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Awe-Inspiring Mosque of Djenne’: The World’s Largest Mud-Brick Structure

Not yet published by Vanessa Boiser

Country: Mali

The Experience

The Mosque of Djenne’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is regarded as the greatest Sudano-Sahelian architectural feat located in the heart of Mali. The Mosque of Djenne’ is one of the most tastefully-built mosques in the world. But what separate it from the others are the materials used for construction. It is made out of mud clay and wood found in the area and is voluntarily maintained by the people yearly to help fix cracks and damages brought about by erosion and moisture. The Mosque of Djenne’ is built on a raised mud-brick or adobe foundation to save it from occasional flooding and it was in the past an important stop-over for traders in the Sahara. Moreover, the whole town of Djenne’ is famous for houses that are made similarly using adobe.

Photos

Puzzle

When to Go

The best time to see the Mosque of Djenne’ is during the "cooler" and drier months of October to February. Take note however that "cool weather" in West Africa means that it won't be scorching hot, only less hot. It is much cooler inside the Mosque of Djenne’ because mud brick protects it from heating up. Also, another advantage of visiting during these months is to avoid large crowds of tourists and traders during the latter part of the year as well as the wet season. Usually, a market is open in front of the mosque on Mondays where local produce is sold as well as fabrics like the ‘bogolan’ are sold. The town of Djenne’ is relatively peaceful and the people are hospitable and the Mosque of Djenne’ used to be open to non-Muslims but a photo shoot offended officials and banned non-Muslims from entering. Ask your tour operator if you may be allowed to go inside. You are lucky if you will be able to check it out.

Odds n' Ends

If you are planning to se the Mosque of Djenne’ and walk near the world's largest mud-brick structure, it is advisable to secure a certificate of vaccination from yellow fever and a obtain malaria prophylaxis from your doctor before traveling to Mali. Also, bring insect repellants to keep mosquitoes away at night. Wear something light and airy because temperature can climb as much as 90°F. Clothes should not be provocative and must cover the legs especially for women. Always drink bottled water to prevent dehydration and diarrhea or boil your water before drinking, if it can't be helped. Always check for travel advisories going to Mali as there are some reported cases of kidnapping in remote and desert areas. In addition, credit cards and ATMs are not accepted in Djenne’, you might want to change your cash to Euro or to the local currency in the Bank Internationale du Mali.

Here are a good tour operator and an accommodation to try if you haven't decided on any yet:

Hotel Djenne’ Djenno
Website: http://www.hotelDjenne’djenno.com/
Blog: http://Djenne’djenno.blogspot.com
Email: res@hotelDjenne’djenno.com
Tel.: +223 7933 1526

Saga Tours
Address: Magnambougou rural
Secteur 2, Parte 43AT1
Bamako, Mali
Website: http://www.sagatours.com
Email: tours@sagatours.com
Tel: +223 6673 1631

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