers and cross-streets assigned odd numbers. Over 100,000 street signs
were installed to denote these roads at intersections. Addresses were assigned
by distance from the river, alternating even-odd on opposite sides of the
street. Thus the address 4735, Rue GM 12, Niamey is located in the Grande
Marche district on road 12 (which runs parallel to the river).

By Taxi

Taxis (small white cars) are plentiful and easy to use. They are almost always
shared (1 passenger in the front, 3 in the back) unless you ask specifically to
pay more to make it private. There are a handful of places where taxis will
queue for passengers (airport, grande marche, etc), but most of the time you
just stick out your hand towards the traffic, maybe give a weak wave, and
shout for "taxi" or "taximan". The rate for a shared taxi is FIXED at 200CFA
per person. Through the open window, tell the driver your destination and if
he nods, or stays there, you're good to go. It is better to give a section of the
city or a major landmark as the destination than giving an address. If he
drives off, he wasn't going near your destination; just hail the next taxi. For
longer distances the taxi driver will indicate it is double (400F) by saying
quatre cent (French), deux courses (also French) or wah-haku (Djerma)
before you get in the car. If in doubt, confirm the price beforehand, especially
if you are white and take a taxi near a hotel.

The rate is 800 to 1000 CFA if you want the taxi all for yourself. You should

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pay more only from bus station (500 FCFA) and from the airport (3000F or
higher). Prices double after midnight. Often times, taxis will wait outside
hotels looking for passengers, usually they will try to charge more than the
official rate or are only looking for single passengers (they won't stop for
other passengers and will charge you accordingly)

If you need to call a taxi to pre-arrange something, one to try is Taxi Bonbon
at 96.96.76.46. Fun guy that likes to chat and flirt.

By Car

There is a Hertz car rental place in Niger that rents Toyota RAV4. It is very
expensive!

See
Musée Nationale and Zoo, Avenue Mitterand, ☎ +227 20 734321.
This complex was built in 1959 by the colonial French government as
the L'Institute Francais d'Afrique Noire (French Institute of Black
Africa), although the original museum was largely destroyed by fire in
1980. The museum is one of West Africa's best "national museums"
and a top Nigerien attraction. There are many Hausa-styled pavilions
containing displays on Nigerien hisotry & customs and exhibitions
focusing on such things as traditional instruments,
paleontology/archaeology, costumes, & uranium mining. The zoo is
depressing, mostly local animals kept in dilapidated enclosures and
aimed more at local children who don't have the chance to see them in
the wild than tourists. Other sites on the campus include
traditionally-built dwellings, a small bar, and many handicrafts sellers.
Bring water or buy it outside, as it is expensive inside. The exhibits and
boutiques are closed in the afternoon from 12:00-15:00h though during
that time you can still see the animals and artisans. Entry costs 1000F, a
photography permit is 1000F, & a guided tour(in French) costs 2500F.
There are two entrances: one on Rue du Musee and another opposite
the Palais du Congres. edit

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Grande Mosquée, Avenue

de l'Islam. You can tour the
Grande Mosquée, a gift to
Niger from Qadafi. Just
walk right up to the main
doors of the Grande
Mosque and the guardian
will greet you and give you
a tour. Or set up with him
ahead of time -- his name is
Issaka and his number is
Grande Mosque
96.30.24.27. You pay
“whatever you think is
appropriate” but be aware that you will have to pay three separate
times: the first time is a donation to support the upkeep of the mosque
and their charitable activities; the second time is a small donation for
the women’s room of the mosque, and then a tip for the guide at the
end. So, you might pay 1000F/400F/1000F per person but exact
amounts are up to you. As part of the tour you can climb the minaret
and take pictures. Tours are in French, Hausa, or Zarma. Not open
around prayer time, Fridays, and Muslim holidays. He likes to rush you
through, but take your time and enjoy it. You might need to “remind”
him about the minaret. Be sure to dress conservatively; women need to
wear a head scarf. edit

Grande Marche. The largest market in Niger and the country's

commercial center , this colorful and vibrant site contains over 5000
stalls (1500 of which are enclosed). See below (under "Buy") edit

Centre Culturel Franco-Nigerien (CCFN), Rue du Musée, ☎ +227 20

734834, [5] (http://www.ambafrance-ne.org
/article.php3?id_article=322) . Across the street from the Musée
Nationale, they have an extensive library (all in French), a bar, a
cybercafe, and offer French and Nigerien language courses, and have a
great activities schedule featuring musical acts, debates, films, plays,
etc. Pick up their performance guide and plan your trips into Niamey
around some great concerts and events. Even if nothing is scheduled,
the library and bar are great places to meet expats and locals who are
interested in learning and meeting new people. edit

Centre Culturel Oumarou Ganda, (near Wadata market & Ecogare

(largest taxi hub in Niamey)), ☎ +227 20 740903, [6]
(http://www.ird.ne/partenariat/plp/brefcontenu.html) . Like the CCFN,
this cultural center has a 5,000-spectator ampitheater, a bar, and a large
library containing lots of French-language books & magazines. edit

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Cathedral de Maorey, (two blocks NW of Place Maourey), ☎ +227 20

733259. The largest place of worship for the city's minority (but still
sizable) Christian population, the cathedral mixes local and European
architecture & decor. Unlike Mosques, this cathedral is very lively
during sermons and churchgoers are finely dressed. Services are offered
in French & Hausa, inquire at the Catholic mission (227 20 733259) edit

Do
Music performances

The CCFN & CCOG (see above) frequently host concerts and with capacities
of a few thousand, they can be quite lively. At the Centre Pour la Formation
et Promotion Musicales (CFPM) there is a Rap Zone Every wednesday
night at 4:30 . Often there are people just jamming underneath the trees. They
sell instruments, they give drum, dance, guitar lessons. At the restaurant
Djoumkoume in Chateau Un there are live music almost every night, starting
around 8 or 9pm. Sometimes there is a 1000-2000F cover. To get there, take a
taxi to Pharmacie Cheatu Un. Then, instead of taking a right to go to Idrissa
Nems you take a left. You’ll see it on your left.

