At the heart of a Saharan caravan, somewhere between Algeria and Niger, the Tuareg, a Berber tribe from the mountainous regions of Hoggar and Aïr, undertake their traditional journey. Their caravan cycle begins in January-February in Tamanrasset. Heading north, they trade manufactured goods from the Sahel for dates from the oases. In the summer, they load salt from the salt mines north of Tamanrasset and transport it by camel in September-October to Niger. Beyond Agadez, the salt is exchanged for millet and manufactured goods, followed by festivities with the Fulani people.
“Photo of a Tuareg, taken by Bert Flint”