Gao
Mali · 265 m
Description
Gao lies on the Niger at the eastern end of the river's great bend and was the capital of the Songhai empire, which at its height ruled a territory larger than western Europe. The Tomb of Askia is what survives of that, a stepped pyramid of earth seventeen metres high bristling with wooden stakes, built for the emperor Askia Mohammed in 1495 and listed by UNESCO. The Saturday market draws Songhai, Tuareg and Fulani traders from the desert. The Pink Dune across the river is the classic viewpoint over the Niger at sunset.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: November – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Tomb of Askia (UNESCO)
- Pink Dune over the Niger
- Gao Saturday market
- Songhai empire remains
- Gao Grande Mosquée
- Niger river pirogue crossing
- Sahel Museum of Gao
- Tuareg and Songhai crafts
- Niger sunset from the dune
Getting there
- Airports:
- GAQ
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry