Flights to Niamey
Prepare for your flight to Niamey, Niger's capital, located on the Niger River, mere hours away from the country's national parks and sanctuaries. Find the best prices for your flight to Niamey with Air France in the coming months, departing from a number of US airports. Before traveling to Niamey, consult your country's current travel advice for traveling to Niger. Would you like to learn more about what to do and to see in the city ahead of your trip? Read on
Niamey, Niger's capital, divided by a river
Niamey is the capital city of Niger and the country's largest, sprawling city. According to Niger's government's estimates, Niamey's current population is above 1,5 million people. Until late in the 18th century, the city existed as a conglomerate of several villages, and the exact date of Niamey's foundation is unknown. The Niger River divides the city in two parts. Niamey is located close to Niger's border and, as, historically, the country's border followed the river, the western parts of the city used to belong to be outside of Niger. Currently, Niamey's western districts are mainly residential, and the city's administrative, cultural and commercial centers are situated on the eastern banks of the Niger River.
Niamey's landmarks
One of the city's major landmarks is the National Museum of Niger, where you will find a zoo, a craft centre, a museum of vernacular architecture, and the famous desert Tree of Ténéré. The latter is the legendary lonesome tree that used to serve as a beacon to desert travelers – the tree was so famous that it was even marked on maps. Also in Niamey, you can visit the American, French and Nigerien cultural centres, and the largest market in the city – Niamey Grand Market, where you can shop for Niger's signature colorful pottery. To see how the pottery is made, plan a visit to the nearby village of Boubon where it is crafted and painted by hand.
When to visit Niamey?
Niamey's climate is extremely hot. The temperatures almost never drop below 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. March, April and May are the hottest months, when temperatures going above 40 degrees Celsius. The rainy season lasts between June and September. The end of the rainy season is marked by traditional celebrations across communities in Niger.
Practical information
Traveling to Niamey, you will arrive at Diori Hamani International Airport To get to the center of the capital, you either get a licensed taxi at the airport or arrange a shuttle pickup with your hotel in Niamey ahead of your arrival.
The national currency of Niger is the West African franc (CFA) that is also used by eight independent states in West Africa which comprise the West African Economic and Monetary Union.