population: 0.14 million

extension: 84.96 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Gao, Mali and interested in visiting museums, one place you can visit is the Tomb of Askia, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the tomb of Emperor Askia Mohammad and his sons, and it's located in the town of Gao. Other historical sites in the area include the Gao Grand Mosque and the Djinguereber Mosque in Timbuktu.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Gao, Mali are:

1. Tô: a staple food made from millet or sorghum flour that is mixed with water and cooked into a thick porridge-like consistency.

2. Ceebu jën: a rice-based dish that is typically prepared with fish and vegetables such as carrots, eggplant, cassava, cabbage, and tomatoes.

3. Maafe: a peanut butter stew that is typically prepared with meat (beef, chicken, or lamb), onions, tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables such as sweet potatoes, yams, and okra.

4. Yassa: a spicy dish made with marinated chicken or fish that is grilled or fried and served with onions, mustard, and lime juice.

5. Dibi: grilled lamb chops that are typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and spices and served with onions, tomatoes, and lime juice.

These dishes are all delicious and offer a taste of the local cuisine in Gao, Mali.

Activities

Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Gao, Mali include:

1. Visiting the weekly market: The market is held every Thursday and is a bustling hub of activity where you can buy anything from food to clothing.

2. Taking a boat ride on the Niger River: The Niger River flows through Gao and taking a boat ride is a popular way to relax and enjoy the scenery.

3. Attending a traditional dance performance: Gao is known for its rich cultural heritage, and traditional dance performances are a great way to experience this firsthand.

4. Playing traditional board games: Local people often gather to play traditional board games like mancala or wari.

5. Enjoying local cuisine: Gao has a unique culinary scene with dishes like tô, a millet-based porridge, and brochettes, skewered meat grilled over an open flame.