BURKINA TO NIGER
Negotiating with taxi drivers in Niger. Arrived in Niger with almost no drama…almost!
THE SECURITY WAS INSANE
Firstly, a girl who kissed her boyfriend goodbye is now hooking up with a French guy from the plane. Then my taxi didn’t arrive so I was flogged by 2 hustlers to a taxi driver with an agreed price of 10000. That was until 200yards into the journey I said,
“10000 ok” just to double check.
WHERE IS NIGER?
His response, ““Yes 10000…..and 7000”
I arrived at the hotel with unprecedented security and was greeted by a porter who spoke excellent English. I had quick chat to him about the price of a taxi from the airport
“Well sir is depends what you agreed” said the porter.
“We agreed 10,000, he wants 15,000”
So he had a quick chat to the driver but I was keen that it was spoken in English, I didn’t want them colluding on some deal – yes I’m a cynic and of course that would never happen in Africa anyway…..
HOTEL SECURITY
I am big on principle and don’t like the idea of someone taking me for a ride, excuse the pun. In the end, they accepted 10,000, and the porter received a tip for his honesty. At least now he knows who butters his bread.
At the hotel, they thoroughly searched the car, and there were traffic calming measures and an X-Ray machine before reception. I had to sign three documents before being escorted to my room and then searched again at the restaurant.
SETTING THE TONE
At the restaurant, I noticed two overdressed ladies of the night who kept staring. After watching Spur’s late goal and eating some chicken skewers, it was time to go, and needless to say, they were going to follow me. One of the ladies shouted over to her friend to notify her that I was leaving my table; it was all so obvious, but I politely declined.
NEXT UP
How not to get a visa for Chad. Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
133/229
This post is part of the West Africa Series, pt1, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.
