The Village of Tchintchinom�

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Zankai Aljanna's market garden in Tchintchinom�.

A picturesque village on the banks of the Niger, Tchintchinom� is the Peuhl quartier of  the larger village of Tasharan and home to a venture in community-based tourism. After the devastating drought of 1984, the youth of Tchintchinom� joined together to develop their village and prevent such a disaster from being repeated. The organization they founded, Zankai Aljanna (Children�s Paradise), now works in experimental agriculture on the village level, exploring new crops and growing methods and promoting traditional medicine. Visiting Tchintchinom� gives you the unique opportunity to get to know Malian villagers and understand their way of life while also contributing to their development of the village.

Zankai Aljanna member Fato Ishiaka Tour� filters spirulina.

What can people do there?

Visit Zankai Aljana�s experimental gardens, including their spirulina project, which produces a natural nutritional supplement. See their tree nursery, where they work to reforest the Sahel, and plant a tree in the village. Visit the women�s garden. Take a canoe trip down the river to view the area�s lovely scenery and see the famous hippos of Tasharan. Hike in the hills above the village to see sites of local legend and watch the sun set over the Niger. Take part in cultural activities such as the traditional Songhai dance, the tacumba, and storytelling. Relax under the amazing carpet of stars. You can even set up a camel ride!

While you visit Tchintchinom�, you will be treated as their guest, and enjoy the traditional hospitality of the Gao r�gion. You can stay either in their Songhai-style huts or in mud houses and enjoy traditional Songhai and Peul foods prepared by the women of the village.

Sunset viewed from the village.

Experience:  Visit the traditional village of Tchintchinom�.

Description:  Experience the legendary hospitality of Mali in a picturesque village on the banks of the Niger. See agricultural experiments and environmental stewardship on a grassroots level, and participate in Tchintchinom�'s self-motivated development. Explore the river and countryside and visit local sites with villagers who can give you an in-depth historical perspective. To learn more about sites around Tchintchinom�, please see our page A Little More about Tasharan and Tchintchinom�.

Time Required: At least one day and one night, but you can explore more of the village and its environs with a stay of several days.

Price:  Negotiable. 10,000 FCFA per overnight stay, with meals included. To learn more about activities and prices, please see our page A Little More about Tasharan and Tchintchinom�.

Schedule: 7 days per week. You can arrange transport to the village with Youcha Sidibe, the president of Zankai Aljanna. To get in touch with Youcha and set up your visit, contact our bureau chief, Kada Maiga, at 223-657-6209 or via email: [email protected] .

Learn more about Tasharan and Tchinchinom�

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