| Duration: | 12 Day(s) - 11 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Eco Tours |
Day 1: Arrive in Bamako, Mali
Your international flight arrives in Bamako, where you will be met, assisted, and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: Bamako
After breakfast, explore the capital city, situated on the Niger River, one of Africa’s great rivers, flowing through Mali. The city was founded in 1640, but did not begin to grow significantly until the French colonial period in 1898. Mali is home to many tribal peoples, each with its own vibrant styles of clothing and jewelry.
There is no better place to see this colorful diversity than in the streets and markets of Bamako. The city has a large arts and crafts center where sculptors, weavers, leatherworkers, jewelers, and metalworkers exhibit their skills and wares. Another highlight is the Grand Marché, or “Great Market,” where you can spend hours exploring hundreds of stalls. From carvings and cassettes to fabrics, beads, brass, and gold, the variety of goods is staggering.
One section of the market is devoted entirely to traditional African medicine. Here, you will find dried animal parts, herbs, and other traditional remedies. After the market visit, continue to the National Museum, which provides an excellent introduction to Malian culture and history.
From the museum, enjoy a walk through the renovated National Botanical Park. Time permitting, visit Bamako’s recycling market, where local artisans transform scrap metal into useful products.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 3: Bamako – Sikasso
Drive to Sikasso on its weekly market day, passing through the rich agricultural lands of southern Mali. Visit local villages and granaries along the way.
In Sikasso, Mali’s breadbasket, see the remnants of the Tata, an ancient palisade that once encircled the city and resisted the French colonial army. Visit the Mamelon, the former residence of local kings and the cultural center of the Sénoufo tribe, where you will learn about this resilient community. In the afternoon, visit the Farako waterfalls and tea farms.
Woroni: Located approximately 75 km from Sikasso on the road to Côte d’Ivoire. Visiting this site requires spending two nights in Sikasso.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 4: Sikasso – Ségou
Drive to Ségou, Mali’s second-largest city and a former colonial administrative center. Enjoy a city tour of Ségou. Visit Sékoro, “Old Ségou,” the former capital of the Bambara Kingdom. See the tomb of King Biton Coulibaly, the first king of the Bambara Kingdom.
Visit the Ndomo, where you will learn and practice the process of dyeing traditional mud cloth. Keep your sample as a souvenir. In the afternoon, enjoy a river cruise to Kalabougou to visit the pottery village. Overnight in Ségou.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 5: Ségou – Mopti
Drive to Mopti, visiting along the way Terekoungo, the sacred well of the Bobo people, the fetish house, and the mosque of San. Arrive in Mopti and tour the city, known as the “Venice of Mali.” Visit the port and the canoe-building area. In the late afternoon, experience a sunset sail on the Niger River in a traditional motorized canoe.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 6: Dogon Country
Begin exploring Dogon Country, known for its unique architecture, culture, customs, and beliefs.
Dogon Country is considered one of the most extraordinary places on Earth. Please note that the roads are rough, dusty, and unpaved.
The villages of the Dogon people are built high on narrow cliff ledges. In the 11th century, the Dogon fled advancing forces from the north and found refuge in one of West Africa’s most inhospitable regions. Due to its cultural and historical significance, the area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Nando, Niogonon, and Songho, and overnight in Bandiagara. Enjoy a Dogon mask dance.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7: Dogon Country
Continue exploring Dogon Country. Visit villages such as Kani Bonzon, Teli, and Ende. After the visits, return to Bandiagara for an overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8: Dogon Country
Discover another part of Dogon Country by visiting Dourou, Amani, Tireli, and Sangha. A traditional Dogon mask dance will be organized.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 9: Dogon Country – Djenné
After breakfast, drive to Koundou. Following the visit, continue onward to Djenné for an overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 10: Djenné – Teriyabougou
Visit Djenné, the ancient sister city of Timbuktu. Observe the magnificent Grand Mosque, the world’s largest mud-brick structure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the famous Monday Market and learn about the traditional legends associated with the city. After the visit, drive to Teriyabougou for an overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 11: Teriyabougou – Bamako
Wake up to birdsong. After breakfast, tour Teriyabougou, an ecotourism center. Visit the museum of Father Vesperen, the founder of the center. After the visit, drive back to Bamako and relax.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 12: Bamako – Departure
Drive to the Manden village of Sibi. Visit the Fanfaba Grotto and the Arch of Kamadjan. Return to Bamako for lunch. In the evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your final departure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Tour Includes (minimum of 2 travelers):
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and departure
Round-trip airport/hotel transfers
Hotel accommodation in the indicated properties
Transportation in a private 4WD vehicle
Experienced tour guide
Admission to the listed sites, including Dogon mask dances
Meals as indicated
Tour Does Not Include:
Meals not listed
Travel insurance and visa fees
Gratuities for the driver and guide
International flight tickets
