The Mysterious, Mythical Timbuktu

I remember as a child during our many games, that we would dream about travelling to Timbuktu when we were older. At that time we had no idea where Timbuktu was and even if it was real but it was exotic, imaginary, mysterious and a place that allowed us each to be the princess that we so much wanted to be.

Many years later sitting at my new job in a travel agency across the world in Canada, I came across a tour to Timbuktu. My life changed at that moment when I realized that Timbuktu was a real city in Mali in West Africa. I felt like a new discoverer who had just discovered a new mysterious world.

Timbuktu was home to one of the first universities in the world, an intellectual and spiritual capital and centre for the spreading  of Islam throughout Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is known mainly for its mud mosques which are said to have inspired Antoni Gaudi. These include Djinguerber, Sankore and Sidi Yahva moques.

Travellers and explorers alike have been inspired by tales of the fabled city of Timbuktu, once a major stop on the trans-Saharan route through Mali. This is a rugged journey through the exotic crossroads of Mali, where influences from all of the Sahara and West Africa come together.

Here, the Niger River brings water to the vast and arid Sahara Desert and the nomadic Tuareg or ‘blue men of the desert’ with their indigo robes and turbans may be seen leading their camel caravans. Passing dazzling pink sandstone houses you may hear the music of the Griots, playing the traditional rosewood kora. To complete the cultural experience visit the colourful markets of Djenne, considered to be one of the most vibrant marketplaces in West Africa.

Soak up the atmosphere at Mali’s Festival on the Niger with music, dancing and storytelling, it is an event in the West African calendar that must not to be missed. From the bustling Malian capital of Bamako, head to Djenné, home of the famous mud mosque and Monday market.

Witness life on the Niger River by travelling between Mopti and the ancient trading town, and mysterious and fabled Timbuktu. Explore the unique culture and villages of the Dogon people on an overnight trek, gaining an insight into their life and old traditions. Then move to the beat of Mali at the Festival on the Niger in Segou, capital of the ancient Bambara kingdom. Continue on to Ghana, walking with the elephants in Mole National Park and see the sacred monkeys at Baobeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary.

As the desert nomads says, “salt comes from the north, silver from the white man’s land, but the word of God, wisdom and the most beautiful stories ever heard come from Timbuktu…”

Mondo’s recommendations:

Mali Explorer

Sahara, Dogons and Timbuktu