Best Tourist Places to Visit in Maradi, Niger, Western Africa, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Maradi, Niger, Western Africa, Africa

Maradi is the 3^rd largest city of the western African country, Niger. It is the administrative centre of both Maradi Department and Maradi Region. Located around 385 meters above sea level, Maradi is situated around 660 km east of Niamey, the capital of Niger. Maradi is a noted tourist destination, well known for the Dan Kasswa Mosque, Katsinawa Provincial Chief’s Palace and a large market, called the Maradi grand-marché. Due to its position near the Niger/Nigeria border, Maradi is famous as a trade point and Maradi also gets its substantial part of revenue from its agricultural activities. Maradi coordinates with 13°29′30″ N latitude and 7°5′47″ E longitude.

History of Maradi:

Until the 19^th century, Maradi was a part of the Katsina state. Later, Maradi fell under the reign of many regional powers, including the Sultanate of Damagaram. Like the rest of Niger, Maradi was also ruled by the French Empire from the late 19^th century until the independence of Niger on 3 August 1960.

Getting Maradi:

Maradi hosts an airport but that is mainly used for military purposes. So it is not recommended option to get Maradi. Better, reaching Diori Hamani International Airport in the capital, Niamey and then taking bus or taxi to Maradi. This airport is situated around 650 km away from Maradi and operates flights from Casablanca, Paris, Istanbul and many other African and European cities.

By bus, Maradi is connected to all the major cities in Niger and bordering cities in Nigeria. It costs around $20 from Niamey to Maradi by bus.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Maradi:

Islam is a dominating religion in Maradi, Hausa people are greater in number, who have their own language, called Hausa. Other than handicraft products, Maradi is also famous for mortars and pestles.

Compared to other cities in Niger, Maradi holds many nice restaurants and some of them are:

Le Club Privé
L’Auberge
Maquis le Resurrection
Le Jardin

What to do in Maradi?

Shopping at central market
Walking
Visiting artisan’s center

What to do in Maradi?

Dan Kasswa Mosque:

The Dan Kasswa Mosque is one of the highlights of Maradi, famous among both devotees and visitors for its eye-catching exterior, historic importance and holiness.

The Katsinawa Provincial Chief’s Palace:

The Katsinawa Provincial Palace belongs to the chief of the city of Maradi. Although holding long historical background, the palace is still good in condition, attracting tourists. It is located on the west side of the city within a big plaza.

The Grand Marché:

The Grand Marché is a big traditional market in Maradi, situated in the heart of the city. The special feature of the market is locally produced handicrafts that are colorful, attractive and affordable.

The Artisan’s Center:

Situated in the Sonitan quartier in the northern part of Maradi, the Artisan’s Center is a place where different types of jewelry and leatherworks are produced. These products are available for purchase on the site or at central market of the city.

List of other places of interest near Maradi includes:

Dosso Museum
Djermakoy Palace
Centre Culturel Oumarou Ganda in Niamey
Grande Marché in Niamey
Centre Culturel Franco-Nigerien
Mosque of Agadez
The National Museum of Niger in Niamey
Cathedral de Maorey in Niamey
W National Park
Aïr and Ténéré National Nature Reserve

Best time to visit Maradi:

Maradi generally experiences a hot climate throughout the year and the ideal time to visit Maradi would be from November to February.

Accommodation options in Maradi:

Maradi houses only a few hotels, including the Guesthouse and Hotel Jangorzo. Both of these are nice, but will be pricey during high season. So advance booking is recommended. For more accommodation options, visitors can consider hotels in Niamey (around 660 km from Maradi) that are listed below: