Discover Mali 8 Days

Excursion in Bamako

Languages: English

Arriving Bamako, Mali, you will have fascinating trip through all Mali for 8 days. You will visit Timbuktu, Mopti, Djenne, Dogon Country, Segou and other famous cities of Mali.

DAY 1 - Friday - ARRIVE BAMAKO, MALI

International flight arrives Bamako, Mali. You will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Bamako at Hotel Grand or similar.

DAY 2 - Saturday - TIMBUKTU

This morning take an early flight to legendary Timbuktu. Located near the River Niger, and 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. See the houses of the various 19th century European explorers who used Timbuktu as a base. Overnight at Hendrina Khan Hotel or similar. (B)

DAY 3 - Sunday - MOPTI

This morning you leave a place whose name is synonymous with somewhere unreachable, "Timbuktu", and fly to Mopti. 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 at Kanaga Hotel or similar. (B)

DAY 4 - Monday - DJENNE

This morning you travel from Mopti to Mali's architectural jewel, Djenne. Founded in the fourth century, Djenne has scarcely changed since the Middle Ages. The atmosphere in the streets transports you back to Medieval times. Visit Djenne's colorful and bustling market. In the afternoon you return to Mopti. Overnight at Kanaga Hotel or similar. (B)

DAY 5 - Tuesday - DOGON COUNTRY

Dogon Country is considered to be one of the most extraordinary places on earth. Please note that the road to Dogon Country is rough, dusty and unpaved. 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. Overnight at Hotel Cheval Blanc or similar. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 - Wednesday - DOGON COUNTRY

The Dogons are animists, worshipping 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. Please note that part of today's sightseeing can involve walking over rough ground to visit some of the villages, and fairly steep and rough paths have to be negotiated. Overnight at Hotel Campement or similar. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 - Thursday - SEGOU

After breakfast, drive to Segou, Mali's second largest city and former colonial capital. This drive takes you through varying rural villages where you can observe the traditional way of life. Along the drive you have the opportunity to stop and visit local markets. Overnight at Hotel Independence or similar. (B)

DAY 8 - Friday - BAMAKO

Upon our arrival you will explore this capital city. Bamako is situated on the Niger, one of Africa's great rivers which flows through Mali. The city was founded in 1640, but didn't really start to grow until the French colonial period began in 1898. Mali is a country of many tribal peoples, each with your own exuberant styles of clothing and jewelry. There is nowhere better to see this colorful diversity than in the streets and markets of Bamako. Bamako has a large art and craft centre where sculptors, weavers, leather workers, jewelers and metal workers exhibit your wares and skills. Another highlight of your tour is the Grand MarchÀ, 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. Here you'll find the freshly shrunken heads of birds, monkeys and crocodiles along with lizard skins and other gruesome treatments. Departure for home. (B)

TOUR INCLUDES:

• Meeting and assistance upon arrival and departure.
• Round trip airport to hotel transfers
• Assistance with airport departure formalities
• Accommodations in hotels listed.
• Tours in private vehicle
• Trained English-speaking tour guide.
• Admissions to all listed sites.
• Luggage transfer
• Meals indicated by B,L,D

Not Included: International flight to Mali, travel insurance, visa fees, gratuities

Additional information