Timbuktu & The Dogons

15 Days - from $3220

The jewel in West Africa's crown: the Dogons, Timbuktu and the Niger River

Mali offers more highlights than any other country in West Africa. Its dramatic and varied landscape includes the Niger River, winding its way through the country, and the impressive Bandiagara Escarpment, home of the Dogon people. We spend two full days exploring villages by pinasse (local river boat), take an optional camel ride into the vast Sahara Desert and visit the colonial town of Segou. To crown it all, we visit Timbuktu, the home of the Tuareg; a city that has inspired so many travellers through the centuries.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Bamako. 2 Afternoon drive to French colonial town of Segou. 3 Visit Segou. 4 Drive to Djenne and visit colourful Monday Market. 5 View mud brick mosque (outside only); free time to explore Djenne, one of the oldest towns in West Africa. 6 Drive to Mopti; continue to Dogon country and visit Songho village. 7 Visit picturesque village of Teli with its rock paintings. 8 Visit traditional architecture in the beautiful village of Niongono; drive to Sevare. 9-10 Board our local river boat; two full days exploring Niger River. 11 Arrive Timbuktu. 12 Tour of this fabled town; optional camel safari into the Sahara. 13 Drive to Sevare. 14 Continue to Segou; more exploring. 15 Drive to Bamako; end Bamako.

Mode of travel: Travel is by minibus, well-equipped pinasse and 4WD vehicles.
Group size: Min. 6, max. 15, plus leader, local guides, pinasse crew and drivers.
Accommodation: 4 nights camping, 10 nights hotels.
Food: All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $472.50
Trip Reference: AYD
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.