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Timbuktu

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Timbuktu

Timbuktu is a great place to enjoy unusual things while learning history. Imagine seeing ancient manuscripts explaining West Africans during the Middle Ages. You will also be amazed by Djingareyber Masque, the oldest mosque in Western Africa. The things you must know about Timbuktu below will make you want to go there right away.

Travel Tips for Timbuktu

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Timbuktu

A guide to Timbuktu's local transportation

Bus
Taxi
Boat

A bus is one of the primary public transportation models in Timbuktu. Bus companies manage buses that are comfortable enough to have an air conditioning system and meals. Bani, Binke, and Bittar are the most popular buses; you can try them for a different experience. You can easily find the buses on Segou, San, and Bla.

Practical Tips for Timbuktu

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What is the Weather Like in Timbuktu?

The weather in Timbuktu is dry all year round. For example, the average temperature in this area in January is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and it often rises to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite its hot temperature, Timbuktu is also cold sometimes. Currently, the temperature often decreases to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. From February to March, the weather is hotter, and the temperature may reach 97 degrees Fahrenheit. You will also feel the same atmosphere when visiting this place between April and May. Yet, the temperature may not be as hot as in February to March. One thing you also should consider is the humidity level in this area. The temperature in Timbuktu can be high, yet the humidity level can also be high. You can feel it when visiting this area from July to September, when the temperature may reach 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Interestingly, the humidity level in this area rises to 50 per cent.

What are the best attractions in Timbuktu?

The Ancient West Africa Manuscripts The age of the manuscripts is one of the interesting things that trigger tourists' curiosity about them. Imagine that you are about to see 900-year manuscripts! The manuscripts talk about the civilisation in West Africa around 900 years ago. Another amazing thing is the number of manuscripts. So far, Timbuktu has found up to 700.000 manuscripts! The government stores some ancient manuscripts in the libraries. Djingareyber Mosque Seeing a mosque can be ordinary. Yet, visiting the oldest mosque in Western Africa can be special. Yes! It is the Djingareyber Mosque, which has been in Timbuktu for 700 years! Despite being a historical building, local people still use this mosque to pray five times daily and celebrate Islamic special days. This mosque is also unique because it is made of mud, straw, and wood. Gaddafi Canal Some of you may know the canal's name. Yes, it is named after Muammar Gaddafi, a Libyan dictator who was also the man behind this canal. At that time, Gaddafi dug about a 13 km canal from his hotel to the Niger River. The purpose of doing it was to invite guests to travel to the hotel by boat. Nowadays, tourists can see this historical canal when visiting Timbuktu. The Ancient West Africa Manuscripts The age of the manuscripts is one of the interesting things that trigger tourists' curiosity about them. Imagine that you are about to see 900-year manuscripts! The manuscripts talk about the civilisation in West Africa around 900 years ago. Another amazing thing is the number of manuscripts. So far, Timbuktu has found up to 700.000 manuscripts! The government stores some ancient manuscripts in the libraries. Djingareyber Mosque Seeing a mosque can be ordinary. Yet, visiting the oldest mosque in Western Africa can be special. Yes! It is the Djingareyber Mosque, which has been in Timbuktu for 700 years! Despite being a historical building, local people still use this mosque to pray five times daily and celebrate Islamic special days. This mosque is also unique because it is made of mud, straw, and wood. Gaddafi Canal Some of you may know the canal's name. Yes, it is named after Muammar Gaddafi, a Libyan dictator who was also the man behind this canal. At that time, Gaddafi dug about a 13 km canal from his hotel to the Niger River. The purpose of doing it was to invite guests to travel to the hotel by boat. Nowadays, tourists can see this historical canal when visiting Timbuktu.

What Are the Must-Try Foods in Timbuktu?

Katta Pasta Pasta lovers must try Katta Pasta while visiting Timbuktu. Unlike ordinary pasta, local people make homemade wheat flour, first known as Katta. Then, Timbuktu women will use Katta to make pasta. They will cook the pasta with dried fish, tomato, and spices as the sauce. Local people also often mix it with beef and dilute the pasta with water. Timbuktu people serve Katta Pasta on special occasions, such as Ramadhan, Eid ul-Fitr, and the celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. Tiguadege Na Tiguadege Na is meat served with peanut sauce. The original recipe calls for beef, lamb, goat, or chicken. Local people cook the meat with onions, garlic cloves, tomatoes, meat broth, and peanut butter. They love to eat Tiguadege Na with a bowl of warm rice. Tigua Dege Na It is okay if you don’t love to eat meat because you can eat Tigua Dege Na. It is a vegetable stew served with peanut sauce. Timbuktu women often use cabbage, tomatoes, and spinach to cook Tigua Dege Na. They cook it with onions, garlic, tomato paste, vegetable broth, and other ingredients. Then, they add peanut sauce to the dressing.

Where Should I Stay in Timbuktu?

Indeed, a place to stay is one of the critical things you must know about Timbuktu. It helps you to stay in pleasant and safe areas before and after exploring attractive destinations. Specific areas, such as Abaradjiou Quartier and Route de Kabara are recommended to visit if you want to find a comfortable room to stay.

What Should I Know Before Visiting Timbuktu?

Remember to bring moisturiser and sunscreen when exploring Timbuktu. It is dealing with the hot and dry weather in this area. Moisturiser and sunscreen can protect your skin from the hot sunlight. As a result, you can explore interesting areas in Timbuktu without worrying about anything. Bring enough water supply, so you can drink it anytime you want. The hot weather in Timbuktu can cause dehydration, especially if you don’t get used to it.

See All Practical Tips for Timbuktu

In This Guide

Travel Tips for Timbuktu