Essekane

Tuareg musicians at Essekane
The site of Essekane is almost non-existant but the name has become internationally known for the festival that takes place nearby. Established in 1999 with the idea of recreating the traditional annual gathering of the Tuareg, the festival of Essekane has grown and put down roots including a permanent stage, and cell phone tower. This gathering of local and international musicians for three nights of exceptional music is combined with the chance to encounter Tuaregs in all their indigo splendour, ride camels, purchase crafts from local artisans all in a lovely setting of rolling white dunes.



Day 1: Arrive in Bamako

Welcome at the airport, installation in hotel “Chez Victore”. Night in Bamako at a hotel with A/C.

Day 2 Arrival in Timbuktu
Transfer to the airport. Arrive in legendary Timbuktu late morning. Installation in the hotel Sahara Passion. Guided visit of the town, its historic sites, homes of the first European explorers, museum, library of ancient manuscripts, Djingeré Ber and Sidi Yahya mosques, Sankore University, market, artisan house. Optional visits to other libraries and museums (additional fees between 1.5 and 4 euro)

Day 3: Departure for Essekane, festival site (70 km)

White dunes near Essekane
Leave for festival site 3 hrs trip, installation in the camp on the soft white dunes behind the festival grounds. The site is chosen especially for its distance to the camp which is conveniently close but far enough away to limit excessive noise for those who wish to sleep at night. Also these dunes are free of the obnoxious cramcram burrs so prevalent in the main festival grounds.




Day 4 Essekane
Free to visit the festival as desired. 10 a.m. organized camel ride (2 hrs).
Camels at the Festival in the Desert

Day 5 Essekane
Free to visit the festival as desired. 10 a.m. organized outing to the foot of nearby mount Farash (14 km apx., 3h return).

Day 6 Return to Timbuktu
Departure for Timbuktu. Return to Sahara Passion. Optional day on the river to see hippos (additional fee)

Day 7: Return to Bamako
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for return to Bamako. Visit Bamako museum, zoo, market, artisan centre. Night Chez Victore.

Day 8 Departure Day
Free day. Evening transfer to Senou Airport.

Possible Variations:
We can arrange the trip starting in Timbuktu leaving you free to find your own way to and from Timbuktu.

We can help you arrange other types of transport to and from the city such as pinnace on the river, and public or private ground transport.

You can incorporate the festival into a longer trip including visits to other parts of the country such as Ségou, Djenné, and Dogon Country.