Getting to Timbuktu
- Either by pinasse from Mopti (see general info section for details). When arriving in Kabara, a taxibrousse into town will cost 1.000 CFA.
- Either by plane from Mopti.
- There's also a bus once a week to Bamako taking several days.
Accommodation
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Hotel Bouctou charges 18.000 CFA for a double with fan and private bathroom, with common bathroom it's 12.500 CFA, though you should get a discount on these prices. It's possible to sleep on the roof.
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Hotel Azalai is a bit more expensive.
- It's also possible to sleep with the locals, I mean at their houses....
Restaurants
Restaurant Le Poulet d'Or: the food is good, but service can be slow.
Restaurant du Nord was a p
ersonal favourite. It's on the market and they serve African dishes for 750 CFA.
What to do ?
- Timbuktu is a magical city at the border of 2 worlds. It's a mixture of Touareg, Moors, Songhai, a desert city with a lively atmosphere. We liked it, but others didn't. Just stroll around a bit in the city.
- You should get a stamp at the police (1.000 CFA).
- You can also go for a camel ride for 5.000 CFA for 2 for half an hour at sunset (although they'll try to get 30.000 CFA from you!!). You'll go to some Touareg tents 3 km further. Make sure tea is included in the price, otherwise you'll pay another 500 CFA.
Going to Gao
You can go to Gao by steamboat once a week (see general info section for details).
Go to Gao-Hombori
