Niamey - Post Report Question and Answers
What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Only Toyotas. Only 4-wheel drive. - Aug 2022
Toyota vehicles are most common, and most of the garages have experience in fixing them. Bring something with a high ground clearance and good suspension. - Apr 2020
High-clearance vehicle as there are limited paved roads and the rainy season brings deep puddles (think Atlantic meets Pacific with Indian Ocean in the middle). - Jul 2019
4x4 amd high clearance, which are helpful on the unpaved dirt roads, especially during rainy season. Toyota or other Japanese manufacturer. I would not advise on bringing a luxury car or an American car, as parts can be hard to find and the locals will not know how to fix them. - Oct 2017
4-wheel drive with high clearance. Almost no roads are paved, and those that are have major pot holes. - Oct 2017
You will need a vehicle with high clearance because the unpaved roads are like driving on the surface of the moon! White and black cars show their dirt and a light interior will get ruined by the reddish sand that is everywhere. Clean it often and bring extra air filters (*cough*), belts and fuel filters as the supply on hand is limited. There are many mechanics who can fix vehicles but it's not a dealership where they offer you free WiFi and a coffee; it's a drop off situation. Just like any other country, keep your doors locked once in the vehicle if you want to stay in the vehicle. Carjacking is reported as frequent and desperate people wanting your car of value will not consider your safety to get what they want. - Aug 2015
4x4: You will actually put it to use here, and then you will feel silly that you (like so many people in the United States) own a 4x4, when we actually drive on paved roads. If you are on a tight budget, buy a little itty-bitty car and just accept the fact that you'll get stuck. But in no time there will be a crowd of locals around you trying to help you get unstuck in exchange for a little money. - Jul 2013
