BURKINA TO NIGER
Arrived in Niger with almost no drama…almost!
THE SECURITY WAS INSANE
Firstly a girl who kissed her boyfriend goodbye in departures is now hooking up some white French guy she was sat beside on 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”
Arriving at the hotel which I have never experienced security like it, I was met by a porter who to my surprise could speak great English – I was onto a winner here. 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 10,000 was accepted and the porter received a tip for his honest. At least now he knows what side his bread is buttered on.
Back to the security of the hotel; the car was searched inside and underneath, there were traffic calming measures right up to the door when there was an X-Ray machine before the reception. Here I was required to sign 3 separate documents before being escorted to my room and then to the restaurant where I was searched again.
SETTING THE TONE
Arriving at the resto I instantly noticed two ladies of the night, they are far too overdressed and aren’t the type to stop staring! After watching spur’s late goal and some chicken skewers it was time to go and needless to say I was going to be followed. One of the ladies shouted over to her friend to notify her 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.
