Djénné

Djénné is probably one of the oldest cities along the trans-Saharan caravan routes. It lies south of the main route between Bamako and Mopti, so not many travelers get there. It is sometimes referred to as Djenné, or Jenné. The city was founded around 1400 AD and it flourished during the 15th and 17th centuries as a result of the trade along the trans-Saharan routes. Goods and slaves to and from Timbuktu passed through Djénné. The city is completely built out of mud. Most houses have thatched roofs, wooden window shutters and are decorated with paint and metal objects. There is not one modern building to spoil the site and streetlights are fueled by kerosene. Djénné might not be the oldest city in Western Africa as it claims, but it certainly hasn't changed for centuries.

The Djénné Mosque is the world's largest mud-made structure and a beautiful example of Sudanese architecture. Since it is built out of mud, extensive repairs have to be made every year after the rainy season. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside, but you can get a good view from the roof of the nearby Petit Marché. The mosque was built in 1907. Monday is market day and people in colorful dresses gather to buy and sell their wares. There are numerous narrow alleyways in Djénné, but the city is not too big so you won't get lost.

Four kilometers from the city is Jenné-Jeno, also known as Old Djénné. It was founded around 250 BC, but it was abandoned in favor of present Djénné around 1400 AD. Old Djénné was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1988. Nowadays excavations are going on in the area and there is nothing to see but ruins and fragments of broken pottery. Jewelry and iron objects found in the area suggest this was one of the first places in Africa where iron was used.

There is very little accommodation in town and you won't find many places to eat apart from some food stalls. During the rainy season Djénné is an island, completely surrounded by water. The only way to get there then is by pinasse (large motorized canoe). In the dry period you can also get there by bus. Djénné is 395 km (245 miles) northeast of Bamako.