Sail the Niger River

Private tour in Bamako

Languages: English

Sail one of Africa's great rivers, the Niger River, all the way to the edge of the Sahara Desert and the legendary city of Timbuktu.

This is not a luxury cruise but rather an "armchair adventure" — you will discover a remote part of Africa but without many of the usual discomforts involved in visiting remote places.
Experience the Niger delta landscape with its varied birdlife along the shore, hippos in the river and rural villages with beautiful mosques, as only the fortunate can — from the comfort of your deck chair. Sleep in your own bed every night, without having to set up a camp. And enjoy sit-down restaurant meals prepared specially for you.
Your private air-conditioned cabin on the top deck has its own lavatory; the top level also has a large sundeck reserved for your use. There will be many Malians in 2nd, 3rd and 4th class, on the lower decks with separate facilities. Your guide will be on-hand to explain all the sights you will see, both on board and ashore, and you will be able to briefly visit various ports-of-call.
The sail from Koulikoro (Bamako's port) to Timbuktu takes three and a half days, and the Niger River is navigable generally from September 1st through January 1st. You may return to Bamako either by boat, plane, or vehicle; each of our three packages below offers one of these options.

Package I : Markala - Niger River Tour 15 days: Monday through Monday
Sail to Timbuktu - Sail back to Bamako

Package II : Massina - Niger River Tour
11 days: Monday through Thursday
Sail to Timbuktu - Fly back to Bamako

Package III : Kabara - Niger River Tour

17 days: Monday through Wednesday
Sail to Timbuktu - Drive back to Bamako, via Dogon country, Mopti, Djenne and Segou

All packages include:

• Bamako airport-to-hotel transfer upon arrival, including Bamako hotel reservations
• Bamako city tour
• transfer to the Koulikouro port
• boat tickets, including all meals while on board
• English-speaking guide
• Timbuktu transfer, hotel reservations, city tour
• all Timbuktu/desert arrangements (transportation, lodging, meals)
• return to Bamako (sail or drive or fly, as per itinerary)
• hotel lodging (bed & breakfast) on the return drive to Bamako (Package III)
• transfer and hotel reservations in Bamako
• transfer to the Bamako airport for your final departure
• all hotel taxes, local tourism taxes and site visit fees
  Packages do not include international airfare to/from Mali, entry visas, non-specified meals, drinks, tips, and personal expenses.
  Please note: Saga Tours does not handle international air reservations and ticketing.

Additional information