sahara_desert

timbuktu, mali

The **Sahara Desert in Mali** is a breathtaking expanse of **golden dunes, rocky plateaus, and ancient trade routes**, deeply intertwined with **Tuareg and Malian history**. The **Timbuktu region**, once a center of Saharan trade and Islamic learning, features historic mosques and manuscripts. The **Adrar des Ifoghas**, in the northeast, is a rugged mountainous area with **prehistoric rock art and hidden oases**. The **Ténéré Desert and the Taoudenni salt mines** highlight Mali’s historic salt trade. Visitors can experience **camel trekking, Tuareg culture, and vast, unspoiled landscapes**. The best time to visit is **November–February**, with access via **Timbuktu or Gao, often requiring 4x4 expeditions**.