Kouré

Kouré is a unique place globally, as it hosts the last remaining herd of West African giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis peralta). This subspecies is distinguished by its lighter color compared to other giraffes. What makes Kouré special is that it is not a fenced-in national park; the giraffes live in harmony with local farmers and their livestock in the surrounding bush savannah. Visitors can take guided tours, usually on foot or by 4x4, to observe the animals at close range. The giraffes are accustomed to human presence, allowing for impressive encounters. The landscape consists of plateaus and acacia woodlands typical of the Sahel zone. Besides giraffes, one can also learn about various bird species and the traditional lifestyle of the local people. Simple local eateries offer traditional dishes. The best time to visit is just after the rainy season (September to November) when food is plentiful and the giraffes are easier to find. Kouré is located only about 60 kilometers east of Niamey, making it a handy day trip from the capital. The protection of these giraffes is a conservation success story in Niger. A visit to Kouré not only provides an extraordinary wildlife experience but also directly supports the local efforts to preserve this endangered species and the local community.

Nearby cities

Téra

A quiet town in the far west of the country, near the border with Burkina Faso.

Tillabéri

As the gateway to the Sahel, this city on the banks of the Niger offers green rice fields amidst dry areas.

Ayorou

Picturesquely built on islands in the Niger River, this place is especially known for its colorful Sunday market.

Kollo

Just a stone's throw from Niamey, this settlement still preserves its charming village character.

Say

As a deeply religious center south of the capital, this place attracts believers to the banks of the Niger with old mosques.

Filingué

Nestled in dry steppes, this settlement preserves the original lifestyle of the Sahel inhabitants.

Ouallam

A tranquil small town north of the capital, living primarily from herding and dry farming.

Gothèye

The settlement is idyllically situated on the banks of the great river and maintains a deeply rooted tradition of boat building.

Banibangou

The small, rugged border settlement bravely battles climatic conditions and preserves its culture.

Bankilaré

A small rural community that proves its vitality through regular livestock markets.

Balleyara

This place literally explodes with energy when its nationally renowned livestock market takes place every Sunday.

History & landmarks

W National Park

A transboundary UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its diverse wildlife and the characteristic W-shape of the Niger River.

More places

Say Islamic Center

Say was influential in the 19th century as an intellectual and religious center of West Africa.

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Historical Boubon

A small village on an island, known for generations for its traditional pottery.

Old Zarma Capital Ouallam

A significant historical Zarma settlement that played a major role in repelling regional invasions.

Historical Filingué

An old settlement in the Dallol Bosso that has served as an agricultural and trade center for centuries.

Koma Bangou Gold Field

One of the most important artisanal gold mining sites in the Tillabéri area, where tens of thousands of people search for gold under diff…

Samira Hill Gold Mine

Niger's first commercial gold mine, located in the Liptako-Gourma area near the border with Burkina Faso, a key factor in gold exports.

Tillabéri River Crossing

An ancient, strategically important point for crossing the Niger River for trade caravans.

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Kandadji Dam

A massive hydropower and irrigation project under construction on the Niger River, designed to revolutionize the country's energy indepen…