Arbre du Ténéré

The Arbre du Ténéré (Fr. "Tree of Ténéré ") is an important landmark in near the center of the Ténéré Desert in Niger. At Arbre du Ténéré shares coming from Agadez slopes: on the fountain of Achegour after Dirkou and further south over the oasis Fachi after Bilma in Kaouar Valley.

Originally Arbre du Ténéré was the one acacia tree, which was considered most isolated tree in the world - the only one within a radius of 400 kilometers. It was the last surviving tree of a group of trees that grew when the desert was less arid than at present. The tree stood alone for several decades. During the winter of 1938/39, a pit was dug near the tree, it was apparent that the tree had reached the water table in 33 to 36 meters depth. The acacia was established in 1973 by a - umgefahren truck driver - allegedly drunk. The destruction of the tree was discovered in November 1973 by the participants organized by Citroën Rally Raid Afrique. The former lieutenant and later President Ali Saibou brought the remains of the Arbre du Ténéré in December 1973 in a military transport to Niamey to Nigerien National Museum, where they are exhibited in their own pavilion since 1977.

At its original location, the acacia was replaced by a tree -like structure of metal tubes, at the " branches " chrome hubcaps were attached as reflectors for night drivers. At Arbre du Ténéré is a fountain whose water but has a poor quality. The salt caravans used this place as a camp for the night. The present near the fountain camp of nomads called Ad Azzaouagger.