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If you want a little taste of the Sahara Desert, visit the Djebok animal market held every Monday.  Unlike Wabaria, which is perched above the Niger River, Djebok is located approximately 45 Km northeast of Gao...in other words, straight into the Sahara Desert.

As your 4x4 leaves Gao and heads for Djebok, you'll note the nomadic tents of the Tamasheks that call this forbidding landscape their home.  Unless it's rainy season, you will undoubtedly take note of the absolutely bleak and unforgiving conditions.  You are leaving behind the Niger River and with it most of the Songha� people and entering the home of the Tuaregs.  Hearty travelers can also opt for public 4x4 transport (departs from near the cemetery on the edge of town) that travels between Gao and Djebok every Monday for 1000 CFA each way.

As Djebok materializes out of the desert, the market with its activity, camels, and enchantment will stun the visitor who can't imagine that there can be anything out here.  Your guide can arrange a great camel ride here, even if you're so inclined a few days to trek all the way back to Gao.

Experience:  Visit the Monday Animal Market at Djebok

Description:  Rent a 4x4 for the hour-long, 45 Km, bumpy ride to to the Djebok Animal Market.  Walk around the market taking note of all the people who call this unforgiving environment home.  Have your guide arrange a camel ride.

Time Required: Approximately 5 hours

Price:  No entry fees for site; 4x4 rental or much cheaper public 4x4 on Mondays only; Guide fees; Prices negotiable for camel rides, based on length of ride

Schedule: Mondays all day, but mornings are best 

Additional Tips: Visiting the Djebok Animal Market with a guide is useful, especially if you want to arrange a camel ride.  Be careful with photos here, as many of the people selling in this marketplace are nomads and may be unaccustomed to tourists and / or uncomfortable with having their photographs taken.  On your way to Djebok you will pass the San�ye archeological site and cemetery, so it is easy to combine these two sites into one trip.

What to Do in Gao

The Pink Dune

Tomb of the Askias

Maison des Artisans

Museum of the Sahel

Gao Markets

The Village of Tchintchinom�

Archeological Site -  San�ye /  Cemetery

Prime Meridian Marker

The Hippos of Tasharan

Wabaria Animal Market

Djebok Animal Market

Archeological Site -  Kankou Moussa Mosque

Gounzour�y

Festival of
Anderamboukane

Potential Circuits

Sahara Desert Camel Treks

Niger River Trips

Other Great Spots to Visit Near Gao