Dates: November 24 – December 6, 2025

Duration: 13 days / 12 nights

Number of participants: 8 – 12

Cost per person:
- 4 450 EUR subject to 12 participants, or
- 4 550 EUR subject to 10 — 11 participants or
- 4 650 EUR subject to 8 – 9 participants, based on double accommodation.

10% early booking discount (in case you book before September 24, 2025)

Everything is included (also, domestic flight and armed security escort), except for:
- international flight to Niamey roundtrip
- Niger visa (in Niger embassy in Moscow at 100 – 150 EUR or, for citizens who do not have Niger embassies in their countries we assist to arrange "visa on arrival" at 130 EUR incl. visa fee and pre-visa)
- international medical insurance
- lunches and dinners in Niamey and dinners in Agadez.

Estimated cost of international flight Moscow – Niamey – Moscow: 800 – 1300 EUR (to be bought on your own. We consult you).
Estimated cost of international flight Istanbul – Niamey – Istanbul: 850 – 1000 EUR (to be bought on your own. We consult you).

Single supplement: 400 EUR (provided in hotels and tents throughout the entire itinerary).


TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Niger

Day 1. November 24, 2025 (Monday). ARRIVAL IN NIAMEY

Arrival by air in Niamey late in the evening. Transfer to the Grand Hotel 4*. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: no
Accommodation included: Grand Hotel 4* or similar

Recommended international flights from Moscow to Niamey:
- Air Algerie, departure from Moscow on November 24 at 4:10 am, transfer in Algiers
14h40min, arrival in Niamey on November 25 at 0:20 am,
- Turkish Airlines, departure from Moscow on November 23 at 15:15, transfer in Istanbul
6h05min, arrival in Niamey on November 24 at 5:45 am (extra night in the hotel required),
- Ethiopian Airlines, departure from Moscow on November 22 at 21:30, transfer in Addis Ababa
4h40min, arrival in Niamey on November 23 at 14:00 (extra night in the hotel required),
- any other flight arriving in Niamey in the afternoon of November 24 or in the night from November 24 to November 25.


Day 2. November 25, 2025 (Tuesday). NIAMEY – DOGON DOUTCHI – TAHOUA

After a very early breakfast, we begin our transfer by road to Tahoua. The journey takes us via the Dogon Doutchi massif, where we will make stops in traditional Haoussa villages to see their distinctive earthen houses and large, pot-shaped millet granaries. We then cross the Ader region, an area known for its vibrant commercial practices and economic ties to neighboring Nigeria. A picnic lunch will be provided along the route. We will arrive in Tahoua in the evening for accommodation at Hotel Tarka or Marianne.
Dinner and overnight.

* The hotels in Tahoua have not enough rooms with the separate beds (TWIN rooms) and have rooms with 1 big bed (DBL rooms) instead. Therefore, we advise you to pay the supplement of 45 euros to use the single room in Tahoua.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Tarka, or Marianne or similar


Day 3. November 26, 2025 (Wednesday). TAHOUA – TABALAK LAKE – AGADEZ

Following an early departure, our journey continues with a transfer to Agadez. The route takes us past the picturesque pond of Tabalak, a vital watering hole in the arid landscape, and near the camps of nomadic Tuareg. We will make stops along the way for visits, as this region is a major passageway for both Tuareg and Fulani nomads. The latter are known for practicing the captivating Guerewol ceremony, a traditional courtship ritual. Depending on the season, there is a strong possibility of encountering these deeply tradition-centered peoples. The day concludes with an overnight stay at the Ténéré hotel in Agadez.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Ténéré or Hotel De la Paix or similar


Day 4. November 27, 2025 (Thursday). AGADEZ – DABOUS – GOUGA RAM

We depart from Agadez via the road to Arlit, embarking on a journey that is as challenging as it is rewarding due to the very poor condition of the road. Our destination is Dabous, where we make a 6 km detour eastward to witness one of the Sahara's most magnificent ancient art sites: the renowned rock carvings of Dabous.
These are masterful, life-sized representations of giraffes, with the largest figure, depicting a giraffe and its calf, measuring an impressive 5 meters in height. After experiencing this awe-inspiring historical site, we continue our journey to Gouga Ram, where we will spend our first night under the vast desert sky in a traditional bivouac camp.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: tents, local shower with the bucket


