Finally, Timbuktu, Mali - West Africa
A long drive back through the desert to Timbuktu.... View image....another 4WD carrying goats on the roof heading to market.... View image....our guide making his directional hand motions....one of our drivers veering off to chase a Gazelle (which earned him a screaming, reaming out from a livid Roberto - he could have blown an engine in that heat)....and finally, Timbuktu.
Timbuktu was founded by Tuareg nomads at the end of the 12th century and was the capital of their empire. Before the Niger River shifted and landlocked Timbuktu, it was the meeting point for caravans that crossed the Sahara from North to South. The caravans considered Timbuktu to be both the beginning, and the end of the world.
We toured through the sand streets followed by the most obnoxious, persistent sellers I've ever encountered. They followed you for blocks throughout town and nothing would discourage them unless you bought something. ...View image... It was understandable. So few visiters come to Timbuktu that it becomes a free-for-all when potential buyers appear.
How hot was it in Timbuktu? It was so hot that wearing sandals without socks burned the skin off your feet! (no joke)... and, camels stayed in the shade of the only small tree they could find! ... View image...
Timbuktu mosque
Other than visiting the mosque, burning our feet off and shopping in the local Souk, there wasn't anything else to see. One interesting purchase was the famous silver Cross of Agadez. There are 22 different patterns of crosses in existence, from different towns and each identifes where people come from. They go back to ancient times (before Islam) when tribes were influenced by Christianity. They were also selling handmade silver earrings, necklaces, and various amulets. Again, the amulets were representative of where the person came from and was called a "passport."
Instead of flying to Bamako per original itinerary, Roberto decided that Mali air safety was pretty "iffy" and we were better off driving. Off we went with many stops - to change multiple flat tires...
visit a village to watch goats being watered ... View image... ferry over a river ... View image ...lunch at a roadside restaurant/bus stop with women selling tea outside in beautiful little purple/blue teaports. ... View image ...
Roberto gave all uneaten food to the kids standing outside after we noticed them rummaging through the trash looking for something to eat.
mini-Coke break
This remarkable and unusual visit to Mali was worth every single bone-jarring, sweaty minute. The experiences and sights were beyond incredible. Whatever I've written has got to be seen to be believed. Mountain Travel still offers the trip with the incomparable Roberto or Alberto. Don't let it pass you by and give them a hug and kiss for us...Bon Voyage!
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