One of my favourite trails is the Mandara trail, which takes about one hour effective riding time (30 minutes if you’re very fast…).
It starts off with long trails of sandy paths (great for a good warm-up trot!)…
…passing a beautiful water whole (’tapki’ in Hausa) that dries up after the rainy season…
The Kanya tapki
…continues with more long stretches of easy going sand paths…
…passing the Zinder rocks…
…and the whole experience just allows you to enjoy the beautiful bush scenery that surrounds Zinder!
Another peaceful stretch brings to you to the Doom Plateau:
Doom palm trees
…when you may want to check on your gear, as the horses normally start sweating about now… 
Beautiful, isn’t it?
You carry on with more stretches of beautiful sandy paths…
…until you finally arrive at your destination: the tranquil village of Mandara.
With its ash-colored clay buildings, the village of Mandara is by far one of my favourite places in Niger! Situated a good distance from the road, the best way to get here is by horse.
Riding through the streets of Mandara…
Friendly kids coming up to greet - not to beg
Have you ever heard me mention that the Nigerien sky is beautiful?
Heading out of Mandara…
…with company!
Saying goodbye to a cheerful group of children!
Once you’ve passed through Mandara, take another sandy path home (our Barb mares like to do this part in full speed)…
…and try to make it home before dark!
For other Zinder bush trails, see:
4 users commented in " The Mandara trail "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackThat was beautiful! I felt like I was right there with you.
Thanks for sharing,
Harmony,
Janet
I am so impressed by your love of your ark, your people, and your country. Your respect of all is evident, and makes you blessed!
@Janet: I’m thrilled! I have only one trail that I prefer to the Mandara trail, but I need a good two hours of effective riding time to enjoy it before the sun goes down, which makes it a perfect winter activity (when the afternoons are cooler and you get set out earlier).
@Fe: Thanks, that is so sweet! Niger is a great place to stop look at the little things, and really enjoy all the quality moments that we are blessed with daily. I think life is best lived when you don’t take things for granted, but invest in the things that really matter!
Esther…thanks for taking me along for the ride. I really like your comments back to Fe….invest in things that really matter.
Lori
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