Along the river

If you have a friend with a

vehicle or can rent one, you have
several good options. Go to the
Island Campement of Boubon, a
half-hour drive up the Tillaberry
Road. Cross the river for
50F/person and then on the island
there’s a pleasant, reasonably-
priced bar/restaurant. You can
stay overnight in huts for 5000F.
View over Niamey river at sunset
Another option is the Relais, a
hotel campement on the river,
open only on weekends. Just down from the Golf Club of Niamey on the
Tillaberry road, they offer a reasonably-priced lunch, camel ride, and pirogue
trip. Or just have a coke or beer and watch the river. The third option is Plage
La Pillule, 10 km south of Niamey on the road to Say, just past the peage.
Take water and lunch and rent out a shady spot in someone’s garden along the
river. Canoe rides also available. Walk up the wash 2-3 km to the sand dunes.
This “beach” is a favorite of well-off Niamey households.

River trips do not have to be expensive if you do not need to see hippos. Rent
out a whole non-motorized canoe for about 1000F an hour on either side of

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the river. Expect to have to barter more around the Kennedy bridge and the
hotels. To see the hippos, one way to do it is with Les Pirogues de l’Amitié,
run by Sani Boureima, 93-80-69-51. From Grand Hotel, walk towards river.
Turn into the first side street on the left and then go through the metal gate
doors. They speak French, Zarma, and Hausa, and a tiny bit of English. The
boat is a motorized, covered pirogue. You will have to bargain really hard.
His starting prices are 25,000-30,000F for 2 hours to see the hippos, but Peace
Corps volunteers have gotten it down to 15,000 with tons of bargaining and
patience. The boat fits 10-12 people. A day-long trip is 50.000. You can also
do a 2-day boat trip for 80,000F, and you provide your own meals and
camping stuff.

Other activities

The Hippodrome, (Go to the Côté Chateau in the Grand Marché and
look for the two gas stations on the corner, hopefully you'll see a row
bush taxis (vans) lined up, Take one of these and get off at the
hippodrome). Go out for an afternoon at the races at the hippodrome. A
race is held Saturday afternoons around 17h or so, and it's free to get in.
Go for the ambience, the pageantry, and if you like, make a wager. edit

Stade de la Lutte Traditionelle (Traditional Wrestling), Boulevard de

Mali Bero. You need a fair bit of luck to run into these traditional
wrestling matches, as they are only held a few times every year, and
can by law only be organized when crops are good. When they do, it's
by far the most popular sport, and with a 2000 year history also the
oldest. In the main national tournament each of Niger's eight regions
sends 10 leather loincloth clad fighters to face of the 20 diameter ring.
The first to fall, or even touch a knee to the ground, loses the match.
Most matches are about 12 minutes long though they can last just a few
seconds. Even if you are not into sports the cultural aspects; like like
opening prayer, praise poems, salutations, gift giving, traditional
charms and the enthronement of the champion should keep you well
occupied. edit

Swimming Pools. Most of Niamey's hotels with swimming pools allow

non-guests to use the pool for a small fee (often a couple thousand
francs). The best are at Hotel Gaweye & Grand Hotel, whose pools
have a scenic view over the River Niger. There are public swimming
pools beside Hotel la Fluviale (1,000F) & beside Hotel Sahel (the
"Picine Olympique", 1,000F). Try to avoid ones used by lots of locals
as they may not be maintained properly and/or may be full of bacteria
(etc.). Ask to see the pool first to avoid paying for a dirty pool. edit

Buy

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Grande Marche

One of West Africa's best, most diverse, and

calmest big markets. The market spans a Market prices
wide spectrum of objects for sale, from
retail goods and packaged foods to
wholesale boxes of imported goods to hot,
fresh meals. Narrow, shaded, aisles in a grid Shirt material comes
pattern contain a mix of fabric, tailors, pre-cut and wrapped
household goods, sports apparel, in a plastic bag,
automotive parts, flip-flops, headscarves, 1500-2000F for short
baby clothes, and any manner of other sleeve (manches
goods. Goods and foods from around the courtes, 1.25 meters)
country are offered for sale, with stalls or 2000-2500F for
offering imported items from W.Africa & long sleeve (manches
abroad are interspersed throughout.There's longes, 1.5 meters).
also a section devoted to handicrafts and You can get it
traditional clothes, although other markets non-pre-wrapped too.
are as equally good or better to pick these. Linen is
First constructed in 1950 and rebuilt in 1000F/meter.
1987 after a fire (costing over 5 billion Satin ribbon that is
francs!), the Grand Market attracts an about 1.5cm wide is
estimated 20,000 tourists a year. 25F/yard.
Unfortunately, an electrical fire burnt over Used socks are
1500 of the stalls in May 2009. around 3 pairs for
1000F. New socks
Petite Marché are around 400-450F
each.
The main fruit and vegetable market in the Men’s thrift-shop
center of town, can be unpleasant due to pants: 1,500F
hassle, harassment, pestering, crowds, and Men’s pre-made
severely jacked-up prices for visitors. The shirts: 1,500F-2000F
"Supermarche Haddad" is set up like a Sunglasses are 500F
Western supermarket and owned by for the all plastic
Lebanese men and contains mostly models and 600F for
imported European (which means the kind with a little
expensive) packaged foods, meats sliced- metal accenting the
to-order, alcohol, and health/beauty plastic.
products. You can get most of the same Cheap earrings from
fruits, vegetables, meats, and durable goods China: 100F or 150F.
from other calmer, more pleasant
neighborhood markets.One of the cleanest
and newest is the cobblestone-paved Marché Albarka – good place for new
visitors for a “market warm-up,” and there’s an air-conditioned SahelCom
internet cafe outside (500F per hour, 250F per half-hour). Another great one

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is Marché Bonkaney – friendly with a little bit of everything for sale. The
Yantala market is pretty big and also rather chill. Nouveau Marché and
Wadata Marché are other options. Wadatta has the added benefit of being
right next to the Wadata Artisanal Village as an alternative to the Musée as it
is free to get in. Of course, at night, try the Marché de Nuit (aka Night
Market) in Yantala. To get to each of these, just tell a taxi the name of the
market itself.

