River Life on the Niger and Timbuktu
Mali
Trip Summary
Explore Dogon villages and cliff dwellings, and encounter life along the Niger River.
Highlights
- Art, music, and textile museum
- Sahara desert and Tuareg encampment
- The oldest city in West Africa, Djenne
- Mopti's traditional crafts and markets
- Dogon villages and cliff-side dwellings
- The Dogon mask dance
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Bamako, Mali.
Lodging:Salam Hotel (B)
Day 2
Visit Bamako's colorful street markets and museum, then depart for Segou. En route visit Segoukoro village on the banks of the Niger River.
Lodging:Hotel Independence (B,L,D)
Day 3
After a talk in the textile art center depart for Mopti. En route enjoy brief stops to admire the San Mosque and Bambara and Bobo villages.
Lodging:Hotel Kanaga (B,L,D)
Day 4
Explore canal-laced Mopti, a spectacular river port set against the backdrop of majestic red mud-brick Sudanese buildings. Visit the old Teikiri neighborhood, the Sougouni Market, the canoe makers, and the craft market. This afternoon cruise the Niger River on a pinasse (traditional covered boat) to see the Bozo fishing villages and Peul livestock farms.
Lodging:Hotel Kanaga (B,L,D)
Day 5
Drive to Dogon Country. Walk around the villages built into the escarpment. Enjoy vivid artistic expressions: masks, ritual figures and carved doors.
Lodging:Hotel Kanaga (B,L,D)
Day 6
Visit the weekly market and massive mud mosque of Djenne - a remarkable example of Sudanese architecture.
Lodging:Hotel Kanaga (B,L,D)
Day 7
Commercial flight to the ancient city of Timbuktu. Visit to the library, the famous Sahara mosques and the old houses of the explorers. Evening drive into the desert to a Tuareg camp for warrior dance, camel displays, dinner and tuareg tea around the fire.
Lodging:Hotel Handrinakhan (B,L,D)
Day 8
Commercial flight to Bamako. Afternoon at leisure for shopping. International flight home. (B,L,D)
Cost
Core Trip Cost: $5,390 per person, double occupancy; $600 single supplement
Preparing For Your Adventure
At Bushtracks, we believe that being prepared for your adventure makes a world of difference in your ability to savor your travels.
Our experienced team knows just what kind of information you'll find most valuable in your final preparations for the exciting adventure ahead. We'll include much of this in your Expedition Planner and Preparation Package, sent to you before departure. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer any additional questions. So you can know before you go, you'll receive:
Detailed itinerary and typical day on safari. Learn what a "typical day" might look like, even though we all know each day holds a new adventure.
Etiquette and customs highlights. As a guest in any country it is best to be aware of local customs and expected behavior. You'll be privy to critical insights into tactful behavior and overall cultural sensitivities.
Health and insurance information. Bushtracks Expeditions automatically covers you with International Medical Evacuation Insurance and Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage. We'll also send you information on supplemental insurance and a listing of immunization requirements.
Travel tips. Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority. We'll help you determine food and water safety, how to avoid sun over-exposure, clothing and packing lists, tips for avoiding motion sickness, local currency exchange suggestions and much more.
Reading lists. To help you prepare for this expedition, we'll send you specially selected field guides and a comprehensive reading list.
Documents. Passport requirements and visa kits with full instructions.
Voucher wallet. Just before departure, you will receive an attractive voucher wallet holding all relevant air tickets and travel vouchers to submit to ground operators for prepaid flights, tours and accommodations.
Contact information. An extensive list of contact information so those at home can be informed on how to reach you.