Horseback Touring in Mali

Private tour in Bamako

Languages: English

For a truly unique experience, consider visiting Dogon country in Mali on horseback. The horses are Malian-bred, medium-sized, and docile, allowing you to cover more ground than on foot while experiencing a more personal connection with the Dogon people than is possible from a vehicle. Horseback touring also enables visits to villages inaccessible by car.

The tour follows Dogon country's Bandiagara escarpment along its base. An escort vehicle meets the group at the end of each day. You will be accompanied by a guide and, if necessary, a groom depending on the length of your tour. Horses are equipped with local saddles. Guests should bring a water bottle, sunglasses, sunblock, and a hat. The escort vehicle carries baggage and all camping supplies.

Horseback tours are offered only during the cooler months, from August through February or March. Most riding is done in the morning, with a midday break for village visits, and afternoon rides if necessary.

Tour Options:

• Half-day ride: Morning ride along the base of the escarpment with a village visit. Resume your regular itinerary in the afternoon.
• All-day tour: Approximately three hours of riding in the morning, a midday break to visit the village, and a return ride in the afternoon. Overnight in the village, then continue your regular itinerary.
• Two-day overnight tour: Morning ride, midday village visit, then continue to a second village for an overnight camping stay. The next morning, visit the second village, then return to the midday rest point and finish the ride by day’s end. Overnight camping, then continue your regular itinerary.

The specific villages visited vary by tour, but full details are provided once your itinerary is finalized.

13-Day Horseback Tour Highlights:

• Day 1: Arrive in Bamako; airport transfer; evening free; overnight in Bamako hotel.
• Day 2: Drive to Mopti; overnight in Mopti hotel.
• Day 3: Morning visit Mopti; depart for Dogon country; visit Songo village (rock paintings and circumcision grotto); overnight in Kani Kombole village inn.
• Days 4–10: Horseback rides covering Dogon villages including Sagourou, Nombori, Yawa, Guimini, Doundiourou, Yabatalou, Ende, and Tely. Overnight camping with meals and village visits along the route.
• Day 11: Drive to Djenne; visit Grand Mosque (UNESCO World Heritage Site); overnight in Djenne hotel.
• Day 12: Drive to Bamako; overnight in Bamako hotel.
• Day 13: Day-room in Bamako; visit National Museum, market, and artisans’ village; airport transfer for departure.

Daily riding includes time on foot to fully explore each village. Camping is in dome tents with ground mattresses. Meals are prepared by a camp cook who travels with the escort vehicle. Bathing is via bucket baths, as there are no showers in the villages.

Tour Package Includes:

• Horse, care, and feeding
• Experienced guide for the entire tour
• Groom for the horses
• 4x4 vehicle with fuel and driver
• 6 nights hotel accommodation in tourist-class hotels with breakfast
• Day-room in Bamako on the last day
• 6 nights camping with all equipment and camp cook during horseback days
• Full board during horseback portion (7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners) with bottled water
• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
• All village visit fees, hotel taxes, and local tourism taxes

Not Included:

• International travel to/from Mali
• Entry visas
• Non-specified meals and drinks
• Tips, insurance, and personal expenses

Additional information