Fabric-buying

As in other parts of West Africa, Niamey has a good selection of bright

colorful pagne fabrics. Each pagne is 2 meters and it is generally sold in
3-pagne sets (in other words, 6 meters.) Sometimes they will sell you either 1
pagne or two pagnes, but other times they will only sell in 3-pagne
increments. There is a wide selection of pagnes (30 or more shops/stands) just
1/2 block down the street from the Porte Principal of the Grande Marché. 90
percent of them in that section cost 5,000F for 3 pagnes. If you only want one
pagne and they are willing to cut, it should cost 2,000F for just the one. If it is
ENITEX brand (made in Niger), it is a bit cheaper - 3 pagnes cost only
4,000F, or one for 1,500F. There are a few brands that are more than 5,000
(7,000F, 12,500F and up) especially from shops within the Grande Marché.

Other stores and markets

Wadatta Artisanal Market: For slightly different goods and no entry

fee, try this great location for your craft purchases.

Katako Marché: An interesting cross between a Super Target, Home

Depot, and an industrial complex. Watch your pockets, but wander for
cheap food, metal goods, wood, hardwares, magic ingredients (gri-gri),
etc. It’s also neat to watch the aluminum pots being poured.

Eat
Be sure to try all the local specialties rather than only sticking to ex-pat
restaurants. Niamey food is incredible, unique, and not-to-be-missed. You
didn't come all this way to eat the same food you get at home.

Budget

Baobab Senegalese Restaurant Take a taxi to “Rond Point Maourey”

and from there take the street that heads towards the Grand Marché. In
less than a half-block you will see its old Maggi sign on the right.
Alternately, take a taxi to “Grande Marché – Côté Maourey” and start
walking towards Rond Point Maourey – you will see it on the left.

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Favorites include sauce d’arachide (peanut sauce) for 800F including

beef (more for chicken or fish), yassa (onion-based Senegalese
specialty with veggies and meat) for 800F including beef (more for
chicken or fish) and spaghetti-poisson (spaghetti and fish) for 2000F.
They also have good bisap (sweetened hibiscus leave drink) for
200F/small bottle. Opens at 12:30, but the food arrives at 1pm. At night
food is served from 7pm. By some accounts, the best Senegalese food
in Niamey. Good place to go if you are in the neighborhood of either
Grande Marché or Petite Marché.

Fast Food de L’Année Delicious hamburgers for 800F or teazburgers

(cheeseburgers) for 1400F. Probably the best burgers (stuffed with
fries) in town. They also have egg burgers for the vegetarians, fries,
omelets, tuna burgers, and lots of other stuff including soft drinks.
There are two locations: 1) Take a taxi to “Centre Cultural Oumarou
Ganda”, north of the Grande Mosquée. From there, walk north towards
the yellow Sonitrav sign and look for their shop on corner of the next
crossroads; 2) Take a taxi to Rond Point Grand Hotel and they are on
the west side of the round point on the road that heads down to the
Kennedy Bridge.

Ghanaian Restaurant Take a taxi to “Balafon – Pharmacie

Independence” (just north of the Grand Marché). The restaurant is
directly across the street from Pharmacie Independence. Try the fufu –
delicious at 500F/bowl, generous meat portions are extra. Or, if you are
feeling adventurous, try the bonkou – fermented corn dumplings with
sauce. They also have soft drinks, PureWater, etc. Owners prefer to
speak English. If you want a spoon you have to ask for it. Open for
lunch (around 12:30) or dinner, but usually closed Sundays. Good place
to go if you are in the neighborhood of Grande Marché.

Grande Marché Hide-away From Grande Marché’s Porte Principal

(main entrance), head away from the marché. On your left, tucked in
amongst other shops and hidden behind a bunch of street vendors,
you’ll see a yellow-painted building with the Flag beer sign. Once you
go in they have an enclosed shaded courtyard with wooden booths and
tables. They have beer and cokes, and plenty of street food sellers are
right outside for various food options.

Le Bar Snob Delicious and cheap food. Run by a woman of Asian

descent. Call ahead the day before and order the Chinese soup
(20.73.24.83). Ask a taxi for “Pharmacie Inikwara” and then walk north
for half a block. Look for the big cement swan planters out front.

