Journey To Timbuktu
2 Weeks from $1500
Countries visited - Mali
Mali is without doubt the jewel of West Africa, home to a wide range of vibrant cultures, customs, music, historic empires and ancient civilisations. Our 15 Day adventure will allow you to experience the wonders of its historic towns and cities and the warm spirit of its fascinating and varied people. We trek into the remote and timeless Dogon areas and journey by private boat along the mighty Niger River to the enigmatic town of Timbuctoo.
15 days, including experienced guides and transfers.
Highlights included in the price
 | 3 day trek to Dogon villages along Bandiagara Escarpment |
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| 3 day boat journey on the Niger River to Timbuctoo |
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| Guided tours of Timbuktu, Mopti and Djenne |
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| Meet the local people and learn about their culture and lifestyles |
4 departures annually , during August October November December
Itinerary
Day 1: (Saturday) Arrival day in Bamako, transfer to our hotel.
Day 2: We travel via the towns of Segou & San to Sevare near Mopti.
Days 3 to 5: From Dourou we start our 3 day Dogon trek on the Bandiagara
escarpment, visiting Nombori, Tirelli, Ireli, Amani, Banani & Sangha, giving us
an insight into the intricate history and lifestyle of the Dogon people.
Day 6: We travel to Mopti and visit the markets and busy port area.
Days 7 to 9: Three-day boat journey along the Niger River to Timbuktu.
Day 10: Guided tour of Timbuktu followed by camel safari to a Tuareg camp in the
Sahara Desert.
Day 11: Return to Timbuktu, free afternoon.
Day 12: Return to Sevare by plane or 4 wheel drive vehicle.
Day 13: We travel to the historic town of Djenne, guided tour.
Day 14: We visit Segou, the ancient capital of the Bambara Empire.
Day 15: (Saturday) A short drive brings us to Bamako where our tour ends with a transfer to the airport.
Note: This remote region is not particularly geared up to tourism and to join this adventure requires a flexible type of traveller who will not be put out by delays or inconveniences that may occur en route.
Accommodation : 8 nights in hotels on a bed and breakfast basis, 6 nights
camping, 2 nights during the boat journey, 3 nights in Dogon villages and 1 with
the Tuareg on a full board basis. Meals not included.
Mode of Travel:Minibus, private boat, Land Rovers and walking.
Group Size: Min. 6, max. 14, plus crew.
Timbuktu
& Dogon Trails
16 days - from $1730
Mali, once West Africa's greatest merchant empire, conjures up a spirit of adventure, of tiny villages and encounters with tribal peoples. First we'll head to Djenne and marvel at the medieval mud mosque, then we'll make a 5-day foot safari into wild Dogon country, before boarding our native pinasse for a 3-day cruise on the Niger River. Finally arriving at the fabled oasis of Timbuktu.
12 departures planned
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Bamako. 2 Morning tour of Bamako; drive to Segou.
3 In Segou; drive to Djenne. 4 In Djenne; drive to Sangha. 5 to 8 Trekking in
Dogon Country. 9 Final day of trek; drive to Mopti. 10 & 11 Cruising to timbuktu
on the Niger River. 12 Arrive Timbuktu. 13 Exploring Timbuktu. 14 4WD across the
Sahel to Mopti. 15 Drive to Bamako. 16 End Bamako.
Accommodation & Meals: Hotels RO (1nt), BB (6nts); Campement BB (2nts);
Camping FB (6nts) plus 2 lunches.
Mode of Travel: Chartered bus/4WD vehicle(s)/Pinasse cruise (3 days)/On
foot in Dogon Country (5 days).
Comment: A unique adventure visiting one of Africa's traditional tribes.
Accommodation is basic. Walking in Dogon country is graded moderate (3-6 hours a
day) in hot, arid conditions. Our cruise provides the chance to unwind, relax
and enjoy the beautiful riverside scenery.
Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
Tour Staff & Support: Explore Leader, driver(s), some local guides, cook
and porters. Dogon guide and boat crew.