Explore Mali 15 Days

Excursion in Bamako

Languages: English

Starting from Bamako (capital of Mali country) you will visit Segou, Djenne, Mopti, Dogon Country, Niger River and Sahara Desert. You will never forget this 15-days tour through all Mali exploring this fascinating country.

DAY 1 - ARRIVE BAMAKO, MALI

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

DAY 2 - SEGOU

After breakfast drive to Segou stopping enroute including the village of Sekora, the old Segou and former capital city of the Bambara Kingdom. Continue to Segou for overnight at Hotel Independence. (B)

DAY 3 - DJENNE

Drive to Djenne on its weekly market day when Djenne is at its colorful best; stroll around the market stalls, visit the magnificent Grand Mosque, the world's largest mud brick architecture and one of Unesco's World Heritage sites; Short drive to Mopti for overnight. (B)

DAY 4 - MOPTI

Drive to the southwestern part of the Bandiagara escarpment, to visit the villages of Kani Kombole, Tely, and Ende, where you may be able to visit the Hogon (spiritual leader of the Dogon people) in his grotto; return to Bandiagara for overnight. (B)

DAY 5 - DOGON COUNTRY

After breakfast, depart for Dogon country; descending the Bandiagara escarpment to visit the fascinating cliff villages Banani (see ancient Tellem cave dwellings in the cliff face) and Tireli, where you will witness a traditional Dogon mask dance (optional) (B,L,D)

DAY 6 - DOGON COUNTRY

Visit the village of Sangha. Drive to Songo where you will observe the painted rock and visit the women menstruation house. Drive to Mopti for overnight. (B,L)

DAY 7 - NIGER RIVER

Entire day sailing the Niger River. Visit Bozo fishing villages and Fulani nomads' camps along the river. Sail back to the village Konna, where your vehicle will meet you and drive you back to Mopti for overnight. (B,L)

DAY 8 - TIMBUKTU

Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Timbuktu; Timbuktu city tour: visit the ancient mosques, the museum, the city market, the explorers' houses, the artisans center; in the afternoon, enjoy a camel ride on the dunes around Timbuktu. (B)

DAY 9 - SAHARA DESERT

Depart to the Sahara Desert in a 4-wheel drive vehicle; experience the vast majesty of the desert; visit a Tuareg camp; enjoy dinner and tea on the dunes, and overnight camping with your Tuareg hosts, the princes of the desert. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 - TIMBUKTU

Goodbye to your Tuareg hosts and return to Timbuktu; rest of day free; optional Takamba (Tuareg dance) in the evening; overnight in Timbuktu. (B)

DAY 11 - NIGER RIVER

After breakfast, transfer to Timbuktu's port and spend the day sailing the Niger River in a traditional river boat; see Mali's varied bird life along the shore and very likely see hippos in the river. (B,L)

DAY 12 - BAMAKO

Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Bamako; check into your hotel, rest of day at leisure. (B)

DAY 13 - BAMAKO

Leisurely breakfast, then visit Bamako, Mali's capital city and former capital of French Soudan; panoramic overview of the city at Point G; visit the National Museum, the city market, and the artisans' village, where you will see the craftsmen at work: sculptors, weavers, silversmiths, goldsmiths, and leather workers test your bargaining skills. (B)

DAY 14 - BAMAKO

Today decide on your itinerary with the assistance of your guide or discover Bamako on your own. (B)

DAY 15 - DEPARTURE FOR HOME

Morning at leisure before departure home. (B)

TOUR INCLUDES:

• Meeting and assistance upon arrival and departure
• Round trip airport to hotel transfer
• Assistance with airport departure formalities
• Accommodations in properties 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