Hello Fray
To answer your qestions
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You say that the country is now open for tourism again - do you mean that in an official sense ie. the authorities are now encouraging tourists to return ?
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Yes,they are in theory for most of the country, but most of the North still remains off limits.Short tours out of Agadez seem possible,but might be expensive and restricted to certain areas.
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Did you notice many other travellers in Agadez or other towns? Are there signs of any of the Agences de Voyages offices from the old tour operators reopening in Agadez?
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No.Only aid workers.One or two agencies have re-opened, but I imagine business is somewhat slow if non existent.
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Was there any kind of official policy as to regards what areas were off limits - could one travel to Timia or across the Tenere to Bilma? Re. the guides - were these guides willing to travel officially ie - the itinerary would have been logged with the prefecture.
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Nearly all the areas you listed above are off limits as far as I am aware.I asked for info on camel trip to Bilma but was told that it was not possible.Im sure you could find a guide who may be willing to take you un-offically,but you are taking a huge risk,you will most likely not have any security (sitting duck) and you presence will be noticed in Agadez so you may not be able to get out onto the piste without being stopped by police or army.
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Was if difficult to obtain authorization at Tahoua to continue for Agadez? Did you get any hassle from the authorities at all?
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I can't answer that as I did not get it.The aid agency did,but as far as I am aware it think it was not too much hassle.We visted many prefectures en-route and all seemed very laidback and glad to see foreigners.
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Also, was the south of the country - Maradi and Zinder regions noticeably more lax and easy to travel in.
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Yes,fairly lax.Not many chekpoints or police,roads seem to be in good condition.travel in this area seems very possible.Perhaps register intent with police in Niamey and see where they will give you permission to go.
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Apologies for such a string of questions.
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No problem.
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