Day 1, Jan 1, Friday: Arrive in Bamako International flight arrives in Bamako. You will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel. Hotel Wassulu or similar.
Day 2, Jan 2, Saturday: Bamako
Today you will explore this capital city of Bamako situated on the Niger, one of Africa's great rivers. Mali is a country of many tribal peoples, each with your own exuberant styles of clothing and jewelry. There is nowhere better to see this colorful diversity than in the streets and markets of Bamako. Bamako has a large art and craft centre where sculptors, weavers, leather workers, jewelers and metal workers exhibit their wares and skills. You will visit the Grand Marché, or 'Great Market', where you can spend hours exploring the hundreds of stalls. From carvings and cassettes, to fabrics, beads, brass and gold, the variety of goods is staggering. One area of the market is devoted entirely to traditional African medicines. Here you'll find the freshly shrunken heads of birds, monkeys and crocodiles, along with lizard skins and other gruesome treatments. Accommodation at Hotel Wassulu or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 3,Jan 3, Sunday: Bamako to Mopti: Breakfast, then drive to Mopti. Hotel in Mopti. Includes: (B)
Day 4, Jan 4, Monday: Dogon Country
Drive to Dogon Country, considered one of the most extraordinary places on earth. Built up high on the narrow ledges of the cliffs are the villages of the Dogon people. In the 11th century, the Dogons fled the advancing Arabs coming from the north, and found shelter in one of West Africa's most inhospitable areas. This is such a unique place that the United Nations has declared it a World Heritage site. Visit the village of Songo, renowned for its rock paintings and circumcision grotto Overnight at Hotel Guina or similar. Accommodation at Hotel Guina. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5, January 5, Tuesday: Dogon Country
Continue tour of Dogon Village. The Dogons are animists, worshipping their ancestors and the spirits of nature. Having preserved their traditions down through the centuries, they are considered to be one of the most original civilizations of West Africa. Today’s sightseeing involves walking over rough ground to visit some of the villages, and fairly steep and rough paths have to be negotiated. Experience the authentic traditional Dogon Mask Dance. Early evening drive to Bandiagara for overnight. Accommodation at Cheval Blanc or similar. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6, January 6, Wednesday: Drive from Dogon country to Timbuktu. Accommodation at Hendrina Khan Hotel or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 7, January 7, Thursday: Wander the dusty streets of Timbuktu, admiring such magnificent mud-brick structures as the Djinguiraiber Mosque, the Mosque of Sankore, and the Palace of Bouctou. See the houses of the various 19th century European explorers who used Timbuktu as a base. Afternoon Drive to Essakane and enjoy 3 days of world music, dancing, camel races and other activities. Meals prepared by private chef. Accommodation in Private tents. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8, January 8, Friday: Festival in the Desert 2010. Includes: (B), (L), (D)
Day 9, January 9, Saturday: Festival in the Desert 2010. Includes: (B), (L), (D)
Day 10, January 10, Sunday: Drive Essakane to Mopti. Return to Mopti for overnight. Accommodation at Hotel Konaga Or similar. Includes (B).
Day 11, January 11, Monday: Dejenne/ Segou. Breakfast then drive to Dejenne for market. Afternoon drive to Segou. Overnight in Segou. Accomodation at Independence Hotel or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 12, January 12, Tuesday: Segou/Bamako. Breakfast, then morning tour Segou- second largest city and former colonial administrative center; admire the beautiful Sudanese-style colonial architecture, visit the port, the pottery market, traditional weavers and other artisans. Afternoon return to Bamako. Transportation to BKO for midnight flight departure Includes: (B).
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 8 nights of hotel accommodation (double occupancy) + breakfast
- 3 nights of Tuareg tents accommodation during the festival
- Ground transportation in an air condition 4WD vehicle to all listed sites
- Full board pension prepared on the festival site (3 breakfast, 3 lunch, and 3 dinner)
- Mineral water
- Camel ride on the festival dunes
- An experienced English – speaking guide
- Dogon mask dance.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Mali
Local Culture
Festival Tours
Cultural Journey
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