The Great Tour of Niger

Niger, in the heart of West Africa, is a large country with a relatively small population. Kameli Travel organises tours of this little-known country, most of which is Sahara desert. With an English-speaking local guide, see the best of the capital, Zinder, Agadez and everything in between.

Visits to the main cities can also be made by air, for example from Niamey to Zinder, from where it is possible to return to Niamey via Agadez. Or in the other direction.

Day 1

Arrival in Niamey, from where the journey continues the same day towards the east and the city of Maradi.

The journey will be made in private car. In certain areas of Niger, the state requires military personnel to secure our passage just in case. Security services are included in the price of the trip and their necessity depends on the area and the time of the trip.

Day 2

Visit to the Maradi market and the Sultan's Palace. During the day we will also visit Lake Madarounfa, a major wetland and Ramsar site as well as a major pilgrimage site for Nigerien and Nigerian Muslims. The lake is home to the tombs of 99 Muslim saints.

Days 3–4

We drive from Maradi to Zinder, the country's second largest city, but with a very relaxed atmosphere. Zinder is a historic city that was once the capital of Niger. We will visit the old quarter of Birni, famous for its magnificent architecture, and the Sultan's Palace, where, with luck, we will be able to meet the Sultan himself and see his large collection of cars. We will also visit the Zinder big and busy market, grand marché, and cattle markets where we see goats, cows and camels.

Days 5–6

We drive into the heart of the Sahara to Agadez, an ancient caravan town and crossroads of trade routes. We explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town and its magnificent clay architecture. We will visit the 16th century Grand Mosque and its 27-metre minaret, the Sultan's Palace, the house of German explorer Heinrich Barth and many other interesting sights, including the camel market. If we are lucky, we will also meet the Sultan himself in Agadez.

Days 6–7

The journey from Agadez back to Niamey, the capital, which is one of the calmest of African capitals. On the way we stop at Tahoua market and Kouré to see giraffes, rare in West Africa. In the capital, we visit various markets and the Niger National Museum. We will also see the Niger, the largest river in West Africa, which flows through Niamey and gives its name to the whole country.

Day 8

Transfer to Niamey airport