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Markoye Old Slave Market

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The old slave market of Markoye is located in the far north of Burkina Faso, near the borders with Mali and Niger. Historically, this site was a dark but significant hub of the trans-Saharan slave trade before it was officially abolished in the late 19th century. Its strategic location along caravan routes facilitated the exchange of captives for goods such as salt, gold, and textiles. Today, only a few ruins and oral traditions bear witness to the tragic events that occurred here. The site serves as an important memorial for the local population and researchers studying the history of bondage in the Sahel region. Nearby are historical wells that once supplied the caravans and remain in use today. The stark desert landscape underscores the isolated nature of this historical location. Markoye remains a place of remembrance, shedding light on the complex social dynamics of the border regions.

Location: Burkina Faso
Top sights: Markoye Department · Markoye
Nearby: Gorom-Gorom (36 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	26	30	34	35	33	30	28	28	29	27	24
Rain mm	1	1	0	4	12	66	124	190	72	15	0	0

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The slave market is an outdoor historical site that can be visited freely. Usually only foundation walls remain, reminding of the dark past.

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Typical hours

As it is an open-air site, there are no fixed opening hours. Visits are possible at any time during daylight.

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Photography

Photography is generally allowed. Out of respect for history, it is recommended not to take smiling selfies.

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Time needed

A visit typically takes 15-20 minutes. If you want to engage deeply with the history, allow 30 minutes.

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Combine with

Combine with old Markoye town and traditional architecture. The nearby rock drawings are also interesting.

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Getting there

Markoye is reachable by bus from Ouagadougou; the trip takes several hours. Once there, the market is walkable.

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Insider tip

A tip: hire a local guide to bring the site's history to life. Ask locally about the best times to visit.

Geography

Coordinates

14.63330, 0.03330

Facts

Former hub of the trans-Saharan trade
Located at the border tripoint of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger
Abolition of the trade in the late 19th century
Site of historical caravan wells
Significant memorial for the history of slavery
Important site for oral traditions of Sahelian peoples

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tin-Akoff Reserve15 km · WExplore →

Koutougou Ruins25 km · SWExplore →

Tambao Manganese Mine27 km · SEExplore →

Essakane Gold Mine30 km · WExplore →

Gorom-Gorom Dunes30 km · NWExplore →

Gorom-Gorom Historical Market36 km · SWExplore →

Gorom Hills45 km · SWExplore →

Oursi Lake49 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Markoye Old Slave Market (2)

Markoye Department📍 landmark

Administrative department in the Sahel Region of Burkina Faso. The area consists of dry savanna and villages.

Markoye📍 landmark

Main town of the Markoye Department in the Sahel zone. The settlement lies near the border with Niger.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was the Markoye slave market?

A historical site in the north where slaves were formerly sold as part of trans-Saharan trade.

Are there still remains to be seen?

There are few physical ruins; the site today serves primarily for remembrance.

When does the current market take place?

The general weekly market in Markoye takes place every Monday.

Is a guide needed for the history?

Yes, as there are few signs, a local guide knowledgeable in history is essential.

What is the security situation on-site?

Due to the proximity to the border, increased caution and updated information are needed.

Markoye Old Slave Market: where is it located?

Markoye Old Slave Market is located in Burkina Faso.

Markoye Old Slave Market: what is there to see?

Highlights include Markoye Department, Markoye.

Markoye Old Slave Market: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

Markoye Old Slave Market: why is it worth visiting?

The old slave market of Markoye is located in the far north of Burkina Faso, near the borders with Mali and Niger.

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