Gao Sights

Sights in Gao

  1. La Dune Rose

    Gao's premier tourist attraction is a sunset trip to La Dune Rose, known locally as Koïma, a wonderful sand dune on the right bank of the Niger, visible from town. As it turns pink with the setting sun, there is magic in the air, not least because it was once believed by locals to be the home of magicians.

    If you're coming here (only possible from September to February when water levels allow), consider also hiring a pirogue to drift further along the river as the dunes come alive. Upstream at Quema and Hondo (a three-hour trip) there are more stunning dunes, while you're almost guaranteed hippo sightings at Tacharan.

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  2. Tomb of the Askia

    The Tomb of the Askia, north of town, was built in 1495 by Askia Muhammad Touré, whose remains lie within. It's an amazing building and a classic of Sudanese (Sahelian) architecture, with its combination of mud-brick, wooden struts and a tapering tower. It may be possible to climb the 10m-high tomb for good views of the city and river.

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  3. Musée du Sahel

    Musée du Sahel is a wonderful museum that tells the story of the Songhaï and Tuareg people, and the prehistoric sites in the surrounding region.

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  4. Grand Marché

    The Grand Marché and port are interesting and well worth checking out, especially on Sunday (market day), but it's always busy.

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