Get in
[edit]Bush taxis leave early from the Wadatta (pronounced Wa-dah-TAH) gare in Niamey, CFA 1,750 per person in a minivan or slightly more in a station wagon. Or, you can rent out an entire station wagon for CFA 20,000 one-way. One decent driver is Oumarou, 96-62-73-96.
See and do
[edit]Sunday is market day in Balleyara, a 2-hour drive east from Niamey. The spectacular market gets going at about 10:00. Balleyara is known across West Africa for having one of the largest animal markets, with camels, long-horn bulls, horses, sheep, goats, and more for sale. Sellers and buyers come to the Balleyara animal market from all across Niger and other nearby countries. It also has a very lively regular market with a mix of Zarma, Bella, and Fulani cultures.
Buy
[edit]- Traditional hand-woven wedding blankets in bright, colorful patterns in various sizes and with complicated weaving.
- Black etched wooden bowls.
- Carved spoons, available from the same people as the black etched wooden bowls.
- Carved calabashes
- Pagne fabric sold by pagne (2 metres). Enitex brand from Niger is cheaper.
Eat and drink
[edit]Street food stands are your best option. You can also find delicious local bread and sweet bread. On the main road just outside the market are a couple of boutiques that serve food such as rice and sauce, omelet sandwiches, etc. Filtered and sealed water is for sale for 25F each, known as "PureWater" (pronounced Pure-Watta)
Sleep
[edit]There are no hotels in town but there is a new campement/resort about 3 km before town, with all the amenities. However, you could also visit Balleyara as just a day-trip from Niamey.
Connect
[edit]Good mobile phone reception.