Day 5 – 7. November 28 – 30, 2025 (Friday – Sunday). GOUGA RAM – AÏR FESTIVAL IN IFEROUANE – CHIRIET SAND DUNES – TÉNÉRÉ DESERT

Our journey now immerses us in the vibrant heart of Tuareg culture at the Iferouane Aïr Festival in the Aïr mountains. The program is a dazzling showcase of tradition, featuring numerous competitions that celebrate artistic skill and beauty, including the contest for the best female *tendé* player — a traditional Tuareg percussion instrument whose rhythms are the soul of the celebration — as well as contests for the best dancer, and the most elegant traditional costume. The entire spectrum of Tuareg culture is on magnificent display, from the thrilling camel fantasia races to the haunting melodies of Tuareg music and a continuous program of entertainment.
We will then weave this cultural immersion with profound exploration, embarking on the great crossing through the rugged mountain gorges of the Aïr. This dramatic traverse leads us to the first majestic dunes of Tezirzet and the fantastic cirque of Adrar Chiriet, a breathtaking amphitheater of rock that welcomes us with endless, golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Here, on the very edge of the Ténéré, the legendary 'desert within a desert,' we will make our camp, pitching our tents directly in the soft, silent expanse of sand.
Our expedition then pushes further into this sea of solitude, continuing to the Tchinwa Degdeg well — a vital oasis in the vastness — before challenging the immense dune chains of Izane-Issaouane. Navigating this veritable ocean of sand, we are treated to spectacular, dreamlike landscapes that are truly breathtaking in their scale and beauty.
We gonna spend 2 nights in Iferouane at the festival place and 1 night among Chiriet sand dunes. Each day concludes with a night spent in our secluded tents, enjoying meals expertly prepared by our dedicated chef under a canopy of endless stars.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: tents, local shower with the bucket


Day 8. December 1, 2025 (Monday). AÏR MOUNTAINS – TIMIA

Leaving the vast, open sands behind, our journey now leads us through a magical and dramatically shifting landscape of rugged mountainous terrain, guiding us toward the village of Timia. Nestled in the heart of the Aïr Mountains approximately 200 km from Agadez, Timia is a stunning oasis, a verdant jewel that emerges unexpectedly from the surrounding aridity. Here, the local Tuareg population has skillfully cultivated lush gardens, producing a bounty of vegetables like onions and tomatoes, cereals, and an abundance of citrus fruits — oranges and grapefruit — as well as sweet succulent dates. This fertile haven offers a profound and refreshing contrast to the desert we have traversed.
For our night in Timia, accommodation will be provided at a simple local guesthouse or campsite, featuring a single room with a bed. Water for showering will be provided, offering a welcome opportunity to refresh.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: guesthouse or campsite, local shower


Day 9 – 10. December 2 – 3, 2025 (Tuesday – Wednesday). TIMIA – AGADEZ

Our journey continues as we travel to Agadez via the village of Aouderas, with an anticipated arrival in the early afternoon. This marks the beginning of our exploration of this historical city. Founded in the 15th century as a crucial trading post by Tuareg and Hausa communities, Agadez flourished into one of the Sahara's most important centers, its fortunes built on the trans-Saharan trade routes. This rich history is recognized by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, evident in its captivating mud-brick architecture.
Our tour will immerse us in the historic center, where we will visit the iconic Grand Mosque with its imposing, pyramid-shaped minaret — the tallest adobe structure of its kind. We will lose ourselves in the original labyrinthine streets, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere. As a major market town and the renowned "city of crafts," Agadez offers a unique cultural experience. We will have the opportunity to bargain for exquisite local crafts at the bustling market, where the Tuareg are celebrated for their intricate silver jewelry and beautiful indigo-dyed clothing, and we may also witness the dynamic camel market. We will also try to visit famous House of Senegalese Baker.
Following our city tour, we will transfer to our hotel to settle in for the night.

