Markets to visit Sahara

Much more impressive is the market visit to the camels of Sebha, one of the most important of the country, where sheep and camelidae arrive from the Niger and Chad. Very impressive during the days preceding the Eid holidays. Difficult to find. The simplest is to take the outer boulevard of the city side west and then to ask the road to the Al-Jimal souk. you will have to go into a very modest area of barracks, enclos and workshops before reaching the market.

Early in the morning, the square turns into a gigantic cattle fair where, in a feverish atmosphere, the merchants count their tickets and engage in a noisy bidding war. A sale of leather whips, skillfully woven, is organized. The camel market itself is held twice a week, on Saturdays and Sundays, and the rest of the week the place is transformed into a market of cows, sheep, goats... Introduced by the Greeks, camels are not among the animals originally used by the Egyptians.

In the center of Nouadhibou, in the old quarters, the central market is a real anthill where you can find superb handicrafts. Chests, bracelets and jewelry are offered for sale. You will have to take your time and have a good sense of negotiation! You will also find beautiful fabrics, which seamstresses will be happy to work on to make the garment of your choice. The most difficult thing will be to choose among the countless colors and patterns available!

Don't miss the market of Douz, on Thursday morning, where the city comes alive and vibrates differently. It is one of the most important markets in this region. Here you will meet men straight out of the desert, draped in their colorful chèches. The market occupies the central square and street, it is a vast place of exposure for the salesmen who do not seek to bait the tourist, even if one finds there some stalls of craft industry. Do not hesitate to drink a coffee at the edge of the street, you will take full eyes. You will see nomads coming to sell their fruits and vegetables produced in one of the oasis of the region, as well as merchants of handicraft clothes quite famous. But it is especially for its market with the animals, located below, on a place adjoining the palm plantation, that this day attracts the farmers of all the area. At the foot of the palm trees, sheep, chickens and rabbits are jostling each other in great numbers in an atmosphere full of cries, colors and unexpected smells. Depending on the season, you will also see camels. An incredible crowd of people crowds around the animals. Older men chat or play cross-legged games while waiting for a potential buyer to show up, while younger ones watch the eager animals. The children are busy selling rabbits and chickens, giving them a chance to learn their trade. A market as it is rare to see, and a 100% local experience, because you will cross here few tourists.