'''Timbuktu''' is in a region in Mali named after the largest city within the region.

Regions

Cities

  • Timbuktu
  • Arouane in the desert to the north.
  • Bourem
  • Goundam a mainly Tuareg settlement, based nearby to Essakane where the 'Festival in the Desert is held each year.
  • Taoudenni to the far north of the department (some 700km North of Timbuktu
  • Other destinations

    Understand

    Whilst Timbuktu is the largest department in Mali, it is largely empty. The majority of Timbuktu is the deserts of the Sahara, the main towns are all focussed in the south along the Niger. The desert areas are largely the domain of the Tuareg.

    Talk

    Get in

    Get around

    The towns in the south can be accessed by bus/taxi. However the desert to the north requires a 4x4 or a camel, you will probably want a guide who knows what they are doing.

    See

    The city of Timbuktu itself is the main attraction in the department.

    Itineraries

    Do

    The world famous 'Festival in the Desert' is held at Essakane. You can easily get transport from Timbuktu when the festival is running.

    Eat

    Drink

    Stay safe

    If you are heading into the desert to the North there is usually considered to be a threat of bandits in addition to the risk of getting stranded. Be sure to register your itinerary and expected return date with the tourist office in Timbuktu.

    Get out