The Pink Dune of Gao glows at dusk

Dramatic shadows found daily on the Pink Dune

Breaking tracks on the Pink Dune

The dunes hover above the Niger

The wind creates wonderful, perfect knife edges of sand

The Pink Dune of Gao

Sacred scarab beetles call the Pink Dune home

The size of the Niger varies with the seasons

Great photos are easy to take on the dunes

Climb the Pink Dune in Gao

A leisurely boat ride to the Pink Dune

The wind quickly erases your footsteps on the Pink Dune

Local kids enjoy the dunes too

A boat plies the Niger River

Tuaregs with their camels outside of Gao

Camels cross the ferry to Gao

Camels wait their turn on the ferry

Camels getting off the ferry in Gao

Camels are an important part of life in the Sahara

Camels with decorative Tuareg saddles

Tuaregs in Gao with their camels

Camels wait for the ferry

Tuaregs and their camels

The Tomb of the Askias in Gao

No shoes allowed in this still-functioning mosque

The Tomb of the Askias has guided tours

The Tomb was built in the 15th century

The Tomb was partly built with wood brought from Mecca

The prayer areas of the Tomb can be visited

The prayer area of the Tomb

Looking down from the top of the Tomb

Climbing the Tomb gives a great view of the city

Tomb of the Askias - a UN World Heritage Site

Songha� girl with traditional headdress

Songha� woman with traditional headdress

Songha� woman with traditional headdress

Songha� men with their horse

Saharan salt sold in Gao's marketplace

Buying Saharan salt in the market

Vegetable seller in the market

Gao's bustling market place

Fish from the Niger are a dietary staple in Gao

Gao's riverfront bustles when the Niger is up

The Pink Dune as seen from Gao

The Prime Meridian Marker - Where East Meets West

The Mosque of Kankou Moussa

The Mosque of Kankou Moussa

A camel saddle in the Musuem of the Sahel

Ancient pottery in the Musuem of the Sahel

A traditional hut in the Musuem of the Sahel

Traditional desert wear in the Musuem of the Sahel

Instruments of daily life in the Museum of the Sahel

Displays in the Musuem of the Sahel

Traditional instruments in the Musuem of the Sahel