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San�ye is the archeological site of the ancient Songha� Empire that ruled all of West Africa during the late 15th and 16th centuries. San�ye, found about 6 Km from the center of modern-day Gao, was originally inhabited in 1009 starting with the ruler Dia Kosso� who established the city after breaking with his family in Koukia.  The site was once served by a great canal that helped divert the waters of the Niger for the empire's use.

San�ye today is a somewhat bleak reminder of what can happen to empires - an invading Moroccan army put an end to the Songha� rule near the end of the 16th century.  Visitors will have a small taste of the utter desolation found in the Sahara on their way to San�ye and at the site will be amazed at the ancient pottery that covers almost every inch of the ground.  Visitors will certainly also be reminded of the sensitivity of archeological sites, like San�ye, when they see holes dug by illegal artifact seekers hoping to find a fortune buried in the ground.

And nearby, visitors will be amazed to visit an ancient cemetery complete with ancient tombstones and the outlines of what used to be structures that surrounded them.  Dating from the 14th century, the cemetery is the final resting place of Gao Zakaria, one of Gao's most famous intellectual philosophers.

Experience:  Visit the archeological site of San�ye

Description:  Ride 6 Km outside of town in a 4x4 to see the ruins of the ancient Songha� Empire and ancient cemetery.

Time Required: Approximately 2 hours, including transport and site visit / tour

Price:  No entry fees for site, 4x4 rental required, although a guide with a moto and you on the back could get there, too.

Schedule: Open 7 days per week.  Best visited early morning or in the late afternoon. 

Important Note: Please be respectful of Mali's cultural heritage - do not remove artifacts, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.  San�ye is on the same road that goes to Djebok so you can easily combine a Djebok Animal Market trip with a trip to San�ye.

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