The giraffes
Up close.
Guides Peralta — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Barke11 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Barke11 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Guides Peralta — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Barke11 — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Kouré Giraffe Zone is a rural area about 60 km east of Niamey, known for West African giraffes, a subspecies found only in this region. The giraffes roam freely among villages and fields, so visitors can see them up close with a local guide. It is one of the best-known wildlife conservation stories in the region. Niger's giraffes fell to about 50 animals in 1984 and then recovered thanks to conservation efforts. The Association to Safeguard Giraffes in Niger and its partners help local people with boreholes, grain banks, mills and seeds to encourage them to protect the giraffes, which can damage crops. The giraffes are still threatened by loss of their bush habitat. You see tall giraffes with pale patterned coats browsing on green leaves or walking across sandy ground among shrubs. Sometimes a mother walks with her calf. Red earth and low bush surround them, and in the rainy season the land turns green. It is about 55 km from Niamey in a straight line. Visits go with a guide from the local visitor office. Keep your distance from the giraffes and do not feed them. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Niger, so read the current advice before any planning.
Up close.
Sometimes.
Red earth.
Kouré, east of Niamey, Niger
They are a subspecies found only in West Africa.
Yes, the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Niger.