Eclipse expedition Niger 2006

*The Ultimate Eclipse Experience - Niger, 2006 - (Viewing near Bilma)*
Duration: 4:05	Likelihood of clear skies: 80%-90%

Niger, the Aïr maountains and the Ténéré
This breathtaking country a tapestry of intersting landscapes. From Striking Sahara desert landscapes - to village oases - to mountains of pure blue marble. Virtually untouched by the modern world, most of Niger is occupied by endemic tribespeople of the Tuareg and Fachi or Woodabe. Almost all travel out of Agadez is done by camel, or 4WD.

The Ténéré Desert, the Tafassâsset, a flat expanse as boundless, empty and pure as infinity. Nothing to catch the eye, not a sign of life in this kingdom

of silence and stillness. To cross this utter wilderness between sky and sand is a deeply humbling experience.

Palmtree plantations bloom deliciously green in the shadow of the forbidding Kaouar Cliff.

To discover one of those millenia-old relics is one of the most moving experiences a traveller can have at a dinosaur graveyard.

Over centuries, the merciless Saharan wind has turned Dissalak Cliff into a sculpture gallery: eagle heads, human bodies and abstract figures flower all over the eroded rock.

From Djado and Djaba, only ruins remain, silently guarding the memory of their mysterious builders.

Adrar Bous area retains traces of very ancient human life. Its rich trove of Neolithic artifacts .

Don't forget the Fachi and Woodabe and Tuareg people in nomadic tribes or quaint villages.

At Orida, stone pillars eroded by blowing sand create a fantastic, almost surreal landscape.

Arakao, a ten-kilometer-wide crater shaped like a crab claw, gathers the Ténéré sand through a large breach in its high walls, forming a gigantic sand buttress against the Takolokouzet.

Meeting a train of camels plowing majestica

lly through the soft sand is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Fachi and Bilma Oasis provide exquisitely green havens in this boundless sea of sand

Near Tezirzek Well, a hill covered with rock paintings evokes the rich fauna that roamed the Ténéré when the desert still bloomed.

Sand waves roll toward the horizon, sometimes crashing against islands of blue and white marble.

News on safety and current events in Niger

From the United States Consular Page July 21, 2005
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Niger held generally free and fair local, legislative and presidential elections in 2004. While there was a peaceful transition from one democratically-elected government to another, the potential for anti-government demonstrations and other disturbances remains. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times.
For off road travel in remote areas of the country, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to make use of registered guides and to travel with a minimum of two vehicles. Tourism operators coordinate formally and regularly with Nigerien government and security officials on issues related to tourist safety and security in the North. Thus, it is strongly recommended tourists use registered tour operators when traveling to Northern Niger. Names of such tour operators for Northern Niger can be obtained from the tourism association in Agadez. Global positioning systems and satellite phones are also recommended. Travelers are advised to avoid all restricted military areas and to consult local police authorities regarding their itinerary and security arrangements. U.S. citizens visiting Niger are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Niamey.

Travel Planning and Logistical Details:

Land arrangements IN Niger.

Tour starts in Agadez, Niger. Regular flights do not operate to/from Agadez. Arrival to join the group happens either by scheduled weekly charter flight or by full-day drive from Naimey international airport (NIM).

All passengers travel through the itinerary by convoy in 4WD Land Rovers 3 guests per car with a driver.

All guests camp in full-height tented accommodations on mattresses with bedding provided.

All meals and daily drinking water are provided

Eclipse camp will have full, modern support as detailed on camp support page.

Air arrangements TO Agadez:

Those participating in 7-day and 14-day itineraries may fly Paris to Agadez on our charter flight.

Those participating in 10-day and 12-day itineraries can fly Into NIMEY (NIM), take charter flight to Paris then leave from Paris. We can arrange this for you.

Airfare costs are detailed for these combinations on the costs and terms page.

Guests on the 10 day tour will arrive to Agadez via the Charter Flight, then end in Niamey, in time for air France Departure to CDG

Guests on the 12 day tour will begin in Niamey timed to Air france arrival from Paris or Royal Air Moroc arrival via Cassablanca then depart on the Charter air flight to Paris.

Eclipse Circumstances	Area Landscape	Local Peoples	Camp Support	Itinerary Detail	Cost & Terms
About Niger	Niger Embassy Page	Consular Page	Photo Gallery	Tour Description	Flight Details