Discover Mali (15 Days)
Day 1
Arrival in
Bamako
Arrive in Bamako, site of the three crocodiles. Welcome at
the airport, installation in hotel, contact with the guide
and review of the programme. Dinner at the “Restaurant
Libanaise”. Night in Bamako at a hotel with A/C.
Breakfast at hotel before departure for Teriya Bugu which means “house of friendship,” in Bambara (41/2 hrs). This veritable oasis in the bush is located 28 km off the main road between Bla and San. An effort in sustainable and ecological tourism, Teriya Bugu contains not only a resort but hundreds of thousands of trees, a multitude of farming activities from gardening to bee and fish raising worked by families of the local community. Visit the museum, walk the arboretum and learn to recognize the numerous trees, see the many species of birds. Spend night in Teriya Bugu hotel, dine in their restaurant.
Optional activities (with additional fees): Guided tour of the site to see the micro-agriculture, and renewable energy projects, and the history of the location and its founder.
Evening visit of N’Goron, diner and show of “Bari” dancing or Bambara hunters dance (min. 6 pers)
Evening of dance by Ouassasso Bambaman masks (min. 8 pers.)
Day 3: Teriya Bugu -Djenné (240 km)
Day 4: Djenné - Mopti (130 km)
Breakfast in Djenné then head to Mopti 2hr drive. Visit the Venice of Mali, on the confluence of the Bani and Niger rivers, see boats being made, the market, the mosque, the mix of Bambara, Bozo, Dogon, Fulani, and other races in this bustling port town. Lunch and dinner at the restaurant “le Bozo”. Night in the “Hotel le Campement”
Day 5 Mopti- Sangha (Dogon Country) (120 km)
Day 6 Dogon Country continued
Day 7: Thursday Dogon Country continued
Continue south along the escarpment visiting Dogon villages. See traditional Mud cloth painting and other crafts. Night in Dogon village.
Day 8 Friday Dogon Country - Mopti (60 km) - River Trip for Timbuktu
Day 9 Saturday Niger River Trip Continued
On the Niger river admire the beautiful scenery, river birds and possibly see hippos. Observe Bozo fishermen at work. Stop and visit Bozo villages and camps of the nomadic Fulani herders on the way.
Day 10 Arrival in Timbuktu
Arrive in legendary Timbuktu in the evening. Installation in the hotel Sahara Passion, dine on a traditional mishoui (whole roast sheep stuffed with couscous) traditional dance to Tuareg music. Spend night in Timbuktu.
Day 11 Visit Timbuktu - Camel Trek to Tuareg Camp (5 km)
Breakfast at the hotel. Guided visit of the city and historic sites of Timbuktu, explorers’ homes, museum el Mansore Koray, library of ancient manuscripts, Djingere Ber and Sidi Yahya mosques, Sankore University, market, artisan centre. Lunch at the Poulet D’or. Optional visits to other libraries and museums (entry fees vary from $2-$4 €) Depart at 16h00 on camel back for a Tuareg camp 5 km from town, about an hours ride. Special Tuareg meal “toukasso” (steamed bread in a special sauce). Night in the desert camping under the stars.
Day 12 Timbuktu - Sévaré (540 km)
Breakfast in camp. Return at 9 a.m. to Timbuktu, showers and departure for Sévaré. Six hour drive. Lunch in Douenza (4 hrs, 190 km from Timbuktu). Evening free. Diner in Sévaré, Night in Sévaré at “le Pyramid”.
Depart for Ségou, 3 1/2 hour drive. Lunch in Ségou. Visit the city of Ségou, site for the former colonial rule, see the port, market, potters and weavers at work. Admire the giant balanza (baobab) trees. Spend night in Ségou, “l’Auberge”
Day 14 Ségou - Bamako (235 km)
Continue to Bamako, 3 hr. drive. Depart for Bamako after visiting some of the Bambara villages on the way and the old site of Ségou, capital of the Bambara kingdom. Arrival in Bamako in the evening. Dinner at restaurant de la gare or similar. Night in Bamako
Day 15 Bamako, Departure Day
Breakfast at hotel. Free day,visit of Bamako, museum, zoo, market, mosque, artisan centre, etc. Liberate the hotel rooms at 10 a.m. (a day room will be available for storing belongings) Evening Departure for Senou Airport.