Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Bamako -
Timbuktu.
This morning take an early flight to legendary
Timbuktu. Located at the terminus of the great trans-Saharan caravan route,
Timbuktu became fabulously wealthy in the 16th century. Loaded with blocks of salt and other trade goods, huge convoys of camels would spend weeks crossing the unforgiving Sahara to reach
Timbuktu. It was here that they would trade salt, pound-for-pound, with African merchants bringing gold and ivory along the Niger from the heart of Africa. Wander the dusty streets of
Timbuktu, admiring such magnificent mud-brick structures as the Djinguiraiber Mosque, the Mosque of Sankore, and the Palace of Bouctou. In the afternoon camel ride on the dune. Accommodation at La Colombe Hotel or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 2:
Timbuktu - Mopti.
Early breakfast and drive to Malian Venice, arrival and Mopti city
Tour.
You will see the fascinating mix of Malian cultures: Bambara, Bobo, Bozo, Dogon, Fulani, Tuareg, Songhaï and Hausa. Visit the beautiful mosque, the fishing port and the bustling market, where you can shop for gold or silver jewelry, Tuareg leatherwork, or Fulani blankets of cotton or wool. Overnight in Mopti. Accommodation at Flandre Hotel or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 3: Mopti - Djenne.
Drive to Djenne, Timbuktu's ancient sister-city on the Niger. Visit Djenne on its weekly market day, when Djenne is at its colorful best. See the magnificent Grand Mosque, the largest mud brick architecture in the world and one of UNESCO’S World Heritage sites, overnight at hotel Campement or a similar. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 4: Djenne - Dogon.
Drive to Dogon Country, considered one of the most extraordinary places on earth. Built up high on the narrow ledges of the cliffs are the villages of the Dogon people. In the 11th century, the Dogons fled the advancing Arabs coming from the north, and found shelter in one of West Africa's most inhospitable areas. This is such a unique place that the United Nations has declared it a World Heritage site. Visit the village of Songo, renowned for its rock paintings and circumcision grotto. Overnight at Hotel Guina or similar. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5: Dogon.
Continue
Tour of Dogon Village. The Dogons are animists, worshiping their ancestors and the spirits of nature. Having preserved their traditions down through the centuries, they are considered to be one of the most original civilizations of West Africa. Today’s sightseeing involves walking over rough ground to visit some of the villages, and fairly steep and rough paths have to be negotiated. Experience the authentic traditional Dogon Mask Dance. Early evening drive to Bandiagara for overnight. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: Dogon - Segou.
Breakfast, then drive to Segou, Mali's second largest city and former colonial administrative center. Admire the beautiful Sudanese-style colonial architecture, visit the port, the pottery market, traditional weavers and other artisans. Overnight: Segou. Accommodation at Esplanade Hotel or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 7: Segou - Bamako.
Breakfast and drive to Bamako. Today you will explore this capital city of Bamako situated on the Niger, one of Africa's great rivers.
Mali is a country of many tribal peoples, each with your own exuberant styles of clothing and jewelry. Bamako has a large art and craft center where sculptors, weavers, leather workers, jewelers and metal workers exhibit their wares and skills. You will visit the Grand Marché, or "Great Market", where you can spend hours exploring the hundreds of stalls. From carvings and cassettes, to fabrics, beads, brass and gold, the variety of goods is staggering. One area of the market is devoted entirely to traditional African medicines. Do your last shopping and in the evening transfer to the airport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the
Tour price.
Price Includes:
- Hotel accommodation (double occupancy) and breakfast
- Ground transportation in an air condition four wheel drive vehicle to all listed sites
- Full board pension in Dogon country
- Camel ride on the festival dunes
- An experienced English-speaking guide
- Flight ticket Bamako -
Timbuktu.
E-pasts:
baba@balanzantours.com
Tālrunis:
+223 66724342
Skype:
balanzan.tours
http://www.balanzantours.com/En/west-africa-tours.php
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