10 Things to Do in the Tomb of Askia, Tombouctou, Mali
Tombouctou, also known as Timbuktu, is an ancient city in the West African nation of Mali. It was once a major center of trade and Islamic scholarship, and remains an important site of cultural heritage. Located on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, Tombouctou is the gateway to the ancient kingdom of Mali and is home to the famous Tomb of Askia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are ten things to do when visiting the Tomb of Askia in Tombouctou.
1. Explore the Great Mosque of Djinguereber: The Great Mosque of Djinguereber was built in the 14th century and is the most important mosque in Tombouctou. It is a stunning example of traditional West African architecture and is the largest mud-brick building in the world. Visitors can explore the mosque’s intricate designs and ornate decorations, as well as its beautiful gardens and courtyards.
2. Visit the Tomb of Askia: The Tomb of Askia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the burial place of Askia Muhammad, the 15th-century ruler of the Songhai Empire. The site consists of a large mausoleum and several smaller tombs, and is surrounded by a walled enclosure. The interior of the mausoleum is decorated with intricate geometric designs and is a stunning example of traditional African architecture.
3. Visit the Sankore Mosque: The Sankore Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Africa and is located in the heart of Tombouctou. Built in the 11th century, the mosque is an impressive example of Islamic architecture and is home to a large library containing thousands of ancient manuscripts. Visitors can explore the mosque’s courtyards and gardens, and admire its stunning architecture.
4. Explore the Old Town: Tombouctou’s old town is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways lined with traditional mud-brick buildings. The area is home to several historic sites, including the Great Mosque of Djinguereber and the Tomb of Askia. Visitors can explore the old town’s bustling markets, traditional restaurants, and narrow alleyways.
5. Visit the University of Sankore: The University of Sankore is one of the oldest universities in the world and is located in the heart of Tombouctou. Established in the 11th century, the university is home to a large library containing thousands of ancient manuscripts and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the university’s ancient courtyards and gardens, as well as its impressive architecture.
6. Take a Camel Ride: A visit to Tombouctou is not complete without a camel ride. Camel rides are available from several tour operators in the city, and visitors can explore the surrounding desert on a leisurely ride.
7. Visit the Markets: Tombouctou’s markets are a great place to pick up souvenirs and traditional crafts. The city’s main market is located in the Old Town and is a bustling hive of activity. Here, visitors can find everything from traditional clothing and jewelry to pottery and spices.
8. Go Sandboarding: For a truly unique experience, visitors can try sandboarding in the Sahara Desert. Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding, and is a great way to explore the desert’s sand dunes.
9. Visit the National Museum: The National Museum of Mali is located in the city of Tombouctou and is home to a large collection of artifacts and artworks from Mali’s ancient kingdoms. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits and learn about Mali’s rich history and culture.
10. Go Birdwatching: Tombouctou is an excellent place for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds to be found in the surrounding area. The city is home to several bird sanctuaries, and visitors can observe a variety of species including flamingos, pelicans, and storks.
Visiting the Tomb of Askia in Tombouctou is a unique and fascinating experience. From exploring the Great Mosque of Djinguereber and the Tomb of Askia, to taking a camel ride in the Sahara Desert, there is plenty to see and do in this ancient city.