Mythical Tombouctou

A July 2001 trip to Timbuktu by jurgen

Quote: Tombouctou (Timbuktu), the mythical city on the south of the Sahara. It's a lot of trouble to get there.. and there is nothing there to see. But still it's worth it.

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Mythical Tombouctou

Overview

Quote:

You really have to be a little bit crazy to visit Tombouctou. Who on earth wants to drive two days through the Sahara to find a city with nothing to see. What you will find in Tombouctou is a lot of sand and very little to eat. Still it is a good place to go. The people are nice and friendly. You can go and have tea with the Tuareg. Or have a drink in hotel Bouctou and see the Russian pilots of Air Mali. The best thing to do in Tombouctou is to walk around town and enjoy...just enjoy. Tombouctou was a important trans-Sahara trade hub in the middle ages. Camelcaravans from the north brought in salt. From the south, ivory and gold was brought in. The first European arrived in Tombouctou in 1828...Read More

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Hotel Campement Bouctou

Restaurant | "Hotel Bouctou"

Quote:

In Tombouctou, do not expect haute cuisine. Everything is scarce here. So be happy with everything you get, you'll probably have a better meal than the locals do. Having said that, the kitchen of Bouctou was not so bad afterall. I even had a decent vegetable soup (with very little vegetables) and some very nice bread. Of course you will always feel the sand grinding between your teeth...but you'll get used to it.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 9, 2001

Hotel Campement Bouctou
Timbuktu Centre
Timbuktu, Mali
292 10 12

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Camelride to a Tuaregcamp

Attraction

Quote:

If you plan to go for a Tuaregcamp by camel make sure the ride is not too long. I've had a two hour ride, and it's more than enough. Camels are very moody, and the seats are very hard. The view from these ships of the desert is very good. At two meters above the ground, you'll enjoy the desert much. Don't leave too early because the heat is killing.
We spent the night at the camp (we brought our own tents and food). In the evening, the Tuareg woman may do a dance, this is very nice (but will cost money).

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 9, 2001

Camelride to a Tuaregcamp
Timbuktu
Timbuktu, Mali

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The Red Dune of Gao

Attraction

Quote:

Gao is a small city (57.000 people), 425 kilometers east of Tombouctou. By car it will take you two days to get there from Tombouctou. After days of sand and dust, arriving in Gao is very special. Suddenly you are in a real city again with a lot of people and even fresh food. From Gao to the south the land is turning more green again. Besides a market and a busy harbour there is little to see and do in Gao. But there is a large sanddune north of the city that is worth a visit. The huge red dune is on the banks of the river Niger. The view from the top of the dune is magnificent and the boattrip to get there is very nice. On your way there you can see the local bathing and washing in the r...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 9, 2001

The Red Dune of Gao
Niger River
Timbuktu, Mali

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Getting to Tombouctou (and back)

Best Of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Quote:

There are several ways to get to Tombouctou, and none of them is easy. Of course you can fly to the city with Air Mali, but this airline's nickname (Air Maybe) makes you think twice. The two best alternatives are the boat or the 4WD. By boat you can reach Tombouctou from Mopti, it will take about 3 days to get there. But most large pinasses have a toilet, so you'll survive.I went there by 4WD from Mopti. The first 200km you'll drive over a good road to Douentza. The last 200km are through the desert. It is a tough ride, but this can also be fun. We were lucky it had not rained much. One week later this would have been another story. We reached the ferry to Tombouctou at 17.30. After a short ride o...Read More