Maquis Africa Queen Amazing food cooked by a sweet Cameroonian

lady, plus cheap drinks, tucked away off the street. Ask what she has

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available for the day as the menu is flexible and the things that she has
prepared for the day might not even be on the menu. Try the Soupe de
Viande ou Poisson, an incredible meat soup with a Thai lemongrass
flavor. Other delicious plates are the Eba with sauce feuille (manioc
fufu with a chapata topping that tastes like sautéed spinach), Eba with
Ndole sauce (salty but good), and Riz Cantonais. (Again, some of the
above are not on the menu – ask for them or ask what she has available
that day.) There is also delicious steak with sautéed veggies, plus other
basics like fries, petit pois, mixed salad, and aloco (plantains, when in
season). Prices are very reasonable, 600F to 1500F for most plates, and
conjunctures are 450F. Take a taxi to Rond Point Maourey. If you are
facing the hotel, walk ½ block along the street that runs left of the
hotel. It is

Restaurant Atlantique aka Ziggy’s Take a taxi to “Hotel Sahel”. Stop

the taxi before he turns into the hotel. Walk 20 feet further down the
road (east) and turn into the Piscine Olympique. Walk through the
empty sandy lot, greet the friendly guardian on his pedal bike, walk
behind the often-empty Olympic pool (but if it’s open you can go for a
swim for 1000F), and into the restaurant. Food and drinks are ordered
separately and come on separate bills. Cokes are 300F, conjunctures
(small Bière Niger) are 600F. Food options are brochettes (steak – say
“filet”, merguez – beef sausage, tongue, liver, and kidney) for 250F,
French fries, peas, green beans, and when in season, fried plantains –
each of these plates is 1000F. They also have a tasty salad (at your own
risk), ½ chicken, or full chicken. Great place to take newly-arrived
visitors for sunset because of the unbeatable view.

Restaurant Liberté Take a taxi to Rond Point Liberté. Start walking in

the direction of the Stade, and it is there on the right. It is run by a nice
Sudanese guy who speaks English. The prices he gives you in English
are in Nigerian naira – so you need to multiply the price by 5 to arrive
at the price in CFA. For instance, if he says 200F, it is really 1,000F.
Anyway, they have delicious steak, fries, salad, rice and sauce, etc.
Nice place to go after a shopping trip to Grande Marché.

Mid Range

Amandine Cakes, lattes, goat cheese soup, pain de chocolat, pain des
epinards, salads, sandwiches, Lebanese specialties, and many other
good things. Bright, clean, and modern, it is a very popular favorite
amongst anyone who enters its doors. Taxi to “Score” (by Petite
Marché), and it’s right across the street.

Bellissimo’s A swanky rooftop escape overlooking Rond Point Maorey.

Go up there for drinks, dinner, dancing late, pedicures, watching the

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world go by. Have a beer and watch the rond point for accidents and
near misses.

Byblos Lebanese Cuisine. Phone: +227 20 724405. Dinner (opens at

1930). Located on Tillaberi Road. Take a taxi to "Pharmacie Yantala."
This inviting restaurant offers the best in Lebanese fare. The mezzé is
the meal to order: it’s a sampler platter of taboulé, hummus, baba
ganouj, meat pies and other Lebanese delicacies for 10,000F -- split it
between 2-3 people. The falafels and chawermas are also very tasty.
Service is friendly and efficient.

Ile de Gorée Senegalese Restaurant, Chateau 1 (I-M): In Chateau 1

one can also have quality Senegalese food. Food is served from
12:30pm till it runs out and again in the evenings from around 7pm.
Slightly higher prices than the other Senagalese places but still good.
From the main Chateau 1 intersection, take the eastern road and it is
just down a little way on the left.

Le Damsi Continental. Phone: +227 20 734491. Breakfast, lunch and

dinner. A favorite among the expats because of its extensive and varied
menu, including everything from burgers and pseudo-milkshakes to
decent Chinese and even Japanese food. Try the pizza. Sonara I
Building (same building as AIR FRANCE) on Rue du Souvenir.

Le Djinkounme Lunch and dinner (1230–1430 and 1830–2300). +227

20 722181. Closed Mondays. Great atmosphere, with dining outside or
in a small hut. Food from all over western Africa. The menu has good
descriptions, and the waitress helps you with your order to make sure
you’ll like your meal. Excellent brochettes. Right off Chateau Un on
the same road as the BraNiger outlet, heading north.

Dragon D’or Chinese. Phone: +227 20 734123. Lunch and dinner

(1200–1400 and 1900–2400). Dine al fresco or indoors. A/C. Run by a
Chinese family. The food is excellent. Can’t go wrong with this choice.
Off the rondpoint Grand Hotel -- look for the Christmas lights. Friday
nights has Karaoke.

Idrissa Nems Cheap and good Chinese food. Tell the taxi Pharmacy
Chateau Un. They will also deliver but you have to pay for the service
and it is often a wait, so order early.

Le Gourmet Another highly rated Lebanese restaurant tucked away in

Chateau 1. Off the main road that turns into Maurice Delens. Look for
the plaque, on the same side of the street as ChouBoy and Jojo Market.

Maquis 2000 West African. Phone: +227 20 735556. Lunch and

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dinner. Very popular African restaurant for both Americans and

Nigeriens alike. Owned by a Cote d’Ivorian, reasonably priced, nice
ambiance. One plate and a few side dishes is enough for two. A little
tough to find and very slow service but it’s worth the effort. Not far
from the Eglise Baptiste.

Splurge

La Casbah North African Cuisine, Phone: +227 20 752602. Dinner

(opens at 1930). Coming from Tillaberi, turn onto Maurice Delens
toward Mali Bero and then take the very first left. You’ll see the sign
immediately. This delightful and attractively decorated restaurant
serves delicious couscous dishes and traditional Algerian tadjines. Try
the Salad Casbah as an appetizer with its variety of tomato, eggplant
and green peppers. For the carnivore, try the Couscous Royale, which
has a good portion of chicken, mutton and sausage brochettes. They
also have a fine selection of cocktails including daiquiris. Service is
first rate.

La Cascade Italian and Lebanese. Pizzas are thin crust, but good. If
there are a few of you, try one of the Lebanese sampler platters, which
are delicious. Some swear La Cascade has the best Lebanese food in
town. Located behind Score and the top of the Petit Marché.

