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COO destination photo
NIM destination photo

COONIM

Our Recommendation
8.1

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers the most diverse scenery, featuring the expansive Lake Nokoué shortly after takeoff, the dense greenery of the W National Park, and a spectacular view of the Niger River winding through the arid landscape upon descent into Niamey.

Right Side Highlights
8.1
🛶

Lake Nokoué

The large coastal lagoon known for its vibrant ecosystem and the nearby Ganvié water community.

🦁

W National Park

Aerial views of the massive trans-border park, showing the diverse vegetation of the savannah.

💧

Niger River Bend

The majestic river appearing as a blue-green ribbon against the dry Saharan terrain.

🏗️

Niamey Bridges

Excellent views of the Kennedy and Martyrs bridges as the flight aligns with the runway at Diori Hamani.

The right side is the clear winner for river views. For the best photography, fly during the rainy season (June to September) when the W National Park is vibrant green and the Niger River is at its fullest. During the Harmattan season (December to February), visibility can be significantly reduced by dust, so a window seat mid-morning is preferable.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🌊

Gulf of Guinea

Expansive views of the Atlantic coastline and the Cotonou port area during the initial climb.

🏙️

Cotonou Grid

A detailed look at the bustling streets and urban layout of Benin's largest city.

⛰️

Atakora Foothills

The distant silhouettes of the rugged mountain ranges in the northwestern part of Benin.

🏜️

Sahel Transition

Watch the landscape change from lush coastal greenery to the characteristic red earth and scrub of the Sahel.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the rising sun. This side provides a great perspective of the transition between climate zones, particularly as you approach the drier regions of southern Niger. Keep an eye out for the small, scattered settlements that dot the Beninese interior.

Top Activities in Niamey
Route Information

Distance: 792 km (492 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 19 min

Departure: COO (6.357230186462402, 2.384350061416626)

Arrival: NIM (13.4815, 2.18361)

Route Type: International

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