Timbuktu Tourist Traps
Tips and photos of Timbuktu tourist attractions and tourist traps, posted by real travelers and Timbuktu locals.
Local Time 10:15 am Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Timbuktu Map
Timbuktu Map
on October 20, 2003
Very often, independant tourists have to pay incredible amounts (I heard up to 150 € but I don't know if it's true!) to get a simple place in an uncomfortable and overcrowded "taxi brousse" (bush taxi: see picture).
So in a way, Timbuktu IS a tourist trap...
Several solutions to avoid being trapped there or having to pay too much:
1/ Go with your own car. Preferably in convoy: several cars may help each other in case of breakdown. Keep in mind that there are no petrol stations between Timbuktu and Douentza (300 km);
2/ Organize you way back in advance with a guide from Mopti, Gao or Douentza;
3/ Go with an agency.
For the 2 last solutions, always be SURE that everything is fixed: the price, the date of the trip, water and food...
It has to be said that it's possible to leave Timbuktu by a pinnace on the Niger River that can take you to Mopti (sailing 3 to 5 days) or Gao (3 days).
The pinnaces carry passengers AND freight. Not comfortable at all but magical... They leave from Korioumé (Timbuktu's port), 15 km South.
It's IMPORTANT to organize this trip before you come to Timbuktu : there are several CROOKS in the city who sell expensive tickets on pinnaces... and let you with nothing to eat and drink. In those condition, 3 or 5 days are long and you will not keep a good "souvenir" of your trip....
THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS...!
Again, whatever you choose, always be SURE that everything is fixed: the price, the date of the trip, water and food... and if possible, pay after you came back.
on September 29, 2008
