La Dune Rose

The dune facing Gao across the Niger runs for several kilometres along the far bank, and at sunrise and sunset the low light turns the sand a distinct pink, which is where the name comes from. From the crest the river, the town and the desert beyond it are all visible. A pirogue crosses from the Gao side in a few minutes. The sand is soft and climbing it is harder work than it looks from the water.

What you actually see

• The pink light - the colour the sand takes at sunrise and sunset.
• The crest view - the river, Gao and the desert beyond from the top.
• The pirogue crossing - the short boat run over the Niger.
• The dune length - a ridge running several kilometres along the far bank.

When to go

November to February is the cool season. Sunrise and sunset are the only times the colour appears. March to May is extremely hot.

Honest expectations

The colour effect lasts a short time and flat light gives nothing. Climbing soft sand in heat is hard work. There are no facilities on the dune.

Nearby

Gao is across the river, and the Gourma elephant range is southwest.