Tillaberi is located on the road from Niamey to Gao. Most travellers stopping here are hurrying from one to the other, and there are not many reasons to stay longer than necessary. The main draw is the possibility of spotting wild giraffes on the Niger River banks south of town — though the main West African giraffe herd has largely shifted to the area around Koure further south. Ask locally whether any have been seen nearby recently.
Tillaberi is one of Niger's biggest rice-growing areas, with irrigated paddies stretching along the river valley. The Sunday market draws traders from across the region and is the best reason to time a stop here. Security conditions in the wider Tillaberi region have been difficult in recent years — check current travel advice before visiting.