Gao

Gao is a city of 90,000 inhabitants in the Gao region of Mali.

Understand
The city was founded in the 7th century as a trading post, but it was during the 15th and 16th centuries that the city flourished and its height was the center of the Songhai Empire.

By plane
Gao has an international airport, and Point Afrique offers flights to Paris and Marseille as well as other cities along the Niger.

By boat
A ferry service links Gao to other cities on the Niger, such as Timbuktu.

By road
Gao is connected to Bamako by a paved highway and can be reached in a private car or by bus. Buses also travel to Niamey several times per week, but the road to the border is still unfinished.

See




Buy

 * Traditional markets. The vegetable and meat markets are in the center of town beside the river. They feature the usual assortment of produce and spices as well as blocks of salt mined in the far north of Mali. The Marche Washington, down the road towards the Askia Tomb, sells clothing and fabric and is full of tailors at work.

Stay safe
Information on the security situation can be found in the warning box at the top of the Mali page.

Go next
Buses leave Gao for Bamako two-three times per day. Buses also travel to Niamey several times per week, but the road to the border is still unfinished.