A little more
Niger.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Niger: what to know before you go

Niger is a large, landlocked country in West Africa, named after the river that flows through its south-west, while most of its territory lies in the Sahara and the Sahel. Its mud-brick cities, nomadic cultures, desert mountains and the last herd of West African giraffes reflect a long history at the crossroads of trans-Saharan trade. Few tourists visit, and you should check your government's current travel advice before travelling.

Where to go

• Niamey. The capital lies on the Niger river.
• Agadez. The gateway to the Sahara is a historic caravan town whose mud-brick centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Aïr and Ténéré. The Aïr mountains and the Ténéré desert form one of the largest protected areas in Africa, listed by UNESCO, with volcanic massifs, dunes, ancient rock art and desert wildlife.
• Kouré giraffes. About an hour from Niamey, the last population of West African giraffes lives freely among villages and farmland.

Best time to visit

The cooler dry season from about November to February is the most comfortable time, with warm days and cool nights, though the dusty harmattan wind can create haze. From March to June temperatures become extremely high.

Staying online in Niger

Mobile coverage is generally available in Niamey and other larger towns in the south, with 3G and 4G in parts of the capital. Across most of the country, including the Sahara, the Aïr mountains and rural areas, coverage is patchy or absent, and mobile internet can at times be disrupted. Wi-Fi is available in some hotels in Niamey but can be slow, and power cuts occur. Download offline maps and documents before you travel. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.