Trans-Saharan Caravan Routes

Timeline

1. 701–900Sijilmasa–Awdaghust–Ghana corridor · SaharaBerber and Arab merchants set out from Sijilmasa in southeastern Morocco, crossed the desert via dozens of relay stations to Awdaghust, then headed south into the Ghana Empire's domain to purchase gold; a two-way trade pattern was established, with salt blocks carried north and gold dust south.
2. c. 900–1200Timbuktu–Gao–Kano network · SahelAs Ghana declined and polities such as Mali and Songhai rose, the focus of the routes shifted west and expanded into the Niger River basin; Timbuktu became a major center of scholarship and trade, and caravans carried not only goods but also Islamic texts and scholars.
3. 701–1500Across the entire Sahara · SaharaCaravans were led by camel drivers (azalai), relying on oasis resupply, tribal agreements to protect merchants, and seasonal travel rhythms; a dromedary could carry several hundred kilograms, and large caravans could reach a thousand camels, forming specialized transport organizations.