Chez Chin’s Chinese. Phone: +227 20 722528. Lunch and dinner

(1030 - 1400 and 1730 – 2300). Good food and extremely popular. Has
fresh noodles and hot pot (order one day in advance). Good date place
because of its romantic atmosphere. Great for family meals because the
service is fast and the kids can roam in the garden, look at the
menagerie of animals or play on the swings and monkey bars. Located
on Tillaberi Road, not far from Pharmacie Yantala. Taxi to OMS and
it's across the street.

La Diamangou French and African cuisine. Phone: +227 20 735143.

Lunch and dinner (check this - it changes). On the Corniche Gamkalley.
Dine on a boat. Sunday lunch by reservation only. Very slow service,
but good food. Good for a change in atmosphere. It’s also possible to
rent the boat and have your meal while cruising the Niger -- 30,000F
per person, minimum of 10 people.

L’Exotique French and African Cuisine. Phone: +227 20 734050.

Dinner. Opens at 1800. Service is a little slow but the ambiance makes
the meal worth the wait. Located directly across from the
Commisserate Central, 2 blocks past Dragon d’Or. Good seafood dishes
and good pizza. Serves free bread with pimenty salsa. Local music
groups Friday and Saturday nights starting at 9pm.

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Le Pilier Italian. Phone: +227 20 724985. Lunch and dinner (1230 –

1400 and 1830 – 2330). Another expat favorite--for their desserts and
their meals. Homemade pastas, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. They
even have cappuccino and tiramisu. Everything on the menu is good.
Located on Rue de la Tapoa.

La Pizzeria Pizza and Pasta. Phone: +227 20 741240. Take out or

eat-in. Lunch and dinner (1130 - 1330 and 1830 - 2230). Closed
Mondays. A wide selection of pizza toppings, and the service is quick.
Good, thin crusted pizza in a comfortable setting. Also great calzones.
Great for kids as they can watch the cook make the pizza. Near Rue de
Combat, by Croissant d’Or on Rue du Commerce. Tell the taxi "Siege
BIA", and it is just down the street on the right.

Le Shanghai Chinese. Phone +227 96 903437. Lunch and dinner. Dine

indoors or outdoors. A/C and private party rooms available. This
restaurant is run by the same owners of Le Dragon D’Or. The food is
very good. Located on Mali Bero, one block south from the intersection
with Maurice Delens.

Tabakady French cuisine. Phone: _+227 20 735818. Reservations

required. Opens for dinner at 19:30h. A very pleasant restaurant,
decorated with photos of the Sahara Desert and the Tuareg. If you ask
in advance, the owner will show a slide presentation. The food is
excellent. Off of the Place de la Republique, on Avenue de President
Karl Carsten.

Le Watta Upscale Ivorian restaurant. Tell a taxi “Station Terminus”

and then walk north ½ block. Not far from the Grand Hotel and Hotel
Terminus. Serves “Western” and a variety of West African dishes.
Friendly staff.

Zanzibar Very small portions but a wide selection of good food, and a
friendly owner from Australia.

Other food tips

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Zenabou’s Dumbou Stand

(I): The best street food in
Niamey! It’s well worth the
trip. Take a taxi to “Sonara
Deux”, which is a tall
9-story building covered in
tan crosses. If the taximan
does not know it, say
“Maternité Issaka Gazoby”,
which is across the street. Pots and pans in a Niamey market
Alternately, you can walk
from Petite Marché, past
Rip-off Row, past La Cloche Restaurant, and keep going – Sonora
Deux is the second tall building on your right. Wrap around the
building to the front (walking towards the bridge). She has a yellow &
red Maggi hangar on the right. Sit down on the wooden benches and
when it’s your turn she’ll point to you and ask what you want. Expect
around a 15-minute wait to be served as she is quite popular. Get the
dumbou with everything. Dumbou is a popular specialty of Niger,
consisting of corn couscous, steamed moringa greens, black-eyed peas,
a tomato-squash sauce, and spices. Women might get for 150F
(waranza in Djerma) and men for 200F (way-tachi in Djerma). Meat is
extra but an incredible addition to the dumbou. Try the pounded/pileéd
guinea fowl mixed with sesame and hot pepper, for 100F (To say “meat
for 100F” in Djerma, say “Ham, waranka”.) Careful, the pounded
guinea fowl meat contains bones. Open Mon-Fri 12:30-4:30 or later.
The guy with the cooler next to her has a gingery lemu-hari drink for
50F (small) or 100F (large), PureWater, and yogurts. Nice place to go if
you are in the neighborhood of Petite Marché or the Musée.

Nigerian Hot Pockets stuffed with curried mashed potatoes, and

other goodies Take a taxi to Rond Point Liberté. Head north for 1/3
block and she is on the left, with the hot pockets displayed in a glass
case, next to a tiny blue-painted shop. She is Nigerian and speaks
English. Prices are cheap. This is a good place for a snack if you are at
the Grand Marché. From the Grand Marché, go to Côté Maourey and
walk down the road that goes towards the Stade. In a couple blocks you
will see Pharmacie Liberté and the round point. She also has delicious
fried dough cakes wrapped around hard-boiled eggs.

almost across the street from the travel agency SatGuru, but further east.

The Meat Sandwich Guy The meat sandwich guy is on the left
Mali-Bero road, just west of the Stade road. Taxi to “Pharmacie
Mali-Bero” then with the pharmacy on your left, walk a half-block and
look for his red Nescafe booth just past the technical school. He is open

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to coincide with the breaks at the school. He is ready to serve around

10h and 16h. Most Peace Corps volunteers use him for a quick stop in
passing for his delicious meat sandwiches stuffed with fries. However,
he is more than just meat sandwiches. Vegetarians should try his omelet
sandwich. However, very highly recommended is his version of nacho
fries. This is a mountain of fries topped with seasoned ground beef or a
fried egg, sauce, mayo etc. all for about 750F. Sit down, order the fries,
and get a coffee to boot. Well worth taking your time there rather than
just doing take-out.

