"Iferouane" Iferouane by titti

Iferouane Travel Guide: 5 reviews and 3 photos

Iferouane is another typical “in the middle of nowhere” place. A lovely oasis located north of Agadez, in the Air mountains.
I was so lucky to arrive there on occasion of the opening of “Festival tuareg de l’Air”. This festival is held according to the peace agreements between the Nigerien Government and the Tuareg Resistance.
The festival brings together the most important personalities from the Tuareg community and the Nigerien governments.
The Tuareg community takes part in the festival with different kinds of cultural events, like dances, music, ethnic groups parade, camel rides, etc.
What resulted more interesting in my eyes was the huge variety of local people attending the festival. It was absolutely amazing to have the opportunity to see so many different ethnic groups in their best costumes, performing their preferred rituals and games; to see such a huge variety of people just following the events, wandering around, talking among themselves, watching the rare tourists.
The festival events were interesting. The people were enchanting.
I couldn’t have cared less about authorities’ speeches.
Besides all the festival performances I had the unforgettable opportunity to get first hands impressions on some absolutely astonishing customs of tuareg people. I’m still dreaming of a magic ritual for greeting people I assisted to. A wonderful woman, in beautiful, colorful dresses was greeting a handsome man, sitting on a camel. The woman’s hand stroked gently over the man’s palm several times. After the last one they stayed hand in hand for a while. Picture this: a wonderful woman standing on the ground; a magnificent “blue man” high on his camel…

Intro Updated Mar 20, 2004
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Reviews (5)

Don't miss "frittata con patate" Restaurants (1)

I was told Vittorio’s hotel also has a restaurant, but I didn’t try it. We used our host’s kitchen, in the courtyard,... more travel advice

batteries! What to Pack (1)

Bring some batteries you can give your host. People there really need batteries. The only kind they can get their hands... more travel advice

Nighttime serenades Nightlife (1)

What I enjoyed most was sitting in the small patio, beside a tiny fire, sipping the strong tuareg tea, gazing at the... more travel advice

fruit! Shopping (1)

Great, delicious varieties of fruit are available in market stalls. 100 CFA for 1 grapefruit. more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Best accomodation

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Written Mar 20, 2004

1 photo

fondest memories

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Comments (11)

alza Feb 6, 2006 at 8:18 AM Report Abuse

how special. and good that you wrote about it. thanks titti!
tini58de Jan 15, 2006 at 6:27 AM Report Abuse

Wow, you sure were lucky to experience that festival! Great descriptions,Titti!
gilabrand Jan 11, 2006 at 12:52 AM Report Abuse

Very good motto. So what are we going to do about it?Oh, and by the way, how do you chat in a language you don't understand??LOL
Carmanah Dec 3, 2004 at 11:32 AM Report Abuse

What a fantastic experience! Thanks for sharing :)
pepples46 Aug 29, 2004 at 12:51 AM Report Abuse

little gifts sure make friends, superb intro pic again titti
shrimp56 Aug 3, 2004 at 6:49 AM Report Abuse

The "frittata con patate" looks delicious :))))
sachara May 23, 2004 at 11:58 AM Report Abuse

Titti, thanks for sharing your wonderful travel experiences. I hope Niger will be my next destination in Africa.
Bonobo2005 May 18, 2004 at 1:41 PM Report Abuse

FANTASTIC experience....especially the festival and the homestay!! I never appreciated fruits more than the grapefruits of the Aiir...
utttz Apr 29, 2004 at 9:18 AM Report Abuse

italian cook?????
aussiedoug Apr 27, 2004 at 3:47 AM Report Abuse

Absolutely fascinating Tittie! I am so pleased for you, having these wonderful experiences, but also a little envious that you are travelling as a real traveller while too often I feel like little more than a tourist.