Niamey, a cosmopolitan city with a French colonial past, is an ideal base to explore the wonders of the region. Take a safari to see the majestic West African giraffes, go on a boat ride on the Niger river to spot hippos, visit the nearby pottery village of Boubon, or head outside the city to enjoy a spectacular sunset on the sand dunes. Don’t miss sampling the delicious but simple cuisine of the region for an authentic experience.