Tadres Reserve

Tadres Reserve is a protected wildlife area spanning across three regions in central and northern Niger with seasonal waterways cutting through desert terrain. The landscape consists largely of open desert with scattered vegetation and temporary water channels that flow during rainy periods.

The reserve was established in the 1940s as a key migration corridor for wildlife moving between the Tenere desert and regions to the south. Protection measures evolved over the decades as the need to safeguard animal populations and habitats became more apparent.

Local herding communities have moved their livestock through this area for generations, following seasonal patterns tied to water and pasture availability. These traditional practices remain central to how people use the landscape and survive in this harsh environment.

The area is remote and requires substantial travel time to reach, so plan for long journeys and extreme desert conditions. Visitors should carry plenty of water and supplies, and aim to visit during the cooler months when temperatures are more manageable.

The seasonal water channels in the Tadres valley known locally as Koris create temporary water points that draw desert gazelles and other adapted wildlife. These natural water sources are critical to survival for animals during the dry season months.