Fried cheese (Wagash) (I): In season, this is a delicacy coming to us

from Benin and Togo. It sells in the Petit Marché as red discus-shaped
rounds that you can then cook up yourself. We do not recommend
eating it raw. Alternatively, there are two women who sell it fried and
ready to eat. One is just behind Score near the Senegalese Restaurant
with the blue walls. Ask around as she is not always there. The other is
near the gas station “Station Katako” on the road leading into town
from the Stade, in the trees on the North side of the street that form the
Tillaberi and Gotheye bush taxi station. She sells all sorts of chichena
(fried bean cakes) and patats (fried sweet potatoes) etc. so the cheese
can sometimes be hidden in the pile. Look for it in the center of her
wares in a small plastic bowl. Buy some (25F apiece) and then eat it
with rice from the rice lady a little to the west.

A great street food lady with fufu and wagash under a big tent (I):
Wagash is also sometimes available at a very popular food tent that
runs from 9am to 1pm across from the Grand Mosquée, on the street
heading south. It is basically at the crossroads on the south-eastern
corner of the grand mosquée compound. There is usually a swarm of
taxicabs parked there while drivers grab breakfast/brunch. Good
pounded yam (fufu) and lemu-hari drink too.

Good hand-made grilled sausage (I): Take a taxi to Cinema Soni and
get out at Avenue Arewah. Start walking north on Avenue Arewah.
Pass one intersection and then look for him half-way along the blank
wall of the school on the right. He is sometimes hidden in among the
Ghanaian semi-trailers that use the wall as a waiting point.

“Pepperoni-style” hand-made grilled sausage (I): Take a taxi to

Rond Point Eglise. Walk south towards Marina Market. He is at a
Maggi grill on the left just a block or two down. 250F/sausage with
condiments. He is there in the afternoons and evenings. He may not
look like he has sausage if he is not grilling, but he keeps the cooked
meat covered and warm so step up and ask!

Grilled Meat (I): Down the road from the bar La Toulousain/Ebenezers

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is a meat griller with a Maggi stand. There are always cars parked next
to it waiting for well-seasoned meat. Rumor has it that President Tandja
likes to get his meat from here. However, there is grilled mutton on
almost any street corner in Niamey and it is always delicious. Specify
that you prefer meat to fat. 500F gets you a small serving for 1-2
people.

Fried plantains In season, find them on either side of the intersection

just North of the Grand Marché, formed by Avenue Arewah and
Boulevard de l’Independence. One of these women makes them as little
fried balls of banana bread, which are excellent with sugar or her spicy
salsa. She is from Ghana and speaks English.

Delicious Kilishi (beef jerky): Kilishi is a specialty of Niger. There are

three varieties: plain, hot pepper, and spicy peanut butter. Never buy it
from Katako Marché as it is dried right over the aluminum smelters
(worth seeing sometime). Try instead one of the smaller operations
around town, such as the drying racks just east of Rond Point Liberté or
at the Yantala night market. If you buy it on the street, ask the seller
where it was made as you really do not want the stuff that has been
dried in Katako.

Dégué Dégué are little millet balls, and when they are in yoghurt they
are reminiscent of a whole-grain tapioca pudding. Excellent dégué is
available next to “Nigelec siege” in Plateau, within easy walking
distance from the Centre Culturel Americain. Martine’s stand is slightly
hidden, next to a lady selling dumbou but if you ask someone will point
you in the right direction. It is usually sold in increments of 150, 200,
250 and so on in sachets or sit in and enjoy the dégué with a plastic
bowl and ladle. Dégué is also available from sellers in the Grand
Marché if you are in there and need a snack while shopping. Or ask
around where you are and see if someone is not selling out of their
concession nearby where you are staying.

Best bisap and apollo in town (I): Bisap is a sweetended hibiscus-leaf

drink with mint. * Apollo is a frozen slushy made from the baobab fruit,
with a deep rich flavor. Take a taxi to Lamordé Ganda from the Grand
Marché or Petit Marché for 200F. Pass the big mosque and then get out
at a white-walled square boutique with a blue-green door a ways along
on the left. If it is closed, ask for Rashida in the courtyard to the right.

Masaki’s Some nights there is live music at Masaki’s,. Taxi to Mairie

Commune 1 and walk east. Look for their fliers or drop in and ask what
is planned. It is run by a French guy and his Nigerien wife. Also serves
as a hotel with nice rooms.

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Drink
Keep in mind that drinking
alcohol is generally forbidden in
Muslim culture, so take extra care
to keep drunken inappropriate
behavior behind closed doors and
out of the public eye. Most of the
Western-style restaurants above
also serve drinks, 'Restaurant
Atlantique in particular have an
amazing river view, especially
They love Nescafe
great around sunset. (See the
"Eat" section)

Sorghum beer bars

There are three Burkinabé millet or sorghum beer bars (called dolo or
tchouk),all in Yantala Ancien, behind the French Embassy. The easiest place
to start is to have a cab drop you off on the paved road that runs along the east
wall of the French Embassy. Start walking along the dirt road that runs along
the North (back) wall of the Embassy. You will pass a Christian Pentacostal
church. Take the right after the church, then another immediate right, then the
next left. She runs the operation out of her courtyard, is really nice if you are
kind to her and her kids, and she will help keep the drunks at bay. Late
afternoon is a great time to go. It is also a great cultural experience as almost
everyone there is from Burkina. Take some ice if you want cool dolo. She has
dolo Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and sometimes Monday. Two
different women make it on the other days of the week as well as the
weekend. For the other two, it is best to go to the first lady, pretend like you
did not know she was not serving that day, and tip a kid 50 francs to take you
to the next location. Or, from Rond Point Yantala, walk towards the French
Embassy a few blocks and then veer off on a diagonal road to your right. Take
the next right, then a quick left into her compound at the end of a long and
narrow path between her houses. The only problem is there are two diagonal
roads… try the first one and then ask someone if you get confused.

