Day 1, Sat. 19 Dec: Arrival – Ouagadougou. You will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel Azalai Hotel Independence Ouagadougou or similar.
Day 2, Sun. 20 Dec: Ouagadougou
Today we shall explore Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's capital city. Visit the Grand Market and the National Museum with its interesting collection of regional clothing, masks, household utensils and ancestral statues. Visit the craft market at the Artisans' Centre, where we will find basketry, batik fabrics, wooden statues and masks, jewelry, leatherwork and bronze castings. Drive about 25 km on the road of Ziniaré to see the sculpture on granite site of Laongo. After visiting this wonderful place of Burkina Faso drive back to overnight in Ouagadougou. Azalai Hotel Independence Ouagadougou or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 3, Mon. 21 Dec: Ouagadougou – Tiébelé – Ouagadougou. Breakfast and drive to the village of Tiébelé, in the country of the Gourounsi tribe, where we will see the magnificent fortress-like houses and compounds, colorfully painted with traditional motifs. After visits, return to Ouagadougou for overnight. Azalai Hotel Independence Ouagadougou or similar. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 4, Tue. 22 Dec: Ouagadougou – Manega - Ouagadougou. Drive to visit Manega museum which is located at a distance almost 55 Km kilometers from Ouagadougou. There are various types of objects on display in this museum. These articles speak of the history of Burkina Faso and also help people to relive history. Guided tours of the museum help in exploring the Manega Museum. Drive back to overnight in Ouagadougou. Azalai Hotel Independence Ouagadougou or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 5, Wed. 23 Dec: Ouagadougou – Gaoua. Depart to Gaoua enjoying countryside of Burkina Faso, stop at points of interest. Arrive in Gaoua; spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Gaoua. Hotel Hala Gaoua. Includes: (B).
Day 6, Thu. 24 Dec: Gaoua – Banfora
This morning we shall visit the Poni Museum, dedicated to the Lobi culture, where we shall examples of the distinctive, fortress-like Lobi architecture. At Kampti, we shall visit the remains of an old French military camp with its church. If it is market day we shall visit Lobi village en route Gaoua. Visit the mysterious stone ruins of Loropeni, whose origins are unknown but the local Gan people call them the "House of Refusal". This village is also the site of a large and diverse market held every five days. This afternoon, continue to Banfora where you will overnight. Hotel Canne a Sucre Banfora. Includes: (B).
Day 7, Fri. 25 Dec: Banfora – Bobo-Dioulasso. Today visit Banfora: Lac Tengrela, the Karfiguela waterfalls and Dome of Fabebougou. After visits drive to overnight in Bobo-Dioulasso Hotel Auberge Bobo-Dioulasso. Includes: (B).
Day 8, Sat. 26 Dec: Bobo-Dioulasso
We shall explore Bobo Dioulasso, ("house of the Bobo merchants"), Burkina Faso's second largest city. See the old mosque and visit the old Kibidwe artisans' district, where we will see blacksmiths, potters, and dyers at work. This afternoon drive about 12 Km to visit Koumi, a typical Bobo village to admire the architecture of the old villages, see women making artisanal baskets. It is here that during the dry season the young Bobo boys are circumcised and initiated into manhood. Back to Bobo Dioulasso for overnight. Hotel Auberge Bobo-Dioulasso. Includes: (B).
Day 9, Sun. 27 Dec: Bobo-Dioulasso – Sikasso
Depart Burkina Faso and cross into Mali. Heading for Sikasso on its weekly market day, passing through the rich agricultural lands of southern Mali. Sikasso is considered to be Mali’s breadbasket. We shall see the remnants of the Tata, an ancient palisade that encircled the city which, for a time, held off the French colonial army. In the Mamelon, residence of the kings of Sikasso and the cultural centre Sénoufo tribal homeland we shall learn about this brave tribe and their strong heritage. Overnight in Sikasso. Hotel Maissa Sikasso. Includes: (B).
Day 10, Mon. 28 Dec: Sikasso – Ségou
Our morning drive will take us to visit the stone mosque of Missirikoro, home of the protector spirits of the Mandé people. Today is Ségou Market day, Upon arrival, visit the main market, we shall explore Ségou to admire the beautiful Sudanese-style colonial architecture, visit a number of centres to see women preparing local beer, the pottery market, traditional weavers and other artisans. Visit Sékoro village ‘the Old Ségou’, the former capital of the Bambara kingdom where you will see the tomb of King Biton Coulibaly. Hotel Auberge Ségou or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 11, Tue. 29 Dec: Ségou – Teriyabugu. After breakfast, depart Ségou for about 1 hour of drive to Teriya Bugu, "the hut of friendship," and the headquarters of the Association for Rural Development. The center is surrounded by thousands of eucalyptus plants, orchards, fisheries and a farm which supplies fresh food to its restaurant. Two beekeepers tend to 140 hives to produce honey. Rest of the day at leisure.Hotel Teriya in Teriya Bugu. Includes: (B).
