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Locrawl

Niamey

Niamey, the capital of Niger, is a calm, fairly modern city of around 1.3 million (2020) on the banks of the Niger River surrounded by the Tillaberi region in the far southwest of Niger. It is the administrative, cultural and economic hub and hence generally offers good facilities for travellers, both budget and upmarket. Niamey offers unique open-air markets that are great for people watching; they’re patronized by members of the Tuareg, Sonuri and Fulani tribes, as well as wrestling, some beautiful views of the Niger river and the massive Grand Mosque.

See
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Do
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Eat
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Drink
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Buy
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3 places match

  1. Do

    The Hippodrome

    Go out for an afternoon at the races at the hippodrome. A race is held Saturday afternoons around 17:00 or so, and it's free to get in. Go for the ambience, the pageantry, and if you like, make a bet.

  2. Do Not mapped

    Stade de la Lutte Traditionelle

    Traditional Wrestling

    You need a fair bit of luck to run into these traditional wrestling matches, as they are only held a few times every year, and can by law only be organized when crops are good. When they do, it's by far the most popular sport, and with a 2,000-year-history also the oldest. In the main national tournament each of Niger's eight regions sends 10 leather loincloth clad fighters to face of the 20 diameter ring. The first to fall, or even touch a knee to the ground, loses the match. Most matches are about 12 minutes long though they can last just a few seconds. Even if you are not into sports the cultural aspects; like opening prayer, praise poems, salutations, gift giving, traditional charms and the enthronement of the champion should keep you well occupied.

  3. Do Not mapped

    Swimming Pools

    Most of Niamey's hotels with swimming pools allow non-guests to use the pool for a small fee (often a couple thousand francs). The best are at Hotel Gaweye & Grand Hotel, whose pools have a scenic view over the River Niger. There are public swimming pools beside Hotel la Fluviale (CFA 1,000) & beside Hotel Sahel (the "Picine Olympique", CFA 1,000). Ask to see the pool first to avoid paying for a dirty pool.