In-Gall

In-Gall is an oasis of mud-brick and palm gardens west of Agadez with salt pans worked beside it, and each September, when the rains have brought up the mineral-rich pasture of the surrounding plain, Tuareg and Wodaabe herders converge on it for the Cure Salée, bringing their animals to the salt cure and holding the gatherings, races and courtship dances that go with it.

What you actually see

• The Cure Salée - the September gathering of herders on the salt pastures.
• The Wodaabe dances - the courtship displays held during the festival.
• The salt pans - the workings beside the oasis.
• The palm gardens - the cultivation the oasis lives on.

When to go

The Cure Salée falls in September, when the rains have brought up the pasture; dates shift each year and are announced late. November to February is otherwise the cool season. Outside the festival the town is very quiet.

Honest expectations

Festival dates are set late and cannot be planned far ahead. Outside September there is very little in the town. Attending the gathering needs arrangement through Agadez and photography of dancers should be asked for.

Nearby

Teguidda-n-Tessoumt is north, and Agadez is east.