Niger Safari, Tours & Holidays

Niger or the Niger, officially the Republic of the Niger, is a landlocked country in West Africa named after the Niger River. Niger is bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin to the southwest, Mali to the northwest, Burkina Faso to the southwest, and Algeria to the northwest. More than 80 per cent of this landlocked country is covered by the Sahara Desert.

Named after the Niger River, Niger is the largest nation in West Africa. The Sahara Desert covers more than 80 per cent of its land. Even its non-desert portions are threatened by drought.

Niger’s hot and dry landlocked position has put it at a great disadvantage. It is one of the poorest countries in the world, with low literacy, lack of infrastructure, and little access to health care.

Commercially, Niger has a weak transportation system with few paved roads and no railways. The Niger River is also unnavigable because it is too shallow for boats the majority of the year. Niger’s economy is based on some of the world’s largest uranium deposits — making up as much as 70 per cent of its exports — as well as livestock and crops, such as pearl millet and cassava.

Niger has stunning natural beauty, especially in the Mountain ranges in the north of the country, but also houses a few old trading centres in the Sahara, such as Agadez and Zinder, that have a distinct mixture of Arab/ Tuareg and black African culture. The Hausa architecture in those towns is also worth a visit for tourists. The wild giraffe herd lives near Koure which is only around sixty kilometres from Niamey on a paved road. You will need a 4×4 vehicle and a guide, however. The giraffes live near many people and are rather curious and friendly. You can approach within ten meters or so before they become more cautious. The locals are also very friendly. Don’t be surprised if you are invited into someone’s home. In such circumstances, a small gift would always be appreciated.