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Arrival in Bamako
Airport reception and transfer to hotel, Tamana Hotel or similar, for overnight stay.
Situated in Bamako, 6 km from Bamako National Museum, Hotel Tamana features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to take a domestic flight to Timbuktu, (1:45 minutes)
Arrival in Timbuktu.
Transfer to your Colombo hotel and overnight.
After an early breakfast, Visit the legendary city on the cultural and economic routes between the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Guinea, and a center for caravans crossing the desert. We will spend two days exploring the city and visiting each of its neighborhoods. We will visit the tombs of Muslim holy men, Sudanese-style mosques, and some Tuareg communities to learn about the life of this Saharan people.
Timbuktu – A UNESCO World Heritage site.
A mythical cultural and economic city between the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Guinea.
We will dedicate one day to explore this city and the whole day to visit each of the neighbourhoods of this decadent and fantastic city. We will visit the tombs of the Muslim holy men, the Sudanese style mosque and some Tuareg communities to learn more about the lifestyle of this Saharan people
Home of the prestigious Koranic Sankore University and other madrasas, Timbuktu was an intellectual and spiritual capital and a centre for the propagation of Islam throughout Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its three great mosques, Djingareyber, Sankore and Sidi Yahia, recall Timbuktu’s golden age. Although continuously restored, these monuments are today under threat from desertification.
Overnight at the Colombo Hotel.
Following breakfast, we visit the Saharan village and organize a traditional Tuareg dance.
In the afternoon, we will have tea with them after the visit.
Overnight at the Colombo Hotel.
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for a domestic flight from Timbuktu to Bamako (1 hour 45 minutes). Arrival in Bamako. Transfer to accommodation at Hotel Tamana or similar.
Breakfast and departure to Ségou.
Arrival in the capital Bambara, undoubtedly one of the most pleasant cities of Mali, with its tree-lined avenues, its colonial quarter, its Puerto fluvial and its neighbourhoods.
On the peaceful banks of the Niger River, 250 km from Bamako, lies the colonial town of Segou, with its beautiful tree-lined avenues and relaxed atmosphere, the heart of Bambara culture. The historic settlement of Segoukoro, the old Segou, remains preserved in its original ancestral appearance, 18 km away, while its shady administrative quarters, dating from the late 19th century, are an interesting blend of neo-Sudanese and colonial styles.
Clay has a very special significance in Segou and is used in many fields, from building construction and craftwork to the characteristic dyeing of textiles. It is in the Segou region that legend has it that the ancient technique of “bogolan” was born, the complex process of pigmenting cotton with clay ochre and macerated plants. Even today, these secrets, used in ancient times by the Bambara warrior and hunter caste, are still handed down by expert craftsmen, who make beautiful fabrics by hand, with their typical black and brown geometric patterns.
But Segou is also the home of puppets and masks. Among the theory of small ateliers and antique dealers, it is possible to find unique pieces of masks dating back to the Bambara tradition, or the characteristic “wooden fish” of the Bozo, a kind of brightly coloured aquatic puppet that was used during propitiatory ceremonies linked to the cyclical nature of fishing.
On the way we will be able to admire the huge baobabs, crossing a magnificent landscape and visiting some villages that we will find on the way.
Check-in at the Djoliba hotel.
In the afternoon, take a walk along the river to admire the sunset or visit the place where millet beer is brewed and feast with them.
Return to the hotel and overnight.
Breakfast. Departure to Mopti, on the way we will see the Fulani who live near Mopti.
The Fula, Fulani, or Fulɓe people are an ethnic group in Sahara, Sahel and West Africa. They are a semi-nomadic people, largely Muslim, who have a strong connection with Islam. The Fulani are the largest nomadic group in the world. The Fulani Maasina live mainly in the Maasina region, where their houses are usually round, with mud walls and thatched roofs.
Arrival in Mopti, check-in at the hotel, followed by an excursion to visit a fishing camp.
In the afternoon, we return to Mopti. We will visit the local market and the port.
We will also see the Mopti Mosque.
Overnight at Hotel Camp or similar.
Breakfast and departure for Djenné. We will cross a beautiful landscape and visit several villages along the way.
Arrival in Djenné and visit the tomb of the young maiden who was sacrificed for the city’s prosperity in the 12th century, the great mosque from 1906, and the cooperatives that produce traditional scarves—called Bogolan—painted with dyes obtained from tree bark.
We will stroll through the narrow streets and visit the Koranic schools where children learn verses from the Quran.
We will attempt our visit to Djenné, if it is open.
Djenné is one of the UNESCO world Heritage Sites.
Inhabited since 250 B.C., Djenné became a market centre and an important link in the trans-Saharan gold trade. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was one of the centres for the propagation of Islam. Its traditional houses, of which nearly 2,000 have survived, are built on hillocks as protection from the seasonal floods.
We will head to Ségou, the former colonial capital of Mali, both traditional and colonial. Overnight at the Djoliba Hotel or similar
Breakfast and departure to Siby, the capital of the Pays Mande.
Siby is a small town 50km south Bamako, popular for its strange rock formations, unspoiled villages and mango plantations.
This day we will discover the country of the Pays Mande, we will visit the Mandingo King and hike the sacred rocks that give rise to the region’s mythology. Meet with the shaman at the sacrificial cave, next to the Camaján Arch.
The Kamadjan Arch site is in Siby, Kati commune, located about fifty kilometers south-west of Bamako. This cultural landscape, which houses the cave of lions, the place of divination, the cave of sacrifices, the shelters under the rocks and the Telikourou site, served as a protective wall to the village of Siby. At the time of Soundiata Keita, meetings of troops, councils of war, demonstrations of knowledge took place there At sunset, we will witness an impressive traditional Mandinka masked dance.
