Just the name Timbuktu evokes thoughts of exotic, distant lands and for some, is even believed to be a place of myth.

But as many adventurous travellers will tell you, the African city does indeed exist on edge of the Sahara desert in a remote corner of northern Mali.

It was once one of the richest and most important trade cities in the world, with Muslim merchants travelling there from West Africa and the Middle East laden with gold to trade for salt and other goods.

Today, the city is still rich but not so much in gold as in culture and tradition. For years, explorers were banned from entering the strict Islamic hub and this allowed for many of its ancient landmarks to remain there today.

Its three great mosques Djingareyber, Sankore and Sidi Yahia have helped to turn it in to a Unesco World Heritage site although experts say that these buildings are under threat from desertification.

Hardened adventurers who are willing to brave the burning heat of this exotic city in January will be invited to join in the celebrations of the Festival in the Desert.

This three-day event first took place in 2001 and sees the days packed with traditional and cultural displays and activities as well as camel rides.

As the light falls across the desert, the music begins – with the likes of Robert Plant having previously graced the stage at the somewhat incongruous event.

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