Africa
Mali, Timbuktu and Tuaregs of the Sahara, 8 Days - From: $5,870
Trip Summary
Immerse yourself in the color, music, rich art and traditions of West Africa and the Sahara. Beginning in Bamako follow the great Niger River to Segou, and on to the trading port of Mopti. Board a pinasse (traditional river boat) and glide along the Sahara’s lifeline, past Bozo fishing villages and herds of Peul cattle. Then take four-wheel-drive-safari vehicles into Dogon Country, and walk along the dramatic Bandiagara escarpment before watching a colorful and lively Dogon mask dance.
Marvel at Djenne’s Great Mosque: the largest adobe building in the world and a World Heritage site. Then fly over Saharan dune fields to legendary Timbuktu where you’ll walk ancient alleys, and drive into the desert to a Tuareg camp for warrior dances and camel displays, with dinner and Tuareg tea served around the camp fire.
Highlights
- Visit the mystical city of Timbuktu
- Witness the Dogon mask dance and cliffside dwelling of the Dogon people
- Travel by traditional boat to the Bozo fishing villages and stop at a typical bar
- See the enormous adobe mud mosque at Djenne
- Visit a Tuareg camp for a warrior dance performance
Trip Details
Price:
| Per Person, double occupancy | From: $5,870 |
Based on low season rates with two guests traveling.
Departure Dates:
- Daily
Itinerary
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1
Bamako
Arrive Bamako. Transfer to the Salam Hotel.
Lodging: Salam Hotel
Day 2
Segou
After breakfast this morning depart on a city tour of Bamako. Depart by road and follow the Niger River en route to Segou.
Lodging: Hotel Independence
Day 3
Mopti
After a talk in the textile art center depart for Mopti. En route enjoy brief stops to admire the San Mosque and Bambara and Bobo villages.
Lodging: Kanaga Hotel
Day 4
Mopti
Explore canal-laced Mopti, a spectacular river port set against the backdrop of majestic red mud-brick Sudanese buildings. Visit the old Teikiri neighborhood, the Sougouni Market, the canoe makers, and the craft market. This afternoon cruise the Niger River on a pinasse (traditional covered boat) to see the Bozo fishing villages and Peul livestock farms.
Lodging: Kanaga Hotel
Day 5
Mopti
Drive to Dogon Country. Walk around the villages built into the escarpment. Enjoy vivid artistic expressions: masks, ritual figures and carved doors.
Lodging: Kanaga Hotel
Day 6
Mopti
Visit the weekly market and massive mud mosque of Djenne - a remarkable example of Sudanese architecture.
Lodging: Kanaga Hotel
Day 7
Timbuktu
Commercial flight to the ancient city of Timbuktu. Visit to the library, the famous Sahara mosques and the old houses of the explorers. Evening drive into the desert to a Tuareg camp for warrior dance, camel displays, dinner and tuareg tea around the fire.
Lodging: Hendrinakhan Hotel or Desert Camp
Day 8
Bamako and International Flights Home
Commercial flight to Bamako. Afternoon at leisure for shopping. International flight home.
Destinations
The Details
