timbuktu tour; mali; burkino faso trip; dogon

Dogon mask dance in Mali

The Dogons are highly artistic, creating elaborate carved wooden masks for their lively dance-dramas. A 4-day trek among fantastic Dogon cliff villages is one of the highlights of our journey in Mali.

Photo by Paul Amstutz

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Timbuktu, Dogon Country and Beyond

Unparalleled Cultural Adventure in West Africa

For even the most seasoned traveler, Mali is a cultural and scenic bolt from the blue. It’s one of the most photogenic places in Africa, where the mighty Niger River courses gloriously through savanna and desert. Along the river’s route are ancient Saharan caravan hubs like the atmospheric medieval port of Djenné and the desert gold-trading outpost of Timbuktu, two fascinating towns that retain their fabled pasts with immense charm. Mali’s kaleidoscope of ethnicities is one of its wonders, from Tuareg nomads to turbanned Fulani traders, Bozo fishing tribes, and the fascinating Dogon people, keepers of an animist civilization celebrated in spirited mask dances and music that we have the privilege to witness. On this true adventure, our special small group size—maximum 12—allows for extraordinary cultural interaction. At journey’s end, we offer an extension into neighboring Burkina Faso to see the unique villages of the Lobi and Gourounsi people.

Highlights

  • Discover an extraordinary West African heritage of art, architecture, and music
  • Encounter a variety of ethnic peoples, from the Dogons to the Tuaregs and Fulani
  • Private river expedition on the Niger
  • Cultural immersion in the fascinating world of the Dogon, including a breathtaking mask dance

Details

  • 15-day trip begins and ends in Bamako, Mali
  • 9 nights first-class and best-available hotels, 5 nights basic camping
  • All meals included
  • Dogon country hikes (4-6 hours a day) over some steep terrain, rugged road and river travel

Tour Costs

$6295 (7-12 members)
$6595 (4-6 members)

Single supplement: $995
Internal air: $425 (subject to change)

Burkina Faso Extension from: $4495

Prices are for Winter 2010 / 2011

Departures & Leaders

Nov 12-26, 2010  Apene Douyon
Dec 10-24, 2010  Apene Douyon
Jan 7-21, 2011  Apene Douyon

*Winter 2010 / 2011 departures are 15 days, call for details.

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Itinerary at a Glance
Timbuktu, Dogon Country and Beyond route-map

Days 1-3
Bamako, Mali / Segou

In Bamako, Mali’s capital, our explorations include the national museum, home to some masterpieces of West African art. A scenic drive along the Niger River brings us to the beautiful riverside town of Segou, a former French colonial outpost.

Days 4-6
Niger River Expedition / Djenné

We journey down the Niger River aboard a private pinasse (motorized local-style open boat), with our own cook and camp crew. En route we visit remote fishing villages, observe life along the river, and camp on riverside dunes. We disembark in Mopti on Day 6, and drive to the ancient riverside town of Djenné.

Day 7
Djenné / Mopti

The centerpiece of the medieval market town of Djenné on the Niger River is a magnificent “sand castle” mosque of adobe. We view this masterwork and roam the serpentine streets to appreciate Djenné’s fantastic Sudanic-style architecture, then return to Mopti.

Days 8-11
Dogon Country

The ancient villages of the Dogon people are hidden in the folds of a craggy escarpment. From our camp, we hike to villages of splendid traditional architecture, meet esteemed clan elders, and witness a dama dance, an energetic tribute to the Dogon ancestors.

Day 12
Mopti

Returning to Mopti, the lively river port built on three islands at the confluence of the Niger and Bani rivers, we can explore, people watch, or shop for hand-woven Sahelian blankets. Along the riverbanks near the harbor is a fascinating market.

Days 13-15
Timbuktu

We fly to Timbuktu, desert city of legend and home of the indigo-robed Tuaregs, a nomadic people of Berber descent. Heading out this afternoon to a Tuareg settlement outside Timbuktu, we enjoy a camel ride, the singing of Tuareg women, and dinner under the starry Sahara sky. Depart Timbuktu on Day 15.

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to extend your adventure, we offer the following option: