The Tuareg culture is extremely interesting and the people are among the most proud and self-sufficient of any I’ve ever met. They are also some of the most warm and welcoming people in the world. If you choose this trip, I promise you’ll return with a new perspective on life and the way we Americans live it.
That said, you should also know that for the camel trek there are no modern amenities, not even latrines (outhouses), and the hiking is rigorous and rocky. Mounting and riding a camel can be intimidating and is not for the faint-hearted. As for camels being mean-tempered - I suppose some are (like humans), but the ones we met were sweethearts.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Niamey and Orientation. Includes: (L), (D);
Day 2 - Niamey to Tahoua by Toyota 4X4: Morning driving tour of Niamey, then a 7-8 hour trip to Tahoua where we’ll visit the craft center and see local artisans creating traditional silver jewelry and other local crafts. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 3 - Tahoua to Agadez by Toyota 4X4: About a 4 hour drive to Agadez and then an afternoon to check out the market and stroll around town. There’s a wonderful camel market on Saturday mornings.
Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 4 - Agadez to Tabelot by Toyota 4X4: About 6 hours through increasingly arid and stark, almost moonscape land, dotted with Tuareg villages. Tabelot is a large village on the edge of the Bagzane mountain range and is the jumping off place for the upcoming 5 days of camel trekking. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Days 5-9 - Bagzane Mountains: Vigorous hiking, camel trekking, and primitive lodging. Some camping. Incredible landscape/scenery. Views to the first dunes of the Tenere Desert (a part of the Sahara). Wonderful welcoming people. Good food. Your camel person, Mohammed, is also a great cook - you’ll be amazed at what he can do with a few vegetables and bouillion cubes! Try traditional Tuareg trail mix made of millet, dry milk powder, goat cheese, and dates; it's what the Saharan caravan folks have munched on for centuries! Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 10 - Tabelot to Agadez: After return trip, relax for awhile then share a Nigeriene meal with a local family and hear about local traditions and customs. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 11 - Free day in Agadez: Visit the famous mosque, market, or Tuareg craft shops; walk around town; or just relax after your challenging camel trek!
Day 12 - Agadez to Niamey. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 13 - Niamey: Visit the National Museum, "Centre Artisanale" (Craft Center) and Niamey market. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 14 - Amsterdam/USA. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes: transportation, guide, park fees, all road tolls and taxes, hotels, camping, all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, mineral water;
Not included: soft drinks or alcohol, tips, souvenirs and gifts. Contact us for custom trips!
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Niger
Camel Riding
Cultural Journey
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