NIGER the Land of the Tribes and Vistas

NIGER The Land of the Tribes and Vistas

January 27 - February 03, 2022 Led by Anthropologist, Elena Dak

Can be combined with Gabon, DRC, CAR, Congo tour (February 04 - 17, 2022) One of the world’s poorest countries, Niger deserves to be considered a challenging destination, but rewards abound for those willing to persevere. And with political stability returning to this West African nation, it is slowly opening up to tourists. A country shaped by Saharan trade routes, travelers have come and gone through this land for centuries, leaving behind them a wonderful fusion of Arab and African traditions. Agadez and Zinder sprung up along these now defunct routes and today these cities retain their ancient bourgeoisie charm. Comprised of beautiful adobe dwellings, their labyrinthine streets are home to bustling markets, which sell pottery, leather and other dec- orative pieces. Niger’s capital, Niamey, on the other hand was never a site of trans-Saharan trade, and remained of little importance until the 20 th century. It continues to be a very relaxed and low-key city, situated on the lush banks of the Niger River (after which the country is named). Niger is home to a great many ethnic groups, including the Hausa and the Zarma. Other nomadic tribes you may encounter are the Tuareg and the Fulani. Naturalists are also well catered for in Niger, which is home to several national parks. You will have a chance for a close encounter with giraffes, as wild herds live peacefully around Koure, 37 miles from Niamey. Join us to discover the ancient cities, natural scenic beauty, fascinating nomadic cultures, and wildlife that make this friendly country so captivating. Ihab Zaki Managing Director, Spiekermann Travel

Thursday, January 27 time to explore the village and admire its fruit orchards and gar- Arrive in Niamey (Niger) dens, and see its blue-green waterfall, which cascades down a series of basins into a pool. Also see the former French army Upon arrival in Niamey, you will be greeted and transferred to The fort and one of the starting points for caravaners that carried salt Grand Hotel (or similar) for check-in, dinner and overnight. Nia- through the Ténéré Desert. Transfer to the Village Inn (or similar) mey lies on the Niger River, primarily situated on the east bank. for check-in and overnight. (B,L,D) The city was probably founded during the 18th century, but was Sunday, January 30 of little importance to most of the country until the French devel- Timia oped a colonial post in the 1890’s. (D) Friday, January 28 The Tuaregs of Timia have kept their culture and traditions alive and preserved their ancestral rites. Part of your stay here will allow Niamey – Agadez you the opportunity to meet and interact with the people while After a very early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport they share their fruits and vegetables with you. The Tuareg peo- for your flight to Agadez (6:00AM, arriving at 10:00AM). Upon ar- ple are a large Berber ethnic group known as the “blue people” for rival, you’ll be welcomed by your team guide and driver and tak- their traditional indigo-dyed clothes that stain their skin. Other en to the Hotel Pension Tellit for check-in. Agadez was founded distinctive aspects of Tuareg culture include food, language, reli- prior to the 14 th century, gradually becoming one of the most gion, arts, astronomy, nomadic architecture, traditional weapons, important Tuareg cities in the country, replacing by expanding music, films, games, and economic activities. In the evening, you around the . The town became an important center during the will gather around the campfire to enjoy atraditional dance cer- trans-Saharan caravan trade, linking the Maghreb to the Sahel. emony and listen to the anzad, a famous Tuareg poetry instru- Today, Agadez is still the largest and most important city in the ment (a one-string guitar) played by the women. Meals will be region. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises of 11 quarters prepared by a trained cook. (B,L,D) with buildings made of mudbrick. You’ll spend time exploring the historic center, including the Grand Mosque and its imposing Monday, January 31 minaret. Wander through the original labyrinth streets, which Timia - Agadez date back to the 15 th century. Agadez is also a major market After breakfast this morning, you’ll return to Agadez along the same town known for its camel market and “city of crafts”. The Tuareg route you came except for a short diversion to the small village love jewelry and beautiful clothes and you’ll have a chance to bar- of El Mekki, arriving back in Agadez by late evening. You’ll return gain for some of their local crafts. Enjoy dinner at Le Pillier, the to the Hotel Pension Tellit (or similar) for dinner and overnight. famous Italian restaurant in Agadez, then return to your hotel for (B,L,D) overnight. (B,L,D) Tuesday, February 01 Saturday, January 29 Agadez - Niamey Agadez - Timia Morning additional sightseeing and walk in Agadez then after After breakfast, you’ll head to the mountainous region of Aïr Mas- lunch head to the airport for your flight to Niamey and check-in sif (the Aïr Mountains), in the heart of Tuareg culture. While the to the hotel then transfer to get your COVID-19 test done. The rest early history of the Aïr Massif is not exactly known, the area was populated for at least 10,000 years at a time when the surround- of the day at leisure, enjoy dinner at the restaurant in the hotel ing desert was lush grasslands. The Aïr Mountains are known for and overnight. (B,L,D) their rock art, including images of large mammals that date back to around 6,000 B.C. Visit the beautiful oases of Azel and Aoud- Wednesday, February 02 eras then continue on through the “Moon”, named for its lunar-like Niamey – Kouré landscape, and via the volcanic massif to the beautiful oasis town of Timia. Here, orange and pomegranate-laden trees, with sand Early this morning, you’ll depart for Kouré, located about 56 miles dunes in the background, offer a spectacular sight. You’ll have from Niamey, to visit the last herds of giraffes in West Africa. Kouré is best known for these West African giraffes , an endemic sub- species of West Africa. The population of giraffes in Niger was as low as 50 animals 1984 but, according to the association to Safeguard Giraffes in Niger(ASGN), there are now around 170 of them. Return to Niamey for lunch in a local restaurant or a buffet at the Grand Hotel. Around 2:00PM, you’ll head out on a city tour beginning with the Niger National Museum (Musee National Boubou Hama). This museum was founded in 1959 and contains exhibits representing the ethnological, archaeological, and cultural artifacts from the region. There are also replicas of traditional dwellings from different Niger cultures. Next, visit theGrand Mosque of Niamey, built in the 1970’s with aid provided by Libya. Its features 171 steps that you can climb up for some beautiful views from the top. Dinner and overnight at the hotel (B,L,D)

