A Little More about Tasharan and Tchintchinomé

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Founded in 1528 by Fofana Ali Fulan, the son of Songhaï emperor Askia Mohamed’s greatest councilor, Tasharan is today a populous village 20km downriver from Gao. Its more than 8,000 people of Songhai, Peuhl, and Bella ethnicities live in a traditional manner, supporting themselves by farming, fishing and raising livestock. Tasharan has a community health clinic, several mosques, 11 schools and many community associations working for its development. Its current administrative chief, Mohamed Mohamed Lamin, governs along with a council of thirteen elected members. He is the third member of his family to hold the post since the French occupation began at the end of the nineteenth century.

Tchintchinomé is home to Tasharan’s Peuhl population of around 1,200. Although Tasharan was originally founded by a Peuhl, political change in Gao soon triggered the dispersal of its Peuhl residents. It wasn’t until around 1900 that this traditionally nomadic people returned to live there. They settled at a spot called Gawhawa, where for years they had left their goats each dry season as they led their cows across the Niger to graze. When they started to build houses the area became known as “Tchintchin” [“build” in the Songhai language].

An artifical microclimate in Zankai Aljanna's garden.

Sites Around Tchintchinomé

Tomb of Idrissa Kouta: Idrissa Kouta was a respected marabout (religious leader) in Tasharan when the French invaded in 1898. While many in the village were ready to flee to the bush, he convinced them to stay on their land and acted as a mediator between them and the conquerors. His efforts helped make Tasharan one of the leading villages in the area, and even today locals revere him as a saint.

Hamafozozo: At 5 km from Tchintchinomé one finds inscriptions on the rocks.

Jereykarey Tondo: Also known as Hombori Tondo [“Hombori Rock”]. Oral histories describe this as the original home of the founders of Hombori, the town near the striking Main de Fatima rock formation.

Hiyeyta Hondo: On this hill, 2 km from Tchintchinomé, people used to build their pirogues.

Bangizo Hondo [“Baby Hippo Hill”]: Years ago a man killed a baby hippo in the river and carried it on his head to the top of this hill, a distance of over 3 km. This incredible feat of strength has become a local legend.

“Aru nda Wando” [“Man and Wife”]: These rock formations along the river resemble a man and a woman. Most easily reached by pirogue, ardent hikers can also see them on foot.

Hippos: Please see our page on The Hippos of Tasharan. Hippo-viewing is a popular activity in this area and easily combined with a pirogue tour of the sites around Tchintchinomé and Tasharan.

Barey – the “free islands” of animals: These islands, inundated during the cold season, begin to emerge in March as the river recedes. Because they grow grass later than anywhere else in the area, the people of Tasharan and Tchintchinomé take their animals here to graze during the dry season.

Bisibara Gungu: This island, once home to Sorko fishermen but no longer inhabited, was the first place near Tasharan to be occupied.

Fishery of  Dama: This fishing spot on the south end of Tasharan is a great place to watch the locals bring in their catch – or to catch something yourself!

The Green Island of Goura: This inhabited island is just across the river from Tasharan.

Three Places of Refuge: According to legend, these three places – the islands of Alkakoyragarba and Gunakainaharikana along with Alkakoyrabana, at the river’s edge – were hidden below the waters before Sonni Ali Ber, the great Songhaï emperor and alleged sorcerer, came and revealed them. When the empire fell, they were used as a refuge from the conquering Arabs.

Abdramane Diallo irrigates Zankai Aljanna's market garden.

Activities and Prices

In addition to free tours of its gardens and other projects in Tchintchinomé, Zankai Aljanna offers a variety of activities to the visitor.

Tree Planting: Plant a tree from Zankai Aljanna’s nursery in the village and learn about reforestation techniques in this unforgiving climate. Your contribution buys metal fencing to protect this and other trees from hungry animals. 1000 fCFA

River Trips: You can visit the river around Tchintchinomé by pirogue (canoe) for anywhere from a few hours to an entire day. This includes hippo-viewing and guided visits to all the river sites mentioned above. 3000 fCFA/person

Guided Hikes: The village guide will take you on a hike in the hills near Tchintchinomé, including the sites listed above, finishing with a beautiful view of the sun setting across the river. 1000 fCFA/person

Camel Rides: Although Tchintchinomé doesn’t have its own camels, the members of Zankai Aljanna know people who do – and with a few days warning they can bring some in for you to ride. This unique experience is offered at a lower price than you’ll find at most nearby animal markets. 10,000 fCFA/person/camel

Donkey cart rides: A donkey cart is Mali’s most common vehicle next to the motorcycle, but few tourists get to experience riding in one. You probably wouldn’t want to go all the way to Gao, but it’s an unusual way to see the sprawling village of Tasharan and even some of the sites mentioned above. 3,000 fCFA/cart/day

Trees growing in a nursery, Tchintchinomé. Regular watering keeps them ready to plant even into the dry season.

What to Do in Gao

The Pink Dune

Tomb of the Askias

Maison des Artisans

Museum of the Sahel

Gao Markets

The Village of Tchintchinomé

Archeological Site -  Sanèye / Cemetery

Prime Meridian Marker

The Hippos of Tasharan

Wabaria Animal Market

Djebok Animal Market

Archeological Site -  Kankou Moussa Mosque

Gounzourèy

Festival of
Anderamboukane

Potential Circuits

Sahara Desert Camel Treks

Niger River Trips

Other Great Spots to Visit Near Gao