Niger...The Land of the Tribes and Vistas
January 23- February 02, 2025
Led by Tour Manager Nancy Weber

As one of the world’s poorest countries in Africa, Niger is a challenging destination, but a very rewarding experience for the few who wish to learn more about this fascinating country. Ancient Saharan trade routes have created a wonderful fusion of Arab and African traditions and provided a home to many ethnic groups including the nomadic tribes of Tuareg and Fulani. Situated along the eastern banks of the Niger River from where the country gets its name, lies Niamey, the capital and largest city of Niger. The city’s fantastic open-air markets provide ample opportunity for watching Tuareg Sonuri and Fulani tribes buy and sell colorful fruits and vegetables. At the Niger National Museum, one of the best in West Africa, discover cultural, ethnological, and archaeological artifacts from the region as well as a display of traditional dwellings from various cultures. See the impressive Grand Mosque with spectacular views of the surrounding city from the top of the minaret. In Kouré, see the last herds of an endemic subspecies of giraffe in West Africa and sail down the Niger River on a stylish pinnace to spot hippos while gliding past riverside pottery villages. The 15th century market town of Agadez was once an important trading center during the trans-Saharan caravan trade and is now one of the most important Tuareg cities in Niger. From the historic city center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, see the unique traditional mud brick structures including the town’s 88.5-foot-high minaret, and lose yourself in the maze of streets that divide its irregular shaped quarters. The Aïr Mountains are centered right in the heart of Tuareg culture, a large Berber ethnic group known as the “blue people ‘’ due to the indigo-dyed clothing that stain their skin. The beautiful oases towns and villages that occupy this region offer incredible scenes of lush fruit orchards surrounded by dramatic sand dunes. These mountains are also known for its rock art images that date back to around 6,000 B.C. Traverse the lunar-like landscape known as “the Moon” and explore the former French army fort, one of the starting points for caravanners that transported salt through the Ténéré Desert. Join us to discover the ancient cities, natural scenic beauty, fascinating nomadic cultures, and wildlife that make this welcoming country so captivating.

Can be combined with Ghana, Togo, Benin tour (January 08 - January 22, 2025) AND Nigeria (February 03 - February 12, 2025) AND Ivory Coast (February 12 - February 22, 2025) OR Cameroon and Chad “Mock Gerewol” tour (February 04 - February 16, 2025)

Trip Grade:
II Active – Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule, and some very long rides. A few times you may be delayed by the security personnel at some check points and this necessitates a tolerant and patient attitude.

LODGING Level:
**-**** Basic to Superior - Lodges and hotels with simple amenities in Timnia and Agadez while refined service and comfort acceptable to western standards in Niamey hotel.

Important Special Trip Notes:

• Tourist infrastructure and facilities outside the cities are very limited & often quite primitive.

• Hotels may change at the last minute without prior notice due to reasons beyond our control.

• Twin rooms are very limited, especially at Noom Hotel in Niamey.

• Air-conditioners in this part of the world do not cool a room to American standards of comfort.

• In the more remote areas, hotels may be basic with few amenities and possible equipment failure such as no hot water, clogged drains, etc.

• Mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria are prevalent in Niger. Documentation of yellow fever immunization is required.

• Brownouts or blackouts may occur or there may be limited electricity available.

• The Niamey-Agadez-Niamey flight may change without prior notice that may necessitate amending the itinerary.

• This trip involves long drives in hot weather over poorly maintained and very bumpy roads. Those with bad spines, knees or other medical conditions may find the drives uncomfortable.

• There are a lack of modern medical facilities and chronic health problems should be discussed with your physician before joining this tour.

• A high level of flexibility, tolerance, respect, open-mindedness, sense of adventure, and willingness to go with the flow if things change is expected while visiting this country.