Mali: Tuareg

The Tuareg are nomads of the southern Sahara. For centuries their camel caravans have transported salt and other essentials across the desert for 500 miles from Taoudenni to Timbuktu and other fabled cities. Most of the salt will be transferred onto “pinasses” (small open boats) for the voyage to the coastal town of Bamako.

These two men had set up camp just outside small crossroads distinguished by only a couple sand covered buildings where shopkeepers offered minimal supplies. As darkness gathered and a chill wind blew, the faces of the men glowed as they huddled around a fire sipping tea.

Don't forget to check out my show, ART WOLFE'S TRAVELS TO THE EDGE, on your local PBS channel to learn more about the Tuareg and my other worldly travels.