Niger, a West African country, is exceptionally diverse in terms of both its natural environment and its people. Dozens of different ethnic groups live within the borders of this sparsely populated country, and each has its own traditional celebrations, ceremonies, or festivals. This trip is centered around the Wodaabe people’s annual gathering, the Gerewol, but also extensively covers the ruggedly beautiful nature of northern Niger—the Sahara! We will also visit historic Agadez, the center of the country’s Tuareg population and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The festival attracts large numbers of Wodaabe, also known as Bororo, who are part of the Fulani people—one of the world’s most widely dispersed ethnic groups: they can be found throughout the region stretching from Mauritania to Sudan, and thus also here in Niger. Many Wodaabe lead a nomadic lifestyle, and this includes the Wodaabe who participate in the Gerewol.

The Gerewol is traditionally organised to celebrate the end of the rainy season, in September, when there is plenty of animal food available in the same place! Shortly after the festival, the Wodaabes begin their annual migration to better pastures as the landscape begins to dry out with the dry season gradually creeping in. The Gerewol lasts for several days, during which time the Wodaabes meet friends, seek out spouses and propose to them. The event also includes colourful costumes, decorated camels and camel races, and especially decorative face painting and male beauty contests, where young men in fancy dress and face paint dance to impress the opposite sex. The hypnotic dance, known as yaake, can last through the night, as stamina, along with dancing skills, is an important factor in choosing a partner among the Wodaabe girls!