|
|
back to all reviews...
|
|
more reviews of outdoor things...
|
mali:
general info
· travel advisories
· getting there
· getting around
when to go
· fast facts
· history
· maps
· itinerary
· hostels
tours
· things to do
· forum
· trivia
· safety
· links
· read reviews
|
|
Name: Bandiagara Escarpment
Location: Mali
Describe the landscape:
For more than 2000 years this sandstone ridge rising 150 feet above
the parched sands of southern Mali in Africa has been a cultural crossroads. Known
as the Bandiagara Escarpment, this 93 mile long stretch is an extraordinary geological
formation that has been inhabited by various peoples since the third century AD.
In the 15th century, the Dogon - a Nilotic people from East Africa - settled into
the area, and today about 30 of their villages dot the lower reaches of the rock
face. Composed of mud and thatch dwellings, they are barely visible from the surrounding
landscape. Until recently, the Dogon had been able to maintain their traditional
way of life, thanks to a tightly knit social structure. However, their rich culture
is now gradually eroding in the face of the modern world and uncontrolled tourism,
along with inappropriate development of the escarpment.
If you know of a great destination we're missing,
review it for us!!
|
|
|
|
|