Thursday, February 03 Niamey - USA

After breakfast, we will take the motorized pinnace for navigation on the Niger River to meet the hippos. The riverside villages but also the islands like Kanazi and Boubon known for picnic pottery under the mango trees. Return to the hotel in Niamey to freshen up and have dinner before transferring to the airport for your return flight back to the USA via Europe. (B,L,D) Arriving USA February 4 th , 2022 Please note: Those continuing to the Gabon, CAR, DRC, Congo tour may fly the next day from Niamey on Feb 4th

“Itinerary and hotels as well as local guides are subject to change in response to any unforeseen changes or conditions. Possible change of plan can also occur in case of cancellation of flights from Niamey to Agadez or v.v“

Special trip remarks: This tour requires a flexible spirit and a sense of adventure as you will drive some big distances, on roads that are dusty, bumpy, with bathroom facilities in the wild or in very poorly maintained state. You must treat this tour as an exploratory trip. Mosquito borne illnesses such as malaria are the leading cause of death in Niger. Documentation of yellow fever immunization is required for travellers prior to arrival in Niger. Local culture and Islamic tradition encourage conservative dress for both men and women. Western woman just has to be dressed with modesty but noth- ing too excessive like long gowns or veils, just avoid skimpy cloth- ing. Tourists are free to take pictures anywhere in Niger, except near military installations, radio and television stations, the Presi- dential Palace, airports, or diplomatic facilities. Tourists should not photograph military or police personnel, or political or student demonstrations, and should seek prior permission before taking a close-up “portrait” photo of an individual. About your Tour Manager, Anthropologist Elena Dak…Elena was born in Venice in 1970 Tour Cost (Land Only): $5,995.00 and has been working for more than 20 years Per person in single or double occupancy for Italian tour companies leading trips in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. Elena is one of Single Supplement: $595.00 the most passionate tour leaders and loves her Price based on group size minimum of 8 participants work, loves the subject matter and thrives and maximum of 16 participants. when she feels in charge of travelers and see- ing how to educate them and excite them Trip Grade: III Lodging Level: **_*** about the destinations they visit. She is deeply interested in nomadic cultures and has formally studies several groups (the Touareg in Niger, the Wodaabe in Tchad, the Tigrin in Ethiopia, the Rashaydeh in Eritrea and the Rabari in India). Elena is a graduate of the University of Ca’ Foscari in Venice in Conservation of Cultural Heritage with Ethnographic Orientation. She is currently studying for her M.A. in Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences at Bicocca University in Milan. She has written four books (“La Carovana del Sale “or “The Salt Caravan” (2007),”Io Cammino con i Nomadi” or “I Walk With Nomads” (2016), “Sana’a e la Notte” or “Sana’a And The Night” (2019) and “Ancora in Cammino” or “Still Walking” (2020). Two of her books have been chosen for a course of modern and contemporary studies at Cà Foscari University. She lectures at both the Cà Foscari and the Bicocca Universities and contributes articles for Africa Magazine and Erodoto108 Magazine. Elena held a Ted Talk in Milan in October 2018 and was very well received by her audience. Our first tour using Elena’s expertise was our Chad program in November 2018 and our travelers were very happy to have her on board. Everyone loved her contagious charisma and enthusiasm, as well as her effective abilities as a tour manager and an overseer of the general operation.

Tour includes: Tour does not include:

• Transfers airport/hotel/airport. • Return airline ticket USA to Niamey. • Accommodation at hotels mentioned or similar. • Air from Abuja to Niamey or Niamey to Libreville • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (if doing any pre or post trips). (B=breakfast, L=lunch and D=dinner). • Visa expenses for Niger (approx. $250.00) • Bottled water with meals and on touring days. • Vaccinations, yellow fever immunization, anti-malaria • Transportation in a mini-bus bus with A/C. (ALL HIGHLY RECOMMENDED). • All visits to sites, villages, monuments, and museums. • Beverages other than water. • English-speaking guide and local guides at the various villages. • Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants. • Gratuities to guide, drivers, hotel & restaurant staff, and porters. • Items of a personal nature: beverages, laundry, phone calls, • Airfare from Niamey to Agadez and back to Niamey. email, souvenirs, etc. • Hotel accommodations necessitated by changes in air schedules or misconnections. • Gratuity to your Tour Manager. • Travel protection insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED).

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: **-*** Moderate to Superior: Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service and comfort level acceptable to western standards (4 stars) in Niamey while 2-3 stars lodges and simpler hotels outside of the capital city

Spiekermann Travel Service, Inc. 18421 East Nine Mile Road, Eastpointe, MI 48021 Phone: 1-800-645-3233 Fax: 586-775-9556 www.mideasttrvl.com [email protected]