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Camel Caravans are an essential mode of transport in the desert Sahara. Camel is popularly known as the 'ship of the desert'. Camels are mostly used in caravans in West Africa because of its catholic appetite, and its ability to go without water for several days. It also has a good loading capacity.
Camel caravans have navigated from the north of the fabled city of Timbuktu, West Africa in search of salt in the Sahara Desert. Camel caravans in Mali were often used for trading purposes. Traders from different parts of the world use to travel in camel caravans.
As salt trade gained impetus and played significant role in the rise and fall of the West African empires, important camel caravan routes were created throughout West Africa and the Sahara. These routes connected the African cities with the Europe and Middle East. Camel caravan though less costly than the wheeled options, are more hazardous. The traders or the travelers had to confront the hazards of losing the way, excessive heat, stifling sandstorms. They also had to survive the attacks of bandits and raiders on their way. The salt trade camel caravans usually traveled during the early morning or evening hours to avoid the scorching heat of the desert.
With the passage of time, the arduous and the hardy camel caravan routes have lost their significance. Now traders have discovered convenient sea trading routes to these places. However, the adventure seekers can experience traveling in camel caravan in Mali. In the camel caravan expeditions of Mali, bottled mineral water is collected from Timbuktu. The camel caravan staff consists of a Tuareg guide, a groom to look after the camels and a camp cook. These camel caravan tours of Mali can range from 11 to 22 days.
The best time to enjoy the camel caravan expedition and to travel through the wind swept sand dunes is from September through April. Tourists can have a lifetime experience of traveling in the camel caravans.
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