Timbuktu-Gao
 

One more question about Mali. I have a plan to visit Timbuktu. But I don`t know how can I get out from there? Is there a road from Timbuktu to Gao along a Niger river? Is it possible for riding? I don`t have a perfect experience like a Dakar racers. And my Africa Twin is too heavy for the extreme off-road.

Alex

Most people go east a bit and then take the ferry to the south side of the river at Gourma Rarous or Korioume (??) via Douzenta and then the Hombori road to Gao.

Not sure about place names, see: http://www.sahara-overland.com/Sfiles/ian-timbo.htm

Continuing east along the north bank to Bourem would indeed be hard work on a wide and heavy AT.

Ch

Alex
Here are some photos of the route Timbuktu-Gao to give you some idea. There are some sandy sections - maybe 20% of the overall route could be classed as loose sand - and it is difficult to avoid, because there is heavy bush. As you get close to Bourem there is dune section, then after Bourem it is easier, and the road is being upgraded.
Donncha

In December 07 we went from Timbuktu to Doentza in a Landrover. This is a hard pist. No problem at all.

Friends we then met in Niamey returned to Timbuktu via Gao in a Landcruiser. Again no problem at all.

Another option..
 

I left my panniers at Mac's place in Sevare, near Mopti. Then headed to Tombouctou.
From mopti it is a 200km tar road until you turn left to Tim on a dirt road for another 200km. The dirt road is VERY BADLY CORRUGATED!! You will experience hell if you are fully loaded. Let me just say that again..VERY BADLY CORRUGATED!!
There are places at the dirt road turn off to stay and leave panniers etc.
Perhaps you could stay at this intersection, unload a load of crap, head to tim and back and you are then on the main road to Goa.
The route you are considering is very sandy.
I hope you really, really want to go to Tombouctou. Dont expect trumpets to sound when you enter.

Gourma
 

Ok! I looked at the soviet maps. Actually the Nothern bank is sandy from Gourma to Bourem. Gourma is on the South bank. The map show me a ferry there. But I`m not sure does it works today? And what is the road further?

Alex

The road from Timbukto to Gao does not cross the Niger. You will always be north of the river.

The photos of donncha correspond with what I have been told about that road (in December 07). This road should be no big problem on a bike and was easy in a Landcruiser.

To cross the Niger from/to Timbuktu there is a ferry about 15km south of Timbuktu (tar road until the port). The crossing takes more than an hour, because the Niger is wide and maeandering in this area. We took the last ferry southwards at 16h00. I would estimate that there are ca. 2-3 crossings each way per day.