Bandiagara Escarpment, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mopti Region, Mali.
The Bandiagara Escarpment extends for 150 kilometers with sandstone cliffs rising 500 meters above the surrounding sandy plains of central Mali.
The Dogon people established their settlements in the escarpment during the 14th century, after displacing the previous Tellem inhabitants who left archaeological structures.
The escarpment contains numerous villages built into the cliff faces, where residents maintain traditions through mask dances, ceremonies, and astronomical observations.
Local guides lead visitors through marked trails connecting villages, offering accommodation and meals while generating income for communities living along the escarpment.
The site features ancient tunnels within the rock formations that local populations historically used to protect themselves from external threats.
Location: Dogon Country
Elevation above the sea: 323 m
Address: Bandiagara Escarpment, Mali
GPS coordinates: 14.41667,-3.31667
Latest update: May 11, 2025 18:26
Mali features earthen mosques, ancient archaeological sites, noteworthy geological formations and natural parks. The cities of Timbuktu, Djenné, and Gao have religious and historical mud-brick architecture. The country also has waterfalls, ancient caves, and colonial monuments. National parks and nature reserves are home to local wildlife. The architectural heritage includes historic mosques, traditional fortifications, and administrative buildings from the colonial period.
Timbuktu
264.5 km
Great Mosque of Djenné
145.3 km
Sankore Madrasah
264.7 km
Djinguereber Mosque
264.2 km
Djenné-Djenno
144.5 km
Sidi Yahya Mosque
264.3 km
Ancient ferrous metallurgy sites of Burkina Faso
203.6 km
Ounjougou
25.7 km
Musée de Manega
242.7 km
Old Towns of Djenné
145.2 km
Mopti Grand Mosque
95.2 km
Great Mosque of Niono
290 km
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Perpetual Help in Nouna
196.3 km
St. Joseph Cathedral, Mopti
95.3 km
Grande mosquée de Diafarabé
186.3 km
Grande mosquée de San
210.8 km
Mosquée de Kani-Kombolé
41.4 km
Rene Caille House
264.3 km
Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes Cathedral of San
211.3 km
Timbuktu
264.4 km
Gordon Laing House
264.3 km
Hombori Tondo
200.6 km
Regional Council of the Timbuktu Region
263 km
Sankore Mosquee
264.8 km
Le Bassin du fleuve Niger (du seuil de Markala au lac Débo)
98.1 km
Mosquée Souble Salam de Taïkiri
95.3 km
Mosquée de Bani
213.8 km
Musée Rayimi à Issouka
263.1 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes