About as close to the middle of nowhere as you're likely to get, Timbuktu is located in central Mali, West Africa. Several international carriers fly to Mali's capital Bamako, you can connect through Paris or Zurich. So far, it all sounds quite sophisticated doesn't it? The rub is getting from Bamako to Timbuktu, an uncomfortable 250 mile journey.
Ironically the best way to get to Timbuktu is by boat down the Niger river. First you have to find a bus to Koulikoro, 35 miles east of Bamako. Next, you hope it's the rainy season and find a boat to take you to Kabara. It should take you a mere 4 days (give or take a week) to get to Kabara. Luckily, at Kabara you're just 4 miles away from Timbuktu and a shared taxi should get you there in no time to book in to one of the two hotels in town.
But really folks, you can always catch a domestic flight on an old Russian plane (keep your fingers crossed on the landing.) Bus services from Bamako are available in the dry season for a bumpy 3 day journey.
Having just made a trip to Timbuktu in December 2007, I would say that the plane trip to or from Bamako to Timbuktu can be made on a nice 2 engine SAAB turbo prop plane via Mopti. However, a trip to Timbuktu should not be easy. The trip down the Niger to get there is part of the adventure. Fly back to Bamako but not to Timbuktu
250 Miles? Never take directions from a woman, folks. The great circle route is 439 statute miles between Bamako and Timbuktu. Unless they built a new road that warps the space time continuum, it’s going to be longer than 250 miles to drive.
Thanks Mike, I could have made a big mistake. For my planned excursion to Timbuktu I only had enough bus tokens for a 250 mile ride. Guess I’ll bring more cash for the longer trip.
lmao ..seems like everyone on here is a comedian! didnt like the comment from the guy dont take directions from a woman,what an idiot!!! must be a woman hater and a know it all,i wouldnt trust taking anything he says serious!
Mike is right ryan. Women can’t read maps and can’t drive for that matter. He’s not a women hater, it’s a well known fact.
What rubbish…..i’m male, but still able to see the way that guys like to make out that women can’t drive or navigate…. generalisations like these only make the people who make them look stupid….nuff said. Thanks for the story Anouk.
thinking of going there i had a look at google maps. says, its just more than 600 miles + ferryboat.
woman or man, mistake is mistake.
I’m a woman, I can drive, read a map, use a GPS, put up a tent, change a wheel, fish and whatever else I need to do. Don’t paint us all with the same brush…
Calm down dear.