Were people of the central Sahara also willing to pay a high price in gold for salt?

Yes, people of the central Sahara historically valued salt highly and were willing to pay a significant price in gold for it. Salt was essential for preserving food and maintaining health, making it a critical commodity in arid regions. The trade routes across the Sahara facilitated the exchange of gold from sub-Saharan regions for salt from the north, highlighting its importance in ancient economies.