Small Group Adventure Tours - G.A.P Adventures

Mali Desert Festival

14 days ex Bamako

Trip Code: DDDF

Bamako, Timbuktu, Sahara Desert, Djenne, Dogon Country, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso.

An exciting 14-day adventure in Mali! Enjoy the dancing, music, camel races and revelry at the Festival of the Desert, as well as the scenery, architecture and landscape of this fascinating country.

***Price does not include festival permit, this is to be paid locally at Festival entrance, approx 200EUR.

2008 Departures2009 Departures

Availability, Dates and Book Online Price (International Flights Not Included)
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Currency: USD
$2349

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Brief Itinerary | View Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Bamako
Arrive in Bamako any time.
Day 2 Bamako, Mopti (B)
This morning we will depart the capital city of Bamako to drive to Mopti, known as the Venice of Mali, for its location between the Bani and the Niger rivers. Overnight in Mopti.
Day 3 Timbuktu (B)
Today we journey accross desert landscape to the legendary Timbuktu. Located at the terminus of the great trans-Saharan caravan route, Timbuktu became fabulously wealthy in the 16th century. Wander the dusty streets of Timbuktu at your leisure, admiring such magnificent mud-brick structures as the Djinguiraiber Mosque, the Mosque of Sankore, and the Palace of Bouctou where you can take an optional visit to these fantastic places.
Day 4-6 Festival of the Desert (3B,3L,3D)
Drive to Essakane where we will immerse ourselves in this world famous desert festival, spending the next three days enjoying dancing, music, camel races and other activities. Camp under the stars in the Sahara.
Day 7 Mopti (B)
We journey back accross the Sahara, and south again to Mopti where you will have free time to relax and reflect on the amazing experience we just had. In Mopti there will be time to take an optional visit to the beautiful mosque, the fishing port and the bustling market, where you can shop for gold or silver jewelry, Tuareg leatherwork, or Fulani blankets of cotton or wool.
Day 8 Djenne (B)
After some more time to explore Mopti with a tour of the city to see the fascinating mix of Malian cultures: Bambara, Bobo, Bozo, Dogon, Fulani, Tuareg, Songhaï and Hausa, we make our way to Mali's architectural jewel, Djenne. Founded in the fourth century, Djenne has scarcely changed since the Middle Ages. The atmosphere in the streets transports us back to Medieval times. There will be free time to visit its colorful and bustling market.
Day 9 Dogon (B,D)
Today we will travel to the fascinating Dogon Country, where you will get a chance to experience some of Mali's most ancient traditions and ways of life.
Day 10 Dogon (B,L,D)
Visit Dogon villages along the Bandiagara escarpment and see many examples of the typical Dogon architecture and ancient Tellem cave dwellings situated on the cliff. We will have a chance to visit one of the 700 villages and truly understand what it's like to live in West Africa.
Day 11 Segou (B)
After breakfast we will travel to Segou, Mali's second largest city and former colonial administrative centre. Admire the beautiful Sudanese-style colonial architecture. Take an optional visit the port, the pottery market, traditional weavers and other artisans. We will visit a Sekoro village, former capital of the Bambara kingdom and see the tomb of King Biton Coulibaly.
Day 12 Sikasso (B)
Journey to Mali's green belt where we will stop at Sikasso. We will take a tour of Sikasso and visit the Mamelon (residence of the former kings of Sikasso), the Tata (remnants of a large palisade that encircled the city and for a time held off the French colonial army). We will visit the grotto of Misiri Koro, home of the protector spirits of the Mande people.
Day 13 Bamako (B)
Early in the morning we will end our journey by returning to Bamako where we will enjoy a city tour of the capital. Visit the city market, the antiquary and the artisans' village where you will see silversmiths, woodcarvers, weavers, and leather workers at work, before enjoying one last night together.
Day 14 Depart Bamako (B)
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