Other bars

L’Epervier (The Night Market Bar), Marché de Nuit–Yantala. It's best

to arrive just before sunset in this bar. Go in and get a drink plus street
food (both outside and inside) at the cozy locals-only bar, when it gets
dark. Then, go out on the street and shop for modern clothing in the
glow of black lights amid the throngs of young men and women. edit

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La Legone, Nouveau Marché (Two or three blocks west of the Nouveau

Marché on one of the diagonals coming out of the marché). a bar for
the locals. It has a great feel and is tucked away in the Nouveau Marché
neighborhood. The beer is cold and they have great fare for lunch and
dinner if you are interested in local food. Well worth the trip to a local
bar in a non-expat part of town. edit

La Cloche, Avenue Luebké, ☎ +226 20 732462. Pool-playing and

casual atmosphere though it's definitely for wealthy locals and expats.
Lebanese and western fare and great cocktails edit

Grand Hotel Terrace, BP 471, Gaweye, ☎ +227 20 732641, [7]

(http://www.grandhotelniger.com) . The Grand Hotel has also houses a
popular bar with an Amazing river view, which is especially good
around sunset. Jazz and happy hour brochettes on Friday nights. edit

Learn
The Universite Abdou Moumouni de Niamey [8] (http://en.wikipedia.org
/wiki/Abdou_Moumouni_University) is the only public (and largest)
university in Niger.

Libraries

The CCFN (see above) contains a large library in French. There is an

impressive collection of French-language books about Niger found in a
separated part of this library (and with slightly different hours) called
the "Centre des Resources Documentaires".

The Centre Culturel Americain (Rue de la Tapoa) has a modest

selection of English-language books (mostly about the USA), a couple
dozen magazines, and (most of the time) a small selection of
newspapers (often a week or two old). There is another library which
mostly contains novels used by students taking English courses at the
center; however, if you are carrying books with you that you no longer
want, you could ask the librarian if you could swap for one of the books
in the library. This center also hosts a weekly film (usually in English
w/French subtitles), although it's not as large a venue or spectacular a
crowd as at the CCFN or CCOG.

There are two large libraries for serious research (not for casual
browsing), both of which only allow librarians to enter the room where
books are kept to retrieve what you are looking for: Institute des
Recherches des Sciences Humaines (Humanities Research Institute,
227 20 735141) and the neighboring Centre d'Etudes Linguistique et

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Historiques par Tradition Orale (Center for Linguistic Studies and

Historical Oral Tradition, 227 20 735414). Both have nearly 20,000
titles, but, again, are not very formidable to casual browsing.

Sleep
Budget & Mid range

Chez Tatayi, ☎ +227 20 741281 (auberge@tatayi.com), [9]

(http://www.tatayi.com) . A small homey place near the Grand Hotel.
They even have dorms for budget travelers. 5000F or less per night.
The owner Natalie is French/Canadian and is very nice. The rooms vary
in price depending if you want A/C or a private room, but all are very
affordable. May be out of business! edit

Homeland Hotel, Avenue du Général de Gaulle,, ☎ +227 20 732606.

Good sized rooms in good condition as this hotel opened in 2004,
though no river views and no swimming pool. edit

Hotel Les Roniers, Rue Tondibia (7 km west of town), ☎ +227 20

723138 (fax: +227 20722133). Traditional cottages with thatched roofs,
though a great deal more upscale than the locals residences set in a
pretty garden, with a good restaurant and a hip pool with loads of
atmosphere during the evening. 24.000F (single) and 26.500F (double).
edit

Hotel Masaki, Boulevard Mali Béro (On Mali-bero just off the ''Stade''
road), ☎ +227 96 965324. Nice rooms, good music some nights, and
great bar food. Run by a French guy and his Nigerien wife. Attached
gallery also has some interesting art on occasion edit

Hotel Maourey, Centre Ville 144, ☎ +227 20 732850. Centrally

located at Rond Point Maourey, this hotel has aircon, running water a
nice terrace a worn down look and prostitutes lingering in the lobby,
Still one of the better mid-range options. 35-40,000F per night. edit

Hotel Oasis, Boulevard Mali Bero (Several blocks west of the ''Stade''
road), ☎ +227 20 752775, [10] (http://www.oasis-hotel-niger.com/) .
Over 30.000F per night. edit

Hotel Sahel, Rue du Sahel, ☎ +227 20 732431, [11]

(http://www.hotelsahel.com) . Air conditioned rooms with showers, and
several bungalows right on the river, with great views. Some rooms
have been renovated recently. It's not the safest of neighbourhoods
though. edit

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Hotel Tenere, Boulevard de la Liberte (A few blocks from Grande

Marché.), ☎ +227 20 732020., [12] (http://www.hotel-tenere-
niger.com) . 4 star hotel with Swimming pool and a central location.
44-60.000F. edit

Hotel Terminus, Rue du Sahel, ☎ +227 20 732692. Each room have

own entrance from patio. Good restaurant. Swimming pool. edit

Mission Catholique, Ave du Gountou Yena, ☎ +227 20 733203. A

cheap and clean place to stay 2 blocks from Rond Point Maourey.
Around 10000F for a two-bed room. Officially it's only available to
NGO's and other volunteers, but they have been known to take in polite
guests. edit

Villa Chinois, (On the road of the ''Stade'' (stadium) almost to

Mali-bero.). Very cheap government lodging that is open to guests as
long as the government is not using it for a training Less than 5000F a
night. edit

