• Explore the sprawling city of Niamey. The Small and Great markets are worth a visit, as are the Great Mosque, the National Museum (including botanical gardens and a zoo) and the Hippodrome, where horse and camel races often take place.

• Take a tour of the famous ‘W' National Park, outside Niamey, with its abundant wildlife including buffalos, elephants, lions, hyenas, jackals and baboons. The birdlife is also prolific.

• Visit the town of Zinder, which was capital of Niger until 1927. The old town is a compact maze of alleyways, typical of a Hausa town. Near the centre are the Sultan's Palace and the mosque, which offers a good view from the minaret.

• Take a turn around the town of Dosso, founded in the 13th century by the Zarmas after the fall of Gao. It has an exceptional palace, a lively village square and celebrates many festivals with parades and official ceremonies.

• See Niger's economic centre at Maradi, where the people are engaged in various activities from agriculture to diverse crafts. The Sultanate and the Mosque are well worth viewing.

• Trawl the Sunday market at the old trading station in the Ayorou region on the Mali frontier or keep your eyes peeled for giraffes in the region around Tillabéri. Two-day tours are available from the capital.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.