Niger, a safe destination?

We were advised to inform carefully before departure about the local situation when choosing a relatively unknown destination. Because Niger was unknown to us, we have informed us well.
We were often told that it isn’t safe in Niger but we gathered up our courage to bring this country a visit.
In this blog I want to give you a global painting about the environment , the spoken language, manners, customs, clothing, … of Niger.

When we arrived in Niger it became immediately clear that this is a very poor country.
The majority of the population, 85% , are working in the agriculture.
But because Niger is a dry country, the harvest failed many times. This keeps them in the vicious circle of poverty.

April, May and June are the hottest months. The temperature can reach 45 degrees. In the rainy season the temperature drops to 30 degrees. I’m so happy that we aren’t visiting Niger in the hottest months. It’s already boiling hot!

In the south of the country, around the Niger River, we find a savanna vegetation. In this southern savannas are many savannah animals like elephants, lions, giraffes and kaffir buffalos. During a visit to the southern part we saw elephants and giraffes. It’s very nice to see how these animals walking around freely in nature.

The official language is French. This is definitely a good thing because it’s much easier to communicate with the population. Other spoken languages ​​are Hausa and Zarma.

Niger is a Muslim country, so we had to change our clothes. We are tend to wear not much because it's so hot, but we can’t. So I cover at least my shoulders and wear a shirt and a long pants. I sweat my ass off but I do not have problems with the locals!
 My head is uncovered. That isn’t necessary because there are also African women without headscarves.

That there is much criminality in Niger became clear when someone tried to steal my bag. Criminals are very common in tourist places and markets. In the hotel they gave us the advice to protect our original identity cards and travel documents in a safe and if we make trips only take photocopies with us.

Niger is an interesting country to visit but honestly I feel not really safe here. I'll be glad when we travel to Tunisia. I'll let you know as soon as possible how this country is!

Niger River

Sources : http://www.afrikatour.nl/landengegevens/niger/nigergegevens.htm

http://www.intermediair.nl/carriere/verandering/werken-buitenland/wonen-en-werken-niamey-niger

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niger