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Mali: The Road to Timbuktu
DISCOVERY TOUR 13 Days / 11 Nights from £2,195 Escorted Group or Private Journey · Sahara Desert & Timbuktu · Dogon Culture · Market & Mud Mosque of Djenne Across the centuries, European explorers were drawn to Mali by the vast riches of the desert city of Timbuktu. Today, with its rich ancient history, striking landscapes, colourful markets and beautiful artwork, the country is fascinating to explore. This journey takes in the key sites, including the mosque and markets of Djenne and the villages of the spectacular Dogon Escarpment.
Day 7 Timbuktu: Full day tour of the town, with visits to some of the oldest mosques in the world, including Djingareyber, Sankore and Sidi Yahia. Visit the Ahmed Baba Centre, home to many ancient manuscripts, and have tea in a Tuareg house. (B, L, D) Day 8 To Dogon Country: Drive to the Dogon Country. Stay 3 nights at the Cheval Blanc Hotel Hotel. (B, L, D) Day 9 Southern Dogon Country: Full day exploring the Dogon Country by 4 x 4 vehicle, starting with Songo, famous for its ancient rock paintings. Explore the villages of Djiguibombo, Kani Kombole, Teli and Ende. (B, L, D) Day 10 Northern Dogon Country: Full day exploring the Dogon Country by 4 x 4 vehicle or on foot. Visit the more northern areas of the escarpment, including the animist villages of Irelli, Tirelli and Banani, and see a traditional mask dance in Tirelli. (B, L, D) Day 11 To Segou: Drive to Segou and stay 1 night at L'Independence. Afternoon visit to Kalabougou to see the pottery market. (B, L, D) Day 12 To Bamako: Morning visit to the market in Segou. After lunch, drive to Bamako and visit the artisan markets. A room will be held at the Hotel Mande until this evening's departure for the airport. (B, L, D) Day 13 London: Fly to London, via Casablanca, with Royal Air Maroc. (N) * It is possible to upgrade to Air France. Please speak to an Africa specialist for the price. ** It is possible to upgrade to the Kempinski Hotel El Farouk for 2 nights at £150 pp twin sharing and £150 single supplement. Discovery Tour: Mali is one of the poorest nations in the world. Infrastructure is poorly developed and electricity and running water can be erratic. Visitors need to have an adventurous and flexible attitude towards timings and schedules in order to travel in this country. Hotels, while not always of western standards, are clean and comfortable. There are some long but rewarding drives in this itinerary. Private Journeys: In addition to the Escorted Group departures, this itinerary may be taken at any time as a Private Journey (subject to availability). The price for this option is shown on the price table. Please see page 8 for more information about Private Journeys.
Day 1 To Bamako: Fly from London to Bamako, via Casablanca, with Royal Air Maroc*. (N) Day 2 Bamako: Very early morning arrival and transfer to the Hotel Mande** for a 2night stay. Morning at leisure followed by a traditional Malian lunch at the Restaurant San Toro. Afternoon visit to a local art gallery, the National Museum and viewpoint. (B, L, D) Day 3 To Segou: Morning drive to Segou, the ancient capital of the Bambara Empire and a traditional city of the French colonial era. Stay overnight at L'Independence. Afternoon visits to the port, pottery market and workshops, where Bogolan cloth is made. (B, L, D) Day 4 To Mopti: Drive to Mopti, stopping en route for lunch at San. Afternoon river tour by traditional `pinasse', and visit Bozo and Pheul villages on the river banks. Stay at the Hotel Kanaga for 2 nights. (B, L, D) Day 5 Djenne: Full day tour of Djenne on the Niger River, where little has changed for centuries. Visit the colourful Monday market. There will be time to explore the old town, including the famous mud mosque, the world's largest mud brick building. Return to Mopti in the evening. (B, L, D) Day 6 To Timbuktu: Drive the long, but interesting journey to the desert city of Timbuktu, a remote outpost surrounded by the Sahara Desert. Transfer to the Colombe Hotel for 2 nights. (B, L, D)
Extensions Tour + Marrakech
16 Days / 14 Nights from £2,615 Day 13 To Casablanca: Morning arrival in Casablanca and connect with an onward flight to Marrakech. Transfer to Palais Sebban or similar for 3 nights. Your time is at leisure to explore this fascinating city. (N) Days 14-15 Marrakech: At leisure. (B) Day 16 To London: Early morning transfer to the airport. Fly to London, via Casablanca. (B)
Dogon village
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