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The Cure Salée is held each year in September. Talak Adventure Travel was chosen as outfitter and guide for National Geographic when it filmed the "Super Croc" special in Niger. |
SEVEN-DAY EXPEDITION IN THE AIR MASSIF AND TENERE DESERT, NIGER
Niamey – Agadez – Dabouss – Iferouane –Tenere Dunes – Timia – Agadez - Niamey
Day One: Arrive in Agadez, capital of Tuareg culture in Niger. Agadez, crossroads of civilizations, halfway between the Arab Maghreb and black Africa, is the gateway to the mountains of the Air Massif and the incomparable dunes of the Tenere Desert. Agadez is an ancient city founded by the nomads of the Tenere, the Tuareg. It is a city of earthen architecture, famous for its adobe mosque, colorful camel market and exquisite Tuareg jewelry and crafts. Visit the old historical quarters of Agadez, the Mosque with the tallest adobe minaret in Africa, the palace of the Sultan, the camel market, and the artisan centre. Day Two: Depart in the morning for Dabouss, the site of the 6,000 year-old giraffe stone carvings. The presence of giraffes and other animals carved at the site are evidence that this desert area was once a bountiful land. Pass the night beside a Tuareg nomadic encampment in the Talak Valley. Around a campfire under a sky full of brilliant stars, you may hear Tuareg poetry, the music of the one stringed violin (the ‘Inzad’), or witness a tam-tam where young men dance to the rhythm of young women’s singing, drumming, and clapping. An unforgettable night to experience the way of life of the legendary people of the Sahara desert, the Tuareg. |
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Day Three: Drive to the oasis town of Iferouane. Visit the
cool, fertile gardens and see the traditional camel-powered irrigation systems.
Visit the museum
of the desert and the artisan centre where one can observe the ancient process
of forging Tuareg jewelry. Spend the night in Iferouane.
Climbing the dunes is an incredibly beautiful and joyful experience.
Day Four - Departure from Iferouane to Chiriet, passing through Tezerzeit,
the gateway to the desert. Camp at Chiriet where one can gaze upon a sea of
sand that spreads as far as the eye can see. Pristine dunes rise more than
200 meters. At your option, you may ride a camel among the dunes. Spend the
night at Chiriet around a blazing campfire, eating bread baked in the sand
by your Tuareg cook.
Day Five: Depart from Chiriet and visit Assode, the mythical
ancient capital of the Aïr Massif that was mysteriously abandoned and
fell into ruin. From Assode travel to Timia, a green oasis in the middle of
the mountains.
You will arrive in the afternoon, and may relax or climb to the old French
fort overlooking the oasis.
Day Six: Spend the day in Timia. You may swim under a cascade that falls into
a mountain spring and then eat the bounty of this oasis - grapes, oranges,
lemons, grapefruit, and dates. Spend the night at a campsite in Timia.
Day Seven: Return to Agadez.
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| Desert scene |
Man at a well | Tourist playing with Tuareg children at their encampment | |
Note: This itinerary is an example of what your trip to the Tuareg land of Niger could be. All tours are customized to meet your needs and interests. You will travel in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle and be accompanied by a Tuareg driver/ guide, as well as a cook. A translator will be included, if necessary. You may choose to camp, stay in hotels, or combine those experiences. Some camping is recommended as it allows you to go to the heart of the desert and experience this unique land. For camping, sleeping mats and tents shall be provided for each person. Meals while camping will include both western and traditional African dishes. Water is provided, you may bring your own alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages of choice.
Reaching Agadez: You may fly to Niamey, Niger’s capital and travel by private car or air-conditioned bus to Agadez. Alternatively, there are charter flights from Paris to and from Agadez.
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