Foto: The old city of Djenne (bron: -)
Mali - The Dogon Valley is one of the few regions in West Africa where the people have managed to preserve their culture much as it was centuries ago. To this day, people still live according to the traditions of their distant ancestors. This is partly due to the area's isolated location. The region still lacks electricity, running water, and roads. As a result, non-motorized transport is the only way to get through the valley. The valley is beautifully situated, running parallel to a falaise (high cliff) that connects two plateaus of different heights. The falaise, several hundred meters high, plays an important role in Dogon culture. The economy of the Dogon Valley is primarily based on agriculture. Unlike many other cultures, both men and women work the fields. Laziness is not tolerated in Dogon culture. Lazy people are not respected, which makes it difficult for them to find a marriage partner, for example. Markets in the Dogon Valley serve as central locations to sell the harvest. Naturally, they are also the most important social gathering spots for the residents of different villages.
Over the Niger to Timbuktu
Mali - Timbuktu is a town in Mali and also the capital of the region bearing the same name. It lies about 13 kilometers north of the Niger River and has approximately 32,500 inhabitants. Timbuktu was likely founded in the 12th century by the Tuareg as a resting ...