Meals: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Ténéré or Hotel De la Paix or similar


Day 11. December 4, 2025 (Thursday). AGADEZ – ABALAK – WODAABE NOMADIC CAMP IN ABALAK AREA

After breakfast, we leave Agadez and head to the area of Abalak, where we will be welcomed in the nomadic zone of Fulani people. One of the tribes of Fulani group that populates this area is called Wodaabe ("people of taboos"). They are famous for their unique culture and Guerewol men beauty contest. Other people call them Bororo, whereas Wodaabe never call themselves Bororo, as this name is reserved for their long-horn cows only.
Another festival of beauty and colors awaits us in the place called Abulbal (Abalak area) for tonight.
The Wodaabe nomads, according to call of the chief, get together in Abulbal around two wells to celebrate the local festival which will have all attributes of Guerewol men's beauty contest. Wodaabe men will compete in traditional dressings and yellow and black make-up in order to highlight the whiteness of their teeth and eyes. For Wodaabe, they are considered the most valuable parameters in male beauty, along with the tallness and dancing skills.
Tonight Wodaabe people will be performing Yaake dance, demonstrating their beauty, stamina and art of seduction.
Traditionally Guerewol takes place once a year in late September and early October when there is enough food in the area and all the livestock gather together in Sahel, in the area between Ingall and Abalak. It is the moment for the girls to find a man. Thanks to magic power of the special potion, made of a dozen of herbs and barks, young Guerewol participants can sing and dance days and nights long to attract and seduce girls, and the latter make the choice to define the winner.
As an alternative to Guerewol festival, in the course of our ceremonial festival ad hoc local jury will choose the winners among Wodaabe men in best make-up, best costume, best smile, best dancer and even best of the best nominations.

Overnight in the tent camp.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner included


Day 12. December 5, 2025 (Friday). WODAABE NOMADIC CAMP IN ABALAK AREA –TABALAK LAKE – TAHOUA

In the morning we arrange football match where our expedition's team will play versus Wodaabe team in full dress!
Farewell with this small festival – a rare moment of reunion for Wodaabe nomads, and departure towards Tahoua, a route that offers a glimpse into the nomadic heart of Niger. We will travel via the pond of Tabalak, a vital watering hole in the arid landscape, which attracts both wildlife and pastoral communities. Along the way, we will pass by some nomadic camps, and we will make stops for visits whenever possible.
Upon arrival in Tahoua, if time permits, visit to the Sultan palace of Ader people or koranic school.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Tarka or Marianne.

* The hotels in Tahoua have not enough rooms with the separate beds (TWIN rooms) and have rooms with 1 big bed (DBL rooms) instead. Therefore, we advise you to pay the supplement of 45 euros to use the single room in Tahoua.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Tarka, or Marianne or similar


Day 13. December 6, 2025 (Saturday). TAHOUA – YAAMA – DOSSO – NIAMEY

We depart from Tahoua to continue our expedition south, making several scenic stops en route. A highlight is our visit to Yaama, a distinguished Hausa village renowned for its striking Sudanese-style architecture. The village is celebrated for its collection of small yet imposing mud-brick mosques, whose exceptional design and cultural significance have been honored with the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
Our route then continues via Dosso, where we will stop to visit the Djermakoye Palace, the official residence of the Honorable Sultan of the Djerma people. This visit offers a unique glimpse into the traditional hierarchical structure and royal heritage of one of Niger's most influential ethnic groups.
We anticipate our arrival in Niamey around 5 pm, where you will be transferred to a hotel. A day-use room will be provided exclusively for a refreshing shower and a chance to relax before your evening departure.
If time permits, we are free to choose the place for our final dinner.
Afterwards, at the designated time, we will be transferred to the Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM) for our onward flight, marking the end of your journey through the captivating landscapes and cultures of Niger.

Meals: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: day use in Grand Hotel 4* or similar

* Recommended return flights from Niamey:
— Royal Air Maroc, with 15 hours 50 minutes layover in Casablanca, departure from Niamey on December 7 at 3:15 am, arrival in Moscow on December 8 at 7:10 am,
— Ethiopian Airlines, with 2 hours 50 minutes stopover in Addis Ababa, departure from Niamey on December 8 at 12:35 pm, arrival in Moscow on December 9 at 7:50 am (2 extra nights in the hotel needed),
— Turkish Airlines, with 2 hours 20 minutes stopover in Istanbul, departure from Niamey on December 8 at 6:50 am, arrival in Moscow on December 9 at 0:40 am (extra night in the hotel needed),
— any other flight to any city no earlier than at 22:00 on December 6.

* The order of visits and excursions, as well as logistics of the expedition, can be modified according to local conditions (i.e. flight schedule, state of roads, state of security, schedule of festivals or ceremonies etc.). If some visits and/or tours could not be done due to external conditions, they will be replaced when possible.

** The participant of expedition to Niger must be motivated to be respectful to the culture of local tribes, be aware of the objectives of the trip and possible program changes depending on external conditions, security conditions and any other reasons, be able to adapt to the new environment and culture.