Splurge

Hotel Gaweye, Place Kennedy 1, ☎ +227 20 723400, [13]

(http://www.hotelgaweye.net/) . Five-star hotel. Don't walk near the
ravine that runs near there to the center of town - renown for banditry.
Swimming pool and high speed internet. 70-150.000F. edit

Grand Hotel du Niger, BP 471, ☎ +227 20 732641

(contact@grandhotelniger.com, fax: +227 20732643), [14]
(http://www.grandhotelniger.com) . Four-star hotel. Fully renovated,
magnificent view over Niger river and the city of Niamey. Great jazz
and brochettes on Friday nights. 49-87.000F. edit

Contact
Internet (Slow) modem and satellite connection. Rate - about 500
FCFA (1€) / hour. Wi-Fi is emerging in the city and can already be
purchased on a 'pay as you go' basis with scratch-off cards in the better
hotels and in the city center.

Post/CourrierThe main post office is located on Rue de la Poste

halfway between the Place de la Concorde/Assemble National and
Place Monteil. DHL Express is located on Boulevard de la Liberte.

Respect

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Proper attire: Dress is much more conservative than other West African
countries. Look around to see how the majority of local people dress, and
you can see it is offensive if you are not dressed conservatively. Shorts,
above-the knee skirts, and tank tops should basically never be worn in the
capital, in Hausa regions, or up north. This will also help cut down on
harassment. Note, as well, that people in Niamey dress up as nicely as they
can afford to, so it's not recommended to dress like you are "slumming."

Giving gifts: Think carefully before giving out “cadeaux” (gifts) or money to
kids or even adults that you do not know personally, especially those that ask
for one (genuine beggars excepted). Be aware that after you give out cadeaux,
future travelers after you for the next 10-20 years will be targets for unceasing
and increasingly obnoxious demands for cadeaux, and Westeners will be seen
only as a source of gifts. The annoyance you cause future visitors is probably
not worth the trinket. Instead, give it to a reputable local charity or school to
be distributed, or a family that has done something nice for you.

Stay Safe
General: Niamey is a safe city but be aware of several things:

Carry as little as possible.

For guys, watch your wallet in your back pocket.
For girls, be aware that they can cut the strap of your bag and run.
The most dangerous places are anywhere the road crosses the ravine
that runs through town, including next to the Stade (between the Stade
and Katako), and between the Musée and Hotel Gaweye. Robberies are
more common there because the bad guys can disappear into the ravine.
The water in the city is usually ok to drink, but sometimes not. To be
safe, you can buy filtered, sealed PureWater (pronounced Pure-Watta)
for 25 CFA per small bag. (Outside of the city it may be either 25 or 50
CFA). Ask at any stall that has a fridge.

Con artists: A frequent scam, anywhere in town but especially near Petit
Marché, involves someone coming up to you and acting like he knows you
well. He says his car or motorcycle got in an accident and he needs 10,000F
to fix it, or variations on this theme. If you don’t know the person beyond a
shadow of a doubt, don’t believe him or her.

Cope
Embassies & Consulates

United States, Rue des Ambassades, ☎ +227 20 722661/62/63/64,

[15] (http://niamey.usembassy.gov/) . Monday to Thursday: 08h00-

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17h30 Friday: 08h00-13h00. edit

France, Route de Tondibia, ☎ +227 20 722431, [16]

(http://www.ambafrance-ne.org/) . edit

Denmark (Bureau de Cooperation Danoise), Rue YN39, BP, ☎

+227 20 723948. edit

Canada, Mali Bero Boulevard, ☎ +227 20 753686. M-Th 8-12.30

& 13-16.30, F 7.30-13. edit

Visa Extensions

Visa extensions are granted at the Direction de la Surveillance du territoire

on Rue Heinrich Luebke. Bring two photographs and the appropriate fee.
Expect one day service, although a small gift could probably get you same
day service.

Banks/Currency Exchange

Get out
Giraffes West Africa's last
surviving giraffe herd is
just 45 minutes outside of
Niamey (near Koure) and
guided tours are available.

Baleyara, roughly 2 hours

east, is home to a large and
vibrant crafts market on
Sundays. A must-do
One of the last wild giraffes in West Africa
daytrip. On other days, peeks under a tree
however, the rural town is
barren and there are no
hotels.

Boubon, 25km northwest on the route towards Tillaberi & Gao, is a

city known for its pottery. Soil it taken from the banks of the river and
formed into many different household potteries, set out to dry, and
baked in large open pits. Wednesday is market day here, and the easiest
day to find public transport from Niamey. Other days, it might be
necessary to take a bush taxi to nearby Relais and then take a pirougue
to Boubon.

W National Park is a massive park named after the 'W' shape of the

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Niger River in it and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Simmilar to

the large game parks of eastern Africa except that the landscape is less
open and more shrub-filled and forest-like and there is less of a
presence of large herbivores than E.Africa. Three hours south of
Niamey, it could easily be organized as a day-long trip, but to fully
enjoy the park, an overnight stay is recommended. The conservation
project ECOPAS is working to improve the park's infrastructure, protect
its inhabitants, and attract tourists. ECOPAS's Niamey headquarters can
be consulted for tourism info (tel. 72 53 48); they also sell printed
books/guides for/about the park.

Agadez While a considerable distance away (1000km), there are

frequent bus connections to this city which once was the most popular
tourist destination in Niger. The city itself is safe to visit, but due to the
ongoing Tuareg rebellion, travel outside the city is not allowed. A
permit may be necessary, so consult local authorities before taking a
bus. A military escort is necessary for part of the journey to protect
against bandits, don't worry, though, as travelling this route is safe
(with escort).

This is a guide article. It has a variety of

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