MUD MAX | Sahel Safari Across Burkina Faso and Niger

The Sahel is a land of transition between the Sahara Desert to the north and the savannahs, that lead to the dense jungles of central Africa to the south. For centuries, it has served as a crucial ecological and cultural interface across the African continent. Imagine a vast, horizontal ribbon weaving through the heart of Africa, stretching for over 6,000 kilometers from coast to coast. With no clearly defined borders, it flows seamlessly as a dynamic borderland that connects together the identities of its 400 million people, cultures, and histories.

Forgotten by time, the Sahel is fascinating place. It is a home to a living museum of ancient civilizations, cities of mud, nomads, music, traditions and ceremonies. Bustling markets overflow with vibrant colors, showcasing crafts and the bounty of the land.

Burkina Faso was a French colony that gained independence in 1960 as “Upper Volta”. It adopted its current name in 1984, which means "land of upright people" in the native Mossi and Diula languages. One of the country's greatest attractions is its diverse landscape – from the Sahelian desert in the north to the savannah of the central plateau and lush rainforests in the southwest. The country’s expanse is mostly flat, with some light hills in the west where the Guinea Highlands extend.

The limestone formations of Domes de Fabedougou, a craggy chain of cones shaped over millennia by water and erosion, make for a geological fantasyland for trekkers and explorers.

One of the most fascinating and at the same time most inaccessible and least visited countries of Africa, Niger is a landlocked country neighbouring Burkina Faso.

Known for its landscapes spanning dry sub-Saharan areas in the north to the fertile Niger River basin in the south, life unfolds here in a hot, semi-arid climate. The capital city, Niamey, serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation. Established along the banks of the Niger River, Niamey provides a vital hub for trade and transportation. With a population of over a million residents, it is the largest city in Niger, characterized by its vibrant markets reflecting the rich heritage of the Tuareg and Hausa people.

At the heart of the country is the beautiful Niger River. There is something magical in its lazy current, moving through a wide channel, among numerous islands and riverside marshes. The river is a source of livelihood for many. Near the bridges, it is common to encounter young children wading at the shore with buckets almost as big as they are. Others fish with a line, while elders set out in boats for a night catch.

Let's go!

Day 1 // Arrival in Ouagadougou
Arrival to Ouagadougou, immigration formalities, transfer to hotel, introductory city tour.

Day 2 // Tiebele
Early breakfast before we hit the road to Tiebele to see the community’s many painted houses and the royal courts of the Kassena people. When we’ve had our fill of hand-painted mud, we’ll head back to the city with few curiosities along the way. Dinner and rest in hotel.

Day 3 // Mosque of Mud
After breakfast we’ll start our trip to Sabou. Along the way we’ll stop to visit the sacred crocodiles and fishes, before reaching the grand mosque of mud. We’ll look around the old town before dinner and check into the hotel.

Day 4 // Domes & Waterfalls

Day 5 // Hippos of Teguerela

Day 6 // Ouagadougou - Niamey
We’ll spend the morning exploring the artisan villages and craft markets of the city before heading to the airport for the flight to Niger. Upon arrival in Niamey, transfer to the hotel, and a city tour if time allows.

Day 7 // Niamey + Gerewol
After breakfast, we will set off for a city tour taking in the main attractions of the capital, including the Cathedral, the main mosque, the handicraft center, the cattle market and Katako market, the city’s oldest market selling a range of hand-made items. In the afternoon we’ll spend time with local people and learn more about the Nigerien lifestyle. Later, we’ll experience the Fulani’s ceremony of Gerewol, well-known to Trekkupers who visited Chad, with plenty of time for photo opps and fun. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 // Dosso - Kanazi
Early breakfast before heading to Dosso to visit the Sultan's house (Zarmakoy), making stops to visit some Zarma, Fulani, Touareg, and Hausa villages. In the afternoon we’ll enjoy a cruise on the Niger River, the third-longest in Africa, spotting hippos and birds. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 9 // Departure

Grade: Easy - available for everyone.
Activities: Trekking, boating, sightseeing, participating in Gerewol festival.
Accommodation & meals: hotels, double sharing. Meals excluded.

Cost: 1950 EUR excl flights + 6000 AED flights. Cost valid until AUG 24.
On this date we will close the list.

Excluded: Visas, meals, insurance.

Visas:
BF – VOA or evisa 190 USD.
Niger – pre-arranged visa at 180 EUR.

YELLOW FEVER Vaccination Certificate is mandatory for crossing inter-african borders.

See yah in Sahel x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238