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.