Niger

Stay safe

Niger is politically unstable and lawlessness is widespread. The latest coup d'état in early 2010 increased the unstable situation and every traveller should follow independent news closely and stay in contact with their embassy. Vicious and sadistic Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram members are present in Niger and have kidnapped and killed many, so it is essential to know the off-limit regions and avoid them.

In the region north of Agadez, there have been many carjackings, kidnappings and robberies in the past sixteen or so years. The problems continue, and tourists should consider the area essentially lawless. You should not venture beyond Agadez even if you have a guide and a 4x4 vehicle unless you seriously know what you are doing. The roads past this point are of terrible quality and bandits are abundant.

Avoid driving late at night in a private vehicle. Occasionally armed robbers will operate near the town of Galmi (central Niger) and around Dosso-Doutchi (in western Niger), as well as on the road to Gao, Mali in the Tillabery region. Normally, there are police checkpoints on the main highways which limit criminal activities during the day.

The main annoyances you are likely to meet are young boys shouting "Anasara", which means 'foreigner' in most local languages, derived from the Arabic word. You will also be asked for a 'cadeau' pretty much every time you see a person outside your hotel. The word is French for 'gift,' and it is best not to perpetuate the misery this word c…

Stay healthy

The Centers for Disease Control is an excellent resource for authoritative advice on health issues for travellers to Niger.

Drink lots and lots of water while in Niger because the dry heat will dehydrate you, and you may not realise. It is the best preventative step you can take. Bottled water or water sealed in a bag (called pure-wata) is available in most of the cities but in a pinch, city tap water is reported to be well-chlorinated. Be particularly wary of well water, stream water, and rural water.

Replenish your salts as well as liquids.

Wear loose conservative clothes, big hats, and lots of sunscreen. If in doubt, wear what the locals wear.

Malaria, including encephaletic malaria, is a problem, and is chloroquine resistant in Niger. Take your prophylaxes, use heavy-duty insect repellent (DEET is best, though nasty), and consider carrying a mosquito net to sleep under.

Giardia and amoebic dysentery are common. Be wary of any roadside food, unless you buy it hot off the grill. Even items fried in oil could make you sick if the oil has been heavily used and is old. Best to avoid salads and uncooked veggies. Also, never drink unfiltered water (including ice).

Schistosomiasis is present in most water bodies in Niger, so travellers should avoid going in the water everywhere — except chlorinated swimming pools.

In case you were unable to stay healthy, the Clinique Pasteur (situated in front of the Lycée Fontaine) has clean facilities, sterile needles, and competent, sym…

Respect

Visitors are treated as kings in Niger (there is a Koranic proverb to that effect), so be careful not to abuse the hospitality you will be shown. For the most part, try to accept all the small tokens and gestures (cokes, tea, small gifts, etc.) that you are offered. It isn't good to refuse too much, and don't think "these people are too poor to give me these things". That is offensive as taking good care of guests is a point of honour and gives people great pleasure.

Subjects (politics, religion, family) that are considered private in other parts of the world are discussed openly and freely in Niger.

When speaking to Nigeriens, make direct eye contact and try not to raise your voice.

Nigeriens are well aware that their country has a lot of issues and most Nigeriens are dissatisfied, angry and frustrated with their government. There's nothing wrong with discussing politics so long as you approach the subject with respect and caution.

In the working world, money is one of the most important motivational factors. Given the extremely poor state of the Nigerien economy, many Nigeriens strive to make a lot of money to escape a life of hardship. This sadly is also one of the reasons why fraud and scams are common in the country.

Friendships and relationships are taken seriously in Niger. If someone does something for you, you're expected to return the favour. Not doing so is rude.

Dress conservatively, which means no shorts, no skirts above the knees, and no tank tops. For…

Connect

See the Friends of Niger website for discussion boards where you can ask questions before you go to Niger and maybe get some Nigeriens or others assist.