| Duration: | 10 Day(s) - 9 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Art And Crafts Tours |
Day 1: Arrival – Bamako
Your international flight arrives today in Bamako, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in town. Tour orientation. Overnight at Hotel Mirabeau or similar.
Meals included: None
Day 2: Bamako
Breakfast and a city tour of Bamako, which includes panoramic viewpoints of the city, the National Museum—providing an excellent introduction to the ethnic diversity of the country—the big pink markets, traditional dryers, and more.
Decide on your evening activities with your tour guide.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: Bamako – Sikasso
After breakfast, enjoy a 4–5 hour drive to discover southern Mali, known as the green belt of the country. Visit many villages along the way. The tour of Sikasso includes the remnants of the Mamelon, the Cultural Center of the Sénoufo tribe, and more. Overnight at Hotel du Cinquantenaire or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4: Sikasso – San
A complete tour of Sikasso, visiting the Missirikoro Grotto, then continuing to Koutiala, the capital of white gold (cotton). Proceed to San for an overnight stay. Time permitting, visit the Mosque of San and Terekungo. Overnight at Hotel Santoro or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: San – Dogon Country
Drive to the fascinating Dogon Country. Points of interest include the circumcision grotto in Songho, Niongonon, and Sangha, among others.
Overnight at Campement Hotel Sangha.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: Dogon Country
A full day in Dogon Country: descend the escarpment to visit traditional Dogon villages perched along the cliff. A Dogon mask dance will be organized before departing for an overnight stay in Bandiagara. Overnight at Hotel La Falaise.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7: Dogon Country – Mopti
Drive to Mopti. Time permitting, enjoy a city tour of Mopti and an overnight stay.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 8: Mopti – Djenné
This morning, travel from Mopti to Mali’s architectural jewel, Djenné, on its weekly market day. Visit Djenné when it is at its most colorful. See the magnificent Grand Mosque—the largest mud-brick structure in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the museum and wander through the narrow streets of Djenné, discovering this unique architectural city.
Overnight at Hotel Djeno Djenne.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9: Djenné – Ségou
Following breakfast, enjoy an approximately 4–5 hour drive to Ségou, the heart of the Bambara Kingdom. Highlights include the pottery market, the mud-cloth fabric center, observing women preparing local beer, and a visit to Sékoro to learn about the history of the kingdom. See the tomb of the first king, Biton Coulibaly, and the mosque whose origins remain unknown. Overnight in Ségou at Hotel Auberge Ségou or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10: Ségou – Bamako – Départ
Drive back to Bamako. You will be transferred to the airport in time for your international flight home.
Tour Price Includes:
Round-trip airport-to-hotel transfers; accommodations in the listed properties or similar; tours in a private vehicle; experienced English- and French-speaking guides; admission to all listed sites and activities; luggage transfers; and meals as indicated.
Tour Price Does Not Include:
International airfare to Mali, travel insurance, meals not listed, personal expenses such as telephone and laundry, visa fees, and gratuities for drivers and guides.
