Introduction
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What to Do in
Gao
Sites
& Festivals
Potential Circuits
Desert
Camel Treks
Niger
River Trips
Great Spots Near Gao
Learn About
Gao
History & People
Gao Today
Gao Fast Facts
What Will My
Vacation Look Like?
Visit the On-line
Gao Photo Gallery.
Planning
Your Trip
Getting to Gao
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WHO Cards
Gao
Trip Planner
Gao
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Where to Stay
& Eat
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& Bars
Other Info
Gao
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the News
More Info? Links!
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Places to Visit in Mali
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OMATHO?
Gao Tourist Center
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- The Rough Guide to West Africa
As you'll learn on our site, Gao is a unique, adventure destination. Gao is a lively and colorful place where the varied cultures of north and sub-Saharan Africa mix in an enchanting and exotic way. You will love the hustle and bustle, almost entirely unchanged for thousands of years, that accompany this mix of cultures in a true Saharan Desert trading town.
Gao is one of the three main trans-Saharan trading cities found on the southern edge of the Sahara with the other two being Agadez, Niger and our slightly more famous Malian sister city - Timbuktu. She's called "ancient", "remote" and "mythical".
You want "remote"? Gao is located more than 350 Km down the Niger River past Timbuktu. Gao is a city of 50,000 people that still only has five paved roads.
You want "ancient"? Gao traces its roots to the eighth century over 400 years before the birth of Timbuktu.
You want "mythical"? Gao was the site of the Songha� Empire, the last of the three major West African dynasties, that ruled all of West Africa in the 15th century. The ruins are still visible and easily visited today.
And finally, you want adventure? Gao is bounded by the Niger River on one side and the seemingly limitless Sahara Desert on the other - a perfect place to begin your river or desert adventure.
Click on the links to the right to learn more about our sites and festivals as well as Niger River and Saharan desert treks.
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