Timbuktu, Niger River, Dogon and Gourounsi Tribes, Mali to Burkina Faso
Timbuktu, Dogon Country & Beyond
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"This was one of the most exciting and emotion-producing trips we have taken. The itinerary was perfect." Richard Goldman, Seattle WA |
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For even the most seasoned traveler, Mali and Burkina Faso are a cultural and scenic bolt from the blue. Mali is one of the most photogenic countries in Africa, where the mighty Niger River courses through the desert past ancient Saharan caravan hubs like the atmospheric medieval port of Djenné and the gold-trading outpost of Timbuktu, two fascinating towns that retain their fabled past with immense charm. Burkina Faso has beautiful baobab-dotted savannas where Lobi and Gourounsi people live in artfully painted adobe "castles." Our small group allows for extraordinary cultural interactions as we encounter West Africa's ethnic kaleidoscope, from Tuareg nomads in the Sahara to the fascinating Dogon people, whose spirited mask dances we have the privilege to witness.
Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist
Itinerary-in-Brief
Days 1-3
Ouagadougou / Tiebele / Gaoua
From Burkina Faso's capital, we head to Tiebele to visit the Gourounsis' round, labyrinthine compounds of beautifully painted adobe. Entering the hilly, green landscape of Lobi country, we visit Gaoua, with its traditional Lobi music cabarets.
Days 4-5
Bobo Dioulasso
We enjoy an introduction to the king of the Gan tribe en route to lively Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina's second city, a center for traditional West African music and a rich mixture of Burkina's ethnic groups.
Days 6-10
Djenné / Dogon Country
Medieval Djenné was once a magnificent center of trade and learning and today is famous for its surreal "sand castle" Grand Mosquée. From Djenné, we head out across rolling savannas to the ancient settlements of the Dogon. From our camp near Tireli, we hike to Dogon villages, meet clan elders, and witness a dama, an energetic homage to the Dogon ancestors.
Days 11-14
Mopti / Niger River Expedition
We explore bustling Mopti, with its harbor crowded with colorful wooden fishing boats, then head out by private river boat with our cook and camp crew on the wide Niger River, visiting remote tribal villages and camping on riverside dunes.
Days 15-18
Timbuktu / Bamako
Timbuktu is a legendary desert outpost with a mystique all its own. We visit the beautiful 14th century Djinguereber mosque and head out by 4WD to visit a Tuareg settlement in the dunes of the Sahara. Fly to Bamako, Mali's small capital, and depart on Day 18.
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Departures & Leaders
1 November 23 - December 10, 2007
2 December 14 - 31, 2007
3 January 4 - 21, 2008
Route Map
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