ATTRACTIONS
Niamey:
Niamey, the caspital city
lies on the northern banks of the river Niger. It
is a sprawling modern city surroundd by shanty towns
on the outskirts. The two market places
are worth visiting. Other tourist
attractions include a Grand Mosque and the National Museum.
There is a
Hippodrome where horse and
camel races often take place on Sundays.
Package tour service shall
be available to see the places around.
Outside
Niamey is the famous ‘W’ National Park, with its abundant
wildlife including buffalos, elephants, lions, hyenas, jackals and
baboons. The bird life sanctuary is also
prolific.
Agadez:
This beautiful old city has been the capital of the
Tuareg tribes. It is thriving tourist
center now. It is
still a caravan trading city. Beautiful silver- and leatherwork can be
bought in the back streets and the Mosque with its towering minarets
provide an enchanting sight in the evening.
Aïr Mountains:
This place has seen abundant
wild life due to its having more rains
compared to the semi arid regions around. But
this situation is gradually changing as the drought is catching up here
as well. Populated areas are slowly being
vacated. Special permission can be
had from the authorities for a visit to this place.
Expeditions
can be arranged through the mountains to the springs at Igouloulef and
Tafadek or the prehistoric site at
Iferouane and beyond the Ténéré
Desert and the Djado Mountain.
Zinder:
Zinder is a small town; a
former capital of Niget till 1927. The old part of the town is a
compact maze of alleyways, typical of a Hausa town. Near the centre is
the Sultan’s Palace and the Mosque. The tall minaret gives you
good view of the locality at sunset The
part of the town known as Zengou was formerly a caravan
encampment. There is an good Thursday
market here , selling beautiful
leatherwork.
On
the route from Niamey to Zinder is the town of Dosso. This town
dates back to the 13th century . It
was founded by the Zarmans after the fall of Gao.
It has a beautiful
palace, a lively village square
and celebrates many festivals with parades and official ceremonies.
Maradi is the economic
center of Niger where the people are engaged in various activities from
agriculture to diverse crafts. The Sultanate and the Mosque
there are well worth viewing.
The Sundays Market in the Ayorou region at the Mali border is a place
to visit.
In
the region around Tillabéri, giraffes are often encountered.
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