Bianou & Gerewol Festival 2019 - 12 Days

You can join our group at a group rate of 10-12 people!

Dates for 2019 are to be announced in July. Possible to fly to Agadez, please, ask us for details and prices!

2018 ITINERARY

Day 1 (Sep 16): Arrive in Niamey:

As you arrive to the airport in Niamey today, you will be met and greeted and transferred to the hotel for the evening. Once at the hotel, our guides will have a short meeting and briefing with you regarding the rest of the tour!

Overnight at the Terminus Hotel (B&B). Dinner is not included. 

Day 2 (17):Niamey - Konni or Tahoua (500 km)

After finishing all the formalities we will start driving in a convoy of many 4WDs toward Agadez through Dose and Dogon Doutchi. Approximate departure time is 8 am after we will pick everyone up from their respective hotels.

Overnight in Konni / Tahoua Hotel. Dinner is not included.

Day 3 (18): Tahoua - Agadez (400km)

Given the state of the road, a long driving day and meetings with some nomadic families and also the Hausa people before reaching the mythical city of Agadez late evening.

Overnight at Hotel de la Paix or similar. Lunch is included today at the hotel. Dinner is not included. 

Day 4 (19): Bianou - Agadez Historic Center

Agadez is quite known for its architecture and this, of course, includes the Great Mosque. A tower made of clay standing tall in the middle of the Sultan's Palace that originally served as a watch tower for enemies.  

Around 16:00 hours we will experience a meeting between the leaders of the Bianou ceremonies. 

Next, there will be ceremonies of Turban cheche indigo. This ceremony will begin with the meeting of two different groups of dancers in the old city center. 

We will then enjoy lunch at the hotel and some rest. 

Dinner is not included and is up to you this evening. There is a great Italian spot your guide can recommend!

After dinner around 9pm and about eight kilometers from the city, we will head to the night vigil. There will be dancing, chanting, and tea served at night. This vigil usually goes until dawn when the Turban starts at 5:30am. 

Day 5 (20): The Great Bianou Ceremony

The city has an incredible vibe and atmosphere today as you see men, children, and women dressed in traditional attire making their way out of the city. There are a few modes of transportation here; sometimes on foot, sometimes on camels, and sometimes on horses. Where are they going? They are going about 5km out of the city where they will meet the dancers. 

The entire city is electric with songs and dances and drums. You will notice the long road leading to the Sultan's Palace where the two groups compete with steps of dances and big drums (tambari). The ceremony takes over the alleys of the ancient city throughout the morning and continues for 2 days.

Lunch will be either in a restaurant today, or packed sandwiches as this will allow you to follow the ceremonies downtown.

Day 6 (21): Agadez and Azel (Tuareg Village) 

In Adagez and surrounding villages such as Azel, there is an incredible atmosphere and opportunities to meet with the Tuareg community and experience traditional songs and dances. 

Today we will enjoy a picnic lunch with sandwiches in the middle of Wadi de Azel. 

Once we arrive back to town later this afternoon, you will have an opportunity to pick up some last minute souvenirs at the craft village and the antique products sales center. 

Dinner at a local restaurant not included. 

Day 7(22): Agadez - Gerewol festival

This morning we will transfer to the festival zone and meet the Peulh people and Wodaabe for the great annual Gerewol Ceremony. 

Day 8-9 (23): Gerewol Ceremony

The Gerewol Festival is an annual courtship competition among the Wodaabe Fula people. Young men are dressed to impress. They have elaborate outfits on and there are many different examples of traditional face painting.  

Here, you will have the incredible opportunity to meet and interact with Wodaabé families and spend some time with them before heading back to Abalak. The Bororo (Wodaabé) people are very proud of their environment and where they are from and do not prefer cities and the sedentary life. The group prefers following their herds looking for fertile pastures. 

This evening we will spend the night in a tent. Meals included. 

Day 10 (24): Tahoua 

Today will be a bit of a drive, approximately 250km. We will transfer through the Haussa villages to Tahoua or Konni in search of a shower! The millet granaries and earthen huts are the charms of this region. The area has a Sudanese style of architecture that offers an incredible setting a view. 

Overnight in Hotel Tarka, or similar.  Dinner and breakfast included

Day 11 (25): Niamey via Kouré (Giraffes)

This morning we will transfer via Dosso with a stop at the Sultan's Palace. We will make a small detour where we can visit the last giraffes of West Africa in freedom. 

Hotel in Niamey. Dinner not included.

Day 12 (26): Transfer to the Niamey airport for your fight out. 

End of tour. 

Included:

• All transfers listed in the itinerary (4 WD - 3 people per car, AC is not always available)
• Accommodation on shared basis (single supplement available)
• Local Experienced and Licensed Guide
• Security between Tahoua and Agadez
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Mineral water
• Visa invitation if it is a necessary requirement for you to enter the country (Visa on arrival is also possible if you are from the country which does not have Niger Embassy/Consulate).

Excluded:

• Travel insurance
• International and domestic flights
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
• Activities not listed