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Malian Cultural Splendor

Bamako-Timbuktu-Bamako

8 days

Niger River Panorama at Bamako

Day 01: Bamako

Arrival via international flight to Bamako, capital city of Mali; transfer from airport to hotel with assistance of guide and driver; overnight in Bamako.

Day 02: Bamako-Timbuktu

After breakfast, transfer to airport for departure for Timbuktu; Arrival in Timbuktu mid morning and transfer to hotel. Spend a full day in legendary Timbuktu and see the houses of explorers (René Caillé, Mongo Park, and Gordon Laing), the Mosque Djingareiber built by the emperor Kankan Moussa upon his return from his famous trip to Mecca, the museum, city markets, the handicraft center, and the center «Ahmed Baba» which is home to 14th century manuscripts. Enjoy an afternoon camel back ride to a Tuareg campground on the sand dunes in the heart of the Sahara desert.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 03: Timbuktu-Mopti

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Mopti, known as the Venice of Mali because it is located between the Niger and the Bani rivers on three islands. Arrive in Mopti mid morning and transfer to hotel. Tour the Komoguel mosque and then experience life on the river by visiting to fishing villages, to witness the making of handmade traditional pirogues (fishing boats), browse through vibrant markets displaying pottery and other arts that showcase Mopti’s ethnic diversity. Life around the Niger River will be an unforgettable experience as you take a boat cruise in the afternoon to admire the aquatic life and the most amazing sunset.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (O/N)

Day 4: Mopti-Djenné-Mopti

Cross the Bani River by ferry after breakfast and arrive in Djénné; a city constructed almost entirely with mud and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The “Great Mosque", the biggest mud edifice in the world and UNESCO World Heritage. The ingenious use of local materials in the Sahelo - Sudanese style architecture will enchant you. The weekly Monday market is sure to amaze with its rich colorful displays and vibrant customers and vendors. Stop by the archeological site of Djénné Jeno to see remains of the city dating back to 200 B.C., which provides further insight into the origins of this world-renowned city.
Meals Included: Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (O/N)

Day 5 and 6: Mopti-Dogon country

Depart for Dogon country, stop at Songo, the village of underground caves to see magnificent rock paintings and visit the grotto of circumcision a place of great importance in Dogon culture. Visit the upper and lower Ogols. You may also visit the Hogon, the spiritual leader of the Dogon people and attend a traditional Dogon mask dance.
Meals Included: Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (O/N)

Day 7: Mopti -San - Ségou

Depart for Segou, former colonial capital and Mali’s second largest city. Stop in San to visit the mosque, mud cloth workshops, and the animist village of Térékoungo. Once in Ségou, visit the busy port, and bustling market along the river where the best pottery artisans, and weavers are to be found.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8: Ségou - Bamako - Departure

Arrive in Bamako around lunchtime. Visit the museum, handicraft center, local weavers, and the recycling market. Dinner and transfer to the airport. Tour ends!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner