If you're looking for a reason to explore some of the more off-the-beaten path locations in Africa, than look no further than the Sahel. Here are our 10 reasons we think you should be visiting the Sahel now.
1. One of Africa’s last great adventure destinations
As Africa becomes more and more accessible with the introduction of e-visas and stabilising of many regions people are travelling to more and more of the country and exploring more of what the continent has to offer. The Sahel is one region that has been marred by conflict and has often been seen as too difficult or dangerous to travel. In someways this is true, there are dangerous parts of the Sahel, however there are also many areas of this sun-blistered red dirt region that are safe and great to travel! From Senegal through Burkina Faso and to Asmara, the Sahel has endless language and cultures to meet, endless foods to try and a diversity unmatched on earth. It truly is untouched by mass tourism and offers travellers a rustic adventure in the heart of Africa.
2. Discover unique cultures and traditions in the Sahel
This huge expansive region is home to hundreds of cultures in some of the most densely packed areas of diversity in the world. From the Dogon in Mali, to the Hausa of Nigeria, to the Tuareg of Mauritania and so many more. This region will leave you gobsmacked with how amazing and different people in one region can be. The results are often colourful, loud, tasty and a full assault on the senses in a region filled with life.
3. Visit the most remote places on Earth
Some of the areas of the Sahel are teaming with people and others offer true remote seclusion amongst magnificent backdrops of dusty skies. Nature in this region is incredible with national parks galore in all kinds of landscapes. In many areas you will be the only tourist and sometimes almost the only person.
4. Authentic travel away from mass tourism
Because of the reputation of many countries in this region and often at times difficult visa procedures it has previously been only a destination for the more experienced traveller. This means visits to tourists sites will largely be exclusive to you and you will feel spoiled. This region of the world can be extremely rewarding to anyone who visits and will definitely leave you with lasting memories.
5. Meet nomadic communities of the Sahel
Diversity of people in the region among the different landscapes is simply incredible. Some of the most interesting peoples are found in the northern region with nomadic tribes such as the Tuareg who inhabit areas of the Sahel and deep into the Sahara Desert. With their bright blue robes and knowledge of the desert, their resilience will amazing you and their hospitality will make you fall in love with the Sahel.
6. Incredible markets and food of the region
Markets here get wild, and we are not talking about bustling chaotic crowds. Markets in this part of the world will sell everything you can imagine and so many things you’ve never even thought of. Want to buy a dried hyena head to curse your enemies, they got you. Want to get a bigger member downstairs? Well, there’s a tonic for that. Looking for amazing fabrics, delicious food, cheap beer, well the local market will have plenty.
This area has great barbecue culture and we cannot stress enough how important it is that you get some fresh grill meat on a stick with a cold local beer and take it all in. If you are adventurous with food then this is the perfect place to discover flavours that exist nowhere else and textures that you will just have to get used to!
7. Experience some of the best live music the planet has to offer
African music is famous worldwide, but the best music in Africa comes from the Sahel. Mali in particular packs well above it weight as an exporter of some of Africa’s most famous music makers. Bands such as Tinariwen and singers such as Oumou Sangaré are on the world stage travelling around the globe spreading Sahel sounds. If you want to see great live music then most cities in this region have got you covered. For a true great music experience head to Bamako, Mali on weekend after midnight.
8. Visit historic cities and ancient empires
This region has hosted the world’s richest man in history, and numerous large African Kingdoms. The cities these empires built are still evident today and many of them such as Timbuktu are even household names. From Djenne, Mopti, Agadez, Zinder, Meroe, ancient cities from different time periods dot the region and are absolutely worth the journey.
9. Best countries to visit in the Sahel
Our top picks in the region are Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Cameroon, and it just so happens that we run tours in each of these countries. We even have a dedicated Sahel tour that you can check out. Of course our list is not exclusive and honestly every country here is worth a visit.
10. How to visit the Sahel safely and responsibly
With the situation in the Sahel in some places the best way to visit is with a guide or on a guided group tour. We organise Sahel tours and tours in individual countries in the region. If you’d like to join us send us an email to [email protected] and check out our Africa tours section on our website here.
