Timbuktu and the Sahara Desert

13-day Private Journey

Starts in Bamako on October 15, 2008

Visiting Bamako, Ségou, Djenne, Mopti, Timbuktu, the Sahara Desert,
Sangha, Dogon Territory and the Bandiagara Escarpment
including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Introduction

 

From Algeria to Zimbabwe, pyramids to safaris, cotton to mangos, jungles to deserts; Africa has so much to offer the traveller. Unique cultures, diverse religions, historic sites, local music, strange languages, unfamiliar surroundings and interesting people all make you feel more alive as you travel through this magnificent continent. Add good travelling companions and a photograph around every corner and you’ve created the trip of a lifetime.

 

You've probably had Timbuktu on your mind since you were in grade school. The thought may go away for awhile, but it always comes back. Is there such a place? What's it like? Where is it exactly? How do you get there? What would you do if you did go there? What else is there to see?

 

We'd love to answer all your questions during this unforgettable journey. We'll not only clear up the mystery, but you'll collect enough conversational ammunition for a decade of cocktail parties.

 

But make no mistake about it. One doesn't travel to Timbuktu just to see Timbuktu. One travels there for the "journey", not only the destination.

 

Come with us as part of our small group as we wander through ancient villages, exciting cities, busy markets, cultural sites, archaeological wonders and more, all in comfort and safety. We'll visit with local people and experience their lifestyles. We'll travel in desert-equipped 4x4s, on camels, in boats and on foot. We'll sample local foods. We'll share stories at happy hour. We'll watch the sun set over the sand dunes. We'll do hundreds of things you have never even thought of. And, oh yes, somewhere in the middle of it all, we'll get to Timbuktu.

 

During this journey one of our own staff will ride along with the group to offer advice, to smooth any bumps in the road and to make sure your experience is the best it can possibly be.

 

Let us share this incredible place with you this fall! Come in and talk to us or call us soon.

 

Journey Specifics

In response to requests from many of our well-travelled clients, we created this spectacular journey - and we're very excited to be heading back to Mali once again!

 

We will travel into the magnificent Sahara Desert and visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites...

• the ancient trading village of Timbuktu

• the old town of Djenne; and,

• the Cliffs of Bandiagara.

But this is not all that the exciting country of Mali has to offer us. We'll also visit the bustling capital of Bamako; the village of Sekoro, the former capital of the Bambara kingdom; the city of Ségou on the banks of the Niger River; the river port city of Mopti; the tribes of Bambara, Bobo, Bozo, Fulani and Songhay; the sands of the Sahara Desert; Dogon country where we visit Songho and Sangha villages, seeing circumcision grotto, rock paintings and Animist and Islamic settlements. We visit cliff villages, cave dwellings and a sanctuary of sacred crocodiles. We'll witness a Dogon mask dance and visit the Hogon, the spiritual leader of the Dogon.

 

This trip is truly a special journey and one that should not be missed by any intrepid traveller, but prior to booking this journey, prospective travellers should keep in mind that a trip to Mali is not for everyone. Please consider whether you have the flexibility necessary to undertake this journey. The infrastructure in Mali is poor and your expectations must be reasonable. Before booking this trip, be sure to read all items in our special Common Questions list and please call us to discuss your possible participation prior to sending in the Booking Form.

 

To see full details of this journey, please click on the links at the top of the page on the left.

 

For assistance or information on any items shown on our website or any other aspects of this trip, please call us. We can be reached at 613-789-1900 in Ottawa or Toll-free at 888-765-7662. Alternately, you can click here to send us e-mail.

 

If you have already made the decision to join us on this journey please complete the Booking Form and send it to us as soon as possible. You can access the Booking Form by clicking on the "how to book" link at the top of the page. Booking forms are processed in the order which they are received in our office.

 

Our Mali Private Journeys group size is limited to a maximum of 10 guests. First come, first served.

 

Please note that if you are unable to travel with us on the scheduled dates for any of our Private Journeys, we can create a departure just for you according to your own schedule. Please call for more information.