Day 12, Wed. 30 Dec: Teriya Bugu
Breakfast, morning excursion to the small village of N’Goron for fishing accompanied with its inhabitants. Here, we will follow fishers exercising their job. Once back, the tour leader of Teriya Bugu will take us for a relaxing walk through mango trees and banana plants, watch birds, and see monkeys, camels, horses, crocodiles, peacocks and other wildlife in the on-site mini zoo. We will learn about the project history of Priest Bernard Verspieren and a Somono Fisher, Lamine Samaké and you will discover how this project is supporting hundreds of families. Hotel Teriya in Teriya. Includes: (B).
Day 13, Thu. 31 Dec: Teriyabugu – Dogon Country
After breakfast, drive to Mali's fascinating Dogon country and visit the Dogon village of Songho, renowned for its rock paintings and circumcision grotto. Continue to Sangha, comprised of 10 distinct Dogon villages - some of which are traditional animist while others have converted to Islam. We shall visit the women’s house and have a special visit with the Dogon spiritual leader, Le Hogon. This evening we shall stay in the relatively basic Campement Sangha Hotel Campement Sangha or similar. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 14, Fri. 1 Jan: Dogon Country. Following breakfast, we will descend the Bandiagara escarpment and visit the village of Banani where we will see ancient Tellem cave dwellings in the cliff face. Continue to the villages of Ireli and Amani, site of a sanctuary for crocodiles which are sacred to the Dogon people. You will bear witness to a traditional Dogon Mask Dance. We will drive to Bandiagara for overnight. Hotel La Falaise or similar. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 15, Sat. 2 Jan: Dogon Country. Breakfast, drive to explore the western part of Dogon country: Djiguibongo, Kani Cambolé, Tely and Endé see Tellem caves; visit the Dogon spiritual leader Le Hogon. After visit, drive to Bandiagara and stay overnight.
Day 16, Sun. 3 Jan: Dogon Country – Mopti. After a morning drive, we shall explore the city of Mopti, the Venice of Mali, nestled between the Niger and the Bani rivers. Highlights will include the fishing port, the beautiful mosque and the bustling and colourful market where many of Mali's cultural groups can be seen: Bambara, Bobo, Bozo, Dogon, Fulani, Tuareg and Songhay. Hotel Kanaga or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 17, Mon. 4 Jan: Mopti – Djenné – Mopti
This morning we travel to Mali's architectural jewel, Djenné. Founded in the fourth century it has scarcely changed since the Middle Ages and, as we stroll through the streets and the bazaar we will be transported back into medieval times. Today is the weekly market and Djenné is at its colourful best. A definite highlight is the magnificent Grand Mosque, the largest mud-brick architecture in the world and one of Unesco World Heritage Site. We shall also visit the local museum and have time to wander through the narrow streets of Djenné to admire this architectural gem. Late this afternoon we return to Mopti. Hotel Kanaga or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 18, Tue. 5 Jan: Mopti – Cruise to Kona – Mopti. Breakfast and board a traditional motorized boat for approx 7 hours cruise on the Niger River to Kona (55 Km). Visit on your way Kotaca a river bank village with its beautiful mosque and other villages, see fishermen exercising their job, etc, your lunch will be prepared (African cooking) and eaten in the boat. Overnight at your hotel in Mopti. Hotel Kanaga or similar. Includes: (B).
Day 19, Wed. 6 Jan: Mopti – Timbuktu. After breakfast, we shall drive to the legendary city of Timbuktu. Located at the Terminus of the great trans-Saharan caravan route, Timbuktu became fabulously wealthy in the 16th century. Loaded with blocks of salt and other trade goods, huge convoys of camels would spend weeks crossing the unforgiving Sahara to reach Timbuktu. Hotel La Palmeraie or similar.
Day 20, Thu. 7 Jan: Timbuktu – Essakane. This morning Wander the dusty streets of Timbuktu, admiring such magnificent mud-brick structures as the Djinguiraiber Mosque, the Mosque of Sankoré and Mosque of Sidi Yehia. Visit to the ethnological museum and Maison des Artisans. See the houses of the various 19th century European explorers who used Timbuktu as a base. This afternoon we shall travel approximately 2 hours to Essakane, the site of the Festival in the Desert. We shall have leisure time in the encampment before the evening music begins.
Day 21, Fri. 8 Jan: Essakane. Essakane festivities: music, dancing, sword-play, poetry, arts and crafts, camel races, and more! overnight camping in Essakane
Day 22, Sat. 9 Jan: Essakane. Essakane festivities continue: music, dancing, sword-play, poetry, arts and crafts, camel races, and more! overnight camping in Essakane
Day 23, Sun. 10 Jan Essakane – Timbuktu – Bamako/depart
Return to Timbuktu early in the morning for your domestic flight to Bamako where you will board your onward flight or extended tour begins. Day room to freshen up and relax. Or Time permitting, visit the National Museum, providing an excellent introduction to the ethnic diversity of the country, the city’s craft bazaar we shall see sculptors, weavers, leather workers, jewelers and metal workers exhibiting their wares and displaying their skills. 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. 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:
- Roundtrip airport to hotel transfers
- Accommodations in properties listed or similar
- Transportation in private vehicle
- Trained English-speaking tour guide
- Admissions to all sites
- Meals indicated by (B, L, D)
- Local flights within Africa.
Price Excludes:
- International flight to Africa
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Gratuities to driver and tour guide
- Meals not listed.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Burkina Faso
Mali
Local Culture
Festival Tours
Cultural Journey
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