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Gossi - The Desert Elephant Reserve
Featured in a 2004 Smithsonian magazine article, these amazing migratory desert elephants spend part of the year in between the Malian towns of Gossi, Boni, and Hombori. The desert elephants are believed to be the largest elephants in the world, and the harsh climate keeps them on the move, as they migrate following the available water sources between northern Burkina Faso and Mali.
The desert elephants now number about 400 and must be tracked using a 4x4, an experienced guide, some patience, and a small dose of luck. They are usually found in Mali near the end of the year as the rains start to dry up. To find out if they have been spotted, check in with local guides in either Gossi or Hombori or the Service de la Conservation de la Nature in Douentza.
Hombori - Great Scenery, Great Rock Climbing
Hombori is the home to a majestic rock formation called "The Hand of Fatima" along with many other fantastic mountains, bluffs, and mesas. Fatima was the daughter of the Prophet Mohamed. Hombori is essentially the northern terminus of the great chain of cliffs that make up Dogon Country. At 1155m the highest point in Mali, Hombori Tondo, is found in Hombori, although technical rock climbing skills are required to stand on the highest point in Mali.
Hombori is a crossroads of sorts, so you're likely to hear people speaking Dogon dialects, their own distinct dialect of Songha�, Peuhl and probably almost every other Malian language. The town itself is split between the part by the main road and a more attractive part built up in the rocks above the road.
Hombori is also a great site for serious rock-climbing with many fantastic rock faces, although it's important to note that any sort of medical help is several hours by car, so please take caution. Please check in with local authorities before climbing, since, due to local customs, some spots are designated as off-limits to climbers.
There are several well-established campements in Hombori, so finding lodging is generally not a problem.
Douenza - Good Day Hikes, Jumping Off Point for Overland Timbuktu Travelers
If you are headed to Timbuktu with a 4x4, you'll almost certainly pass through the town of Douenza. Douenza has some charms of its own, including an opportunity to scramble around the rocks and mesas that surround town. In fact, climbing the great big hill of rocks directly behind town affords a great view of everything in the immediate vicinity.
It will also be easy to arrange transport to Timbuktu from Douenza either
in public 4x4's that make the trip daily or by renting your own 4x4.
Several campements dot Douenza, so accomodations are also
easy to find.
When you're in Douenza, you're approximately 200 km from Timbuktu.
Douenza is also a nice jumping off point for visiting the
northern parts of Dogon Country. Ask around for details, but the town
of Borka, with its animistic caiman worship, is a cool northern Dogon
destination.
Kidal - Ancient Rock Paintings, Adrar des Iforhas
Kidal, the eight region of Mali, was created as part of the end Tuareg rebellion in the early 90's. Kidal is the capital of the Tuaregs located 250 Km north of Gao in the middle of the Sahara Desert. Merchandise from Algeria destined for Gao and further south regularly passes through Kidal. The Idras des Ifoghas mountains rear up near Kidal and provide a stark difference to the flat, endless Sahara that you will see on your trip to Kidal.
For more information check out Kidal's web site at- www.kidal.info
Security Note: Some travel risks exist with respect to isolated incidents of banditry and a recent bit of unrest between a small group of dissatisfied Tuaregs and the Malian government. Please check with your Embassy officials or with Gao security officials for the latest update on security between Gao and the Kidal region.
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