The contemporary Malinké (Mandinka) are an agricultural people, cultivating such staples as millet and sorghum and tending small herds of cattle, kept primarily for trade, bride-price payments, and prestige. Houses are predominantly cylindrical, with thatched straw roofs, and are often grouped in substantial numbers and surrounded by a palisade. Descent, inheritance, and succession are patrilineal. Since about the 12th century they have mostly been Muslim.
Return to Bamako. Overnight at the Tamana Hotel or simila
After breakfast, we will depart for Banantoumou, a town located 130 km from Bamako. Due to the armed conflict affecting Dogon Country, part of the community has moved to Banantoumou, along with their sacred masks.
Upon arrival, we will visit the village, which offers an interesting blend of Dogon and Bambara culture. At sunset, we will witness the grand Dogon masked dance and return to Bamako.
Airport transfer and return home
End of the day, late evening, you will be taken to the airport for your return flight.
The tour ends at the airport for check-in and security formalities and to board the flight home.
END
Mali is a dangerous region for Westerners to visit because of fighting with Islamist rebels. They have been responsible for several kidnappings of foreigners; most of whom were killed after being held for months in remote desert camps. Travellers cannot expect to get consular services in the event of an emergency. Many governments recommend against all travel to Mali outside of Bamako.
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Group minimum 06
Rates:
Solo Traveller – on request
02 pax EUR2725 per person
03-06 pax EUR2150 per person
07-12 pax EUR1675 per person
Accommodation shared
Single supplement: EUR180
50% payment required on booking
Remaining payments can be done in 2 instalments with the final payment, 2 weeks before departure.
Cancellation fees apply – for further details see:
https://hodophileexperience.com/index.php/about-our-trips/
Will be sent with full itinerary when confirmed
Will be sent with full itinerary when confirmed
Click here to check the visa requirements
Mali is hot all year round, experiencing little variation in temperature, always averaging around 35ºC, especially the central and southern part.
The north, however, which is composed of the inhospitable desert that characterizes the Sahel region, experiences a higher contrast between winter and summer but in any case, it’s always hot and you can’t travel there nowadays.
With that, when planning your trip to Mali, the only thing to take into consideration is the rainy season, which typically runs from June to September.
Therefore, the best time to travel to Mali would be after the rainy season, from October to January. February-March is also tolerable, especially as it coincides with mango season.
The country’s climate ranges from tropical savannah (trees and grass, with tree density increasing as one travels south) in the south to arid desert in the north, with the Sahel in between.
Much of the country receives negligible rainfall; droughts are frequent.
Late May or early June (depending on how north one is) to mid or late October or early November is the rainy season. During this time, flooding of the Niger River is common, creating the Inner Niger Delta. After the rainy season is a cooler period when many plants are still green; this is from early November to around early February.
From mid-February until the rains start in May or June is the hot, dry, period, with daytime temperatures reaching maximum in March and April. This time of year, is hot and extremely parched.
Loose, long clothes in natural fabrics are recommended. A cover-up for the cooler months is advisable. Warm clothing for nights in the desert. Modest dress is advised, especially for women – upper legs and arms, shoulders and cleavage should be covered.
A headscarf can be useful as extra coverage, and is essential for visiting mosques, cemeteries or other sites that bear religious significance.
In Mali, they use the West African CFA Franc (XOF) and approximately:
1 USD = 610.30 CFA 1 EUR = 655,96 CFA
CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) Franc (XOF) = 100 centimes.
Notes are in denominations of XOF10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of XOF500, 200, 250, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5.
Mali is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de /’Quest (Bank of West African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.
Credit cards are very little used in Mali’s cash economy – and are only accepted at major banks, airports, hotels and restaurants. Visa is the main card accepted; MasterCard and American Express can sometimes be used.
Paying by credit card is rare but ATMs that accept foreign card are plentiful. Withdrawals from both BDN and Eco Bank are possible without any problem.
Travellers cheques can be exchanged In Bamako. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Euros.
Banking hours Mon-Fri 0800-1630, Sat 0800-1400.
Shopping hours Mon-Sat 0800-1800; some open Sun 0900-1700.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency, but amounts
exceeding XOF25,000 should be declared.
Currency exchange – It is possible to exchange Euros and US Dollars in Bamako.
Shopping in Mali
Traditional craft range from the striking masks of the Bambara, Dagon and Malinko peoples, to woodcarvings, original designs in ebony and bronze, woven cloth, and mats, gold and silver
jewellery and copperware. Excellent pottery is made in the Segou region, while Timbuktu is a good centre for iron and copper articles, including swords, daggers and traditional household utensils.
Buying local clothes
Both men and women dress up in colourful clothes. Usually, they buy the fabric in the market and then take it to a tailor afterwards. Both fabric shops and tailors abound. In Siby, you can pay less than 5€ – fabric + work – for a pretty neat t-shirt. This is a pretty cool thing you can do when traveling in Mali, and the locals will definitely appreciate it.
Bargaining is a common practice in Mali, even for locals, so always try to do so, especially when buying fruit, fabrics and souvenirs.
Tipping
A tip of 10-15% is normal.
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Recommended vaccinations include diphtheria, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, typhoid, and meningitis. Mosquito repellent creams and insecticides are available locally.
Vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe.
Medical facilities are very limited, although Bamako’s hospitals are recognised as being of good standard and emergency services in the city are available 24 hours. Health insurance (including adequate medical evacuation) is therefore essential. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health care services.
Water is sometimes unsafe – it is advised to drink bottled water and to avoid ice cubes. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
× UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Timbuktu & Djenná
× Dogon masks dance
× Mandike masks dance
× Mopti
× Bamako
× Sibi
× Ségou
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