Take a trip to Timbuktu on this unforgettable tour that will see you visiting this all but fabled African destination. Embrace the incredible beauty of this stunning country that offers everything from vast desert landscapes to imaginative mud mosques and buildings decorated in a uniquely raw but exquisite artistic style. Enjoy extraordinary hikes and undulating deserts. Follow the trail through the wonderful West African country of Mali, travelling through remote desert landscapes to the town of Timbuktu. Wander through Dogon villages with spectacular views, and then camp overnight in villages populated by friendly local inhabitants. Next, embark on a scenic river adventure aboard a local boat called a pinasse, stopping at small encampments along the way and spend a night under the desert stars in the Sahara. While facilities may be limited, this amazing adventure is without a doubt worth every moment.
Contact Details
Contact Person: Diana Tel: 27 11 791 0519
Itinerary
DAY 1 - Bamako
Arrive and check into your hotel. Later this evening you will have the chance to meet your tour leader and the other members of the tour.
Meals: All meals to your own expense
DAY 2 - Bamako - Segou
Morning city tour of Bamako. We visit a high point for a panoramic view over the city, the lively markets and the excellent museum. After lunch we continue to Segou, passing many small villages on the way. Approx. 3 hours driving
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3 - Segou - Djenne
Drive to Djenne, the ;Queen of the Delta', where we have time to explore the fascinating Monday market with its profusion of colour and produce. We visit the mosque, the largest mud building in the world, and wander through the old part of the town with its mud brick houses and narrow streets. Approx. 4 ½ hours driving.
Meal: Breakfast
DAY 4 - Djenne - Dogon Villages
Using 4WD jeeps we drive to the Dogon area, a fascinating tribal area of mud brick villages at the edge of the stunning Bandiagara Escarpment. Our first stop is Songo, where we see the ancient cave paintings. Continuing to Banani we start our trek with a dramatic route down the edge of the escarpment. Overnight camping (for two nights) in the grounds of a very simple hotel. Approx: 6 hours driving.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 5- Dogon Country
A morning wake up call from the donkeys and roosters before we continue hiking through picturesque villages. We visit a number of the most spectacular but least visited villages. Overnight camping. Approx. 1 hour driving
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 6 - Dogon Country - Sevare
Morning hiking through more villages before we meet our jeeps and drive to Sevare. In the morning there may be the chance to see a traditional Dogon mask dance. Approx: 4 hours driving.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 7-9 - Mopti- Niger Cruise
This morning we board our small 'pinasse' river craft and begin our journey along the Niger. Along the way we see several Bozo and Peul villages and enjoy the hive of activity surrounding the river - spend your time watching colourfully dressed villagers walking to market, washing clothes, children playing and cattle sunning themselves on the river bank. Tonight we camp by the side of the river.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 10 - Timbuktu
Arrive in Korioume and transfer to Timbuktu. Meet our Tuareg guide and climb aboard our camels for a ride to a nearby Tuareg settlement where we have dinner. Overnight camping in a desert Tuareg settlement.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 11 - Timbuktu
A full day to wander around this exotic city and visit the great mosque and museum.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12 - Timbuktu- Bamako
Transfer to the airport for our flight back to Bamako.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13 - Bamako
A free day to explore the wonderful town of Bamako, which arguably the best market in West Africa. Wander through the streets lined with vendors selling indigo cloth, African music, traditional medicines and much more. There will also be time to visit the Musee National, an excellent ethnographic museum.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14 - Bamako
Tour ends after breakfast.
Notes
Local Supplement R2592
Coincidences with the Festival Du Desert
Single Supplement R4156
Includes
Fully equipped vehicle, private bus, 4x4 vehicle, domestic flights, services of tour leader, all accommodation, all boat transfers, entrance fees. Please note that due to limited facilities, chalet and lodge accommodation may be on a sharing basis. Breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D) as per itinerary above. All other meals not shown will be to the clients account.
Excludes
International Airfares, travel and medical insurance, personal spending money, visas, passports, vaccinations, personal taxes (including departure and border taxes) all optional activities, unscheduled or optional national / game parks and other activities, gratuities, restaurant meals and drinks, and all other items of a personal nature.
Email a Friend
Print
