MALI
Your mother did not lie….there is a Timbuktu
Day 01 BAMAKO
Arrive Bamako, where you will be met by your tour guide and escorted to your hotel for the night.
Hotel Salaam Dinner
Day 02 TIMBUKTU
Fly this morning to Timbuktu, the mere name conjures up thoughts of the ends of the earth. It was once a watering spot for caravans traveling across the Sahara. In the heart of the town is the 14th century mosque. Walking tour this morning and afternoon camel excursion into the desert where you have an opportunity to have tea and dance with the Touareg people.
Hotel Azali Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day 03 MOPTI / DJENNE
Board your flight to Mopti, with a very different feel. In the heart of the town is a Sudanese-style, mud brick mosque built in the 14th century. The historic waterfront is packed with brightly painted boats and people selling their goods.
Kanaga Hotel Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day 04 SANGHA / DOGON COUNTRY
Today’s first stop is Sangha, where a local guide will explain the significance of many of the sacred objects. Worth every bit of effort, is the three-hour drive that takes you to the heart of the Dogon Country. Rich in cultural, it is famous for its unique architecture, granaries and fetish houses. Dinner and overnight.
Hotel Cheval Blanc Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day 05 DOGON COUNTRY / MOPTI
The Dogan area is truly unusual. Buildings are constructed in pairs on the mountainside with two basic structures: the plateau type built on flat rock out crops; and the spectacular escarpment type, erected on the side of the cliff. The houses are made of mud-brick and rock. Some have elaborately carved doors less than a meter high. On the drive back to Mopti, stop to see the ancient rock paintings.
Kanaga Hotel Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day 06 DJENNE / SEGOU
A day’s exploration to Djenne, the oldest city in West Africa. This town dates back to the Middle Ages, is known for its mosque, the large mud structure in the world. In the afternoon drive to Segou and check into your hotel.
Hotel L’Auberge Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day 07 SEGOU / BAMAKO
Segou is situated along the Niger River, which was once the capital of the Moslem Empire. It is now the main city of the Bambara tribe and is known for the mud-cloth that is made in the area. Nearby are the remains of Mbella, the ancient Bambara capital. Arrive Bamako in the evening.
Hotel Salaam Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day 08 BAMAKO - DEPARTURE
After breakfast, a half-day orientation tour of Bamako. Afternoon is on your own to shop at the Grand Marche. Great bargains can be found in masks, rugs, pottery and jewelry. Don’t miss the excellent National Museum. Departure this evening for home or continue on your West Africa journey.
