Whether your looking for elephants, hoping to purchase some West African art, or just trying to find out what’s in this part of the world, Niger has plenty of delights to offer the traveler. Spicy beef jerky pricks your taste buds. Giraffes saunter against the backdrop of golden sands to delight the eye. But despite these wonders, political instability means one should use caution throughout the country. It’s best to avoid the Mali border and to research your destinations before you head there. If you do, you’ll be able to enjoy what Niger has to offer, like excellent markets.

Shoppers will adore the markets of Niger where you’ll find everything from basic foodstuffs to Nigerien art. Handmade leather boxes imprinted with careful, intricate designs are easy to transport home as jewelry boxes or memory boxes. Or invest in a full-size leather trunk to replace your suitcase. On your honeymoon? How about a hand-woven wedding blanket as a souvenir?

The Sahara Desert covers most of Niger in grains of golden and red sand. See it up close on foot or atop a camel. Consider hiring a guide for a day trip or camping among the dunes. Good, local guides will introduce you to their native landscape and teach you about all the interesting phenomena you’re bound to encounter.

The Aïr Mountains rise up from the Sahara Desert to delight the eye with their volcanic craters and caches of blue marble. Hike among the mountains and red sand dunes and then relax in hot springs to ease tired muscles. If sand dunes, ancient art, and dinosaurs intrigue you, then head to the Tenere Desert to their north.

Rustic, filling food like millet porridge with okra is key to Nigerien cuisine. Starches and grains topped with vegetable sauces and stews are a major part of the daily diet. Meat is scarce, but when available it is often served stewed with vegetables and served over rice or millet porridge as well. Many dishes have peanuts stewed in for flavor and protein – it’s a typical West African cooking method.

Visiting a street stall is a fun way to sample the cuisine of Niger. Try one of the few Nigerien sweets like fari masa: fried dough with sugar. Peanut-flavored beef jerky is a great snack to have in your bag. Or how about sourdough pancakes with ginger and hot pepper sauce?

Of course, in the heat you’ll need to stay hydrated. Drink bottled water or water you’ve filtered yourself. If you’re feeling like something with a bit more flavor, try apollo (made from baobab fruit) or degue (sweet yogurt with balls of millet).

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