In the minds of the West the name Timbuktu evokes the end of the world.
The city gained its reputation as a city of mystery because no European ever saw it and returned to tell the tale until 1828.
Timbuktu used to be an important center along the trade routes (gold, salt, slaves) linking sub-Saharan Africa to North-Africa. The Tuareg and Arabic tribes ruled over these routes and this brought them their wealth. What's left of this grandeur is a small, remote but charming town made near the Niger River in north-central Mali.
The best and nicest way to get to Timbuktu is by riverboat from Mopti. It does take a long time to get there by this route. It takes about two days with stops at villages along the way.
In the minds of the West the name Timbuktu evokes the end of the world.
The city gained its reputation as a city of mystery because no European ever saw it and returned to tell the tale until 1828. 