"Agadez" Departement d' Agadez by titti

Departement d' Agadez Travel Guide: 82 reviews and 133 photos

I arrived in Agadez late in the night, after some 16 hours by car along the Niamey-Arlit tarmac road. I couldn’t feel any kind of excitement approaching that said-to-be magical city. I was too tired, too frightened by the weary journey. I hate traveling by car.
I just felt the need of a shower, of a bed. I got them and I went to sleep without even realizing I’d finally reached that so long dreamed destination.
The next day, early in the morning, I was out in a freezing wind, wandering around, trying to find my way despite the thin powder, coming from the desert, that was almost blinding me.
The city was deserted; not a soul in sight. It was Christmas morning. It seems that everywhere they celebrate Christmas.
I had all my senses sharpened to feel the atmosphere, to hear any sounds, to smell the place.
But nothing happened. The city was just a small city, like some others I’ve already visited: unpaved sandy roads, small buildings, mostly made of a mud mixture (banko), lots of stalls selling any kind of goods. And rubbish everywhere.
If I think about Agadez, even now, the first image that comes to mind is garbage. Any kind of no longer needed stuff was along the streets; spread across the streets or piled in small heaps at the corners, or filling not very deep holes in the ground. It was disgusting. It was sad.
I spent a few days in Agadez and I could see through the garbage. Thanks to the people I started to feel the magical atmosphere I’ve heard about, I had long awaited.

Fondest memories: the people!

According to what I was told, Agadez is packed with rather annoying street vendors; they spend the day, and part of the night, walking the main roads, trying to get your attention with the most incredible subjects and, sometimes, just with their beautiful appearance. Then, when you’re a bit involved, they carefully extract something from their pocket, their bags, and start making business. Same with regard to shop sellers: they walk tirelessly in front to their shops inviting tourists to have a look “just for looking, not buy!”.
All this could be very tiring but, sometimes, among the others, you can find very lovely and helpful people, who soon forget they are there to sell something to you. I remember Issouou Hassane, from Talak shop: he never asked me to look or to buy any of the stuff his tiny shop was packed with; he was there when I left for the desert; he was there when I came back. Always very helpful and caring about me and my luggage.
I suppose you can also make good business, if you’re looking for it. I bought one of my best necklaces in one of the myriad of small shops spread all around the town. Wonderful white agate; the old shop owner, looking at my glittering eyes realized immediately I wouldn’t have resisted. I bought it at my third visit!

Intro Updated Feb 20, 2004
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Reviews (5)

The old quarter Off The Beaten Path (1)

The old quarter of the town is a maze of tiny, wide, crooked, sandy streets closed between two curtains of brown walls,... more travel advice

The grand mosquee Things to Do (1)

The main attraction in Agadez is the Grand Mosquee. Another perfect example of Sudanese architecture, it was totally... more travel advice

Do not bother the cook! Restaurants (1)

Since I immediately fell in love with the “cucinier” in hotel Tidene, I had there the majority of my meals. I also tried... more travel advice

Do not go by car!!!! Transportation (1)

Do not go from Niamey to Agadez by car, it’s 1023 km! A real nightmare. Much better to take one of the frequent buses... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Hotel Tidene

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Written Feb 20, 2004

1 photo

beautiful!

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Comments (12)

moulik Aug 4, 2011 at 3:41 AM Report Abuse

visted ur pages. u r real exlorer like columbus
tini58de Dec 2, 2006 at 11:28 AM Report Abuse

What an adventure this must have been! Reminds me so much of Mali - well, they are neighbors, so I guess it is not very far fetched! I would love to go there as well one day!
lichinga Aug 11, 2006 at 4:29 AM Report Abuse

Aha, mentre sei via mi sono preso il gusto di rattarti!!!
pepples46 Nov 8, 2004 at 10:38 AM Report Abuse

sometimes, when our dreams come true, reality catches up and puts a pinch of salt on it! superb pics, as always you realy show ambiente!! titti, thank you
sachara May 23, 2004 at 12:07 PM Report Abuse

Another inspiring and fascinating page of Niger !!!
aussiedoug Apr 27, 2004 at 3:59 AM Report Abuse

Another fascinating enjoyable African excursion for me via your brilliant writing titti! Grazie mille e ciao, ciao.
F_Meignant Mar 31, 2004 at 10:26 AM Report Abuse

You perfectly got the atmosphere of Agadez. Thanks for this beautiful page!
piccolina Mar 24, 2004 at 12:10 AM Report Abuse

Bella pagina Titti....:-))
call_me_rhia Mar 12, 2004 at 1:34 PM Report Abuse

speriamo che la pagina cresca...
SirRichard Feb 25, 2004 at 6:36 AM Report Abuse

That disappointing after expecting so much from a place happened to me sometime too. Maybe is better not to know anything about the place U R going too... but that's difficult here in VT, LOL. That Hotel Tidene sounds nice, grazie, Titti.