Niger

Desert Oasis in Niger

Niger is a country of desert marvel telling the story of the past but also life now. The River Niger brings life to the villages alongside it and spreads into the cities, from it bringing a distinctiveness to this sun-baked country.

http://www.umdiewelt.de/Afrika/Westafrika/Niger/Reisebericht-6810/Kapitel-5.html – Image 01 (La Flottile)

Stews and starches are Nigerien staples but they also have specialities such as tattabara (grilled butterflied pigeon) and foura (fermented grain with milk balls). La Flottile is a green haven from the dusty roads of Niamey. Grab a taxi as the sun sets on Niger and make your way to this quaint spot that offers the best of Nigerien delicacies and some scrumptious fish dishes from the River Niger itself.

https://za.pinterest.com/pin/341992165431833513/ – Image 02 (Traditional wear)

Much like the rest of West Africa, wraps and headdresses are popular. The traditional boubou is worn by men and more conservative dresses, skirts and blouses are worn by women. Muslim women are also seen wearing hijabs or veils. All Nigerien clothing is made from breathable cloth such as cotton to help with the heat. Due to the high population of Islamic followers in the country, conservative but practical wear is seen.

http://nigertravelandtours.com/trek-air-mountains-foot-camelback-7-9-days/ – Image 03 (Aïr Mountains & Ténéré Desert)

Tucked away, lies probably one of Africa’s best natural phenomena – the Aïr Mountains & Ténéré Desert. It is volcanic mass formations that are surrounded by desert. Leave the quiet chaos of Niamey and go towards the north. You’ll be enchanted by the volcanic pillars that stretch on. As you trot through the desert by camelback, enjoy the sights of the desert such as the acai trees graceful gazelles.

http://www.pbase.com/image/78501927 – Image 04 (Petit Marche)

Haggling your way to the busy Petit Marché in central Niamey is a delightful shopping experience. You will be inundated with people selling you everything from fresh fruit and vegetable, raw meat to bronze crafts.  And after a day of bargaining to your heart’s content, step into Guiguinya. A nightclub in Niamey that plays music from around the world. Consider dancing the night away as you savour your last nights in Niger.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musée_National_Boubou_Hama – Image 05 (Museum)

And your final stop before you leave Niger should be the Musée National du Niger. Here you will learn more about Niger’s ethnic groups, artifacts and other historical items of significance. But more interestingly is the palaeontology pavilion showcasing a one-hundred-million-year-old sarcosuchus imperator – which is a rather larger version of today’s crocodile.

http://www.worldmusic.net/guide/niger/?currency=GBP – Image 06 (Prix Dan Gourmou)

A fusion of multi-ethnic groups such as the Hausa, Fula Kanuri Toubou and more have created beautiful melodies. In recent years, the Nigerien government had introduced the Prix Dan Gourmou to create a bridge between cultures. It is an annual music festival held in Niamey that you should plan your trip around. The culturally diverse music has brought groups together in this conservative state.

As you strap on your leather sandals from a street vendor outside your hotel, Niger will have you craving more. With the country in current disarray due to threats of terrorism, much is closed off to tourists. But what you will have the opportunity to see, is marvellous. In time, perhaps you will return to this desert oasis.