TrailFinders Personal Journeys

TIMBUKTU AND THE SAHARA DESERT - OCT 2008 TOUR CODE: TS108

INTRODUCTION
JOURNEY DESCRIPTION
FULL ITINERARY
COMMON QUESTIONS
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
OUR HOTELS
PRICES
HOW TO BOOK

JOURNEY DESCRIPTION

Timbuktu and the Sahara Desert

Stretching into the centre of the magnificent Sahara Desert, the country of Mali, formerly French Sudan, is a developing nation which remains one of the poorest countries in the world.

Yet it encompasses some of the most sought-after destinations in Africa including UNESCO World-Heritage sites - one of which - Timbuktu - attracts travellers the world-over.

Come with us in October 2008 as we explore this incredible country!

click for a large map

Brief Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1-2	Arrive in Bamako and spend some time exploring parts of this capital city including the museums, markets and the village of the local artisans.
Day 3	Travel in 4x4 vehicles through the former Bambara Kingdom to the sleepy village of Sekoro and the city of Ségou.
Day 4	Continue on to the unique town of Djenne, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home of the magnificent Grand Mosque, the world's largest mud structure. Here you'll discover a city where the people live essentially as they have for 2000 years - an opportunity for spectacular photographs!
Day 5	Continue on to Mopti, the Venice of Mali. Here we meet people from the Bambara, Bobo, Bozo, Dogon, Fulani and Songhay tribes and visit the mosque, the port and the bustling market.
Days 6-8	We make our way north to the ancient trading village of Timbuktu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend time exploring the town as well as the surrounding dunes of the Sahara Desert.
Days 9-10	We travel from Timbuktu into Dogon country - rock paintings, islamic and animist villages, the Bandiagara Escarpment - yet another UNESCO World Heritage site - cliff villages, cave dwellings, sacred crocodiles, a visit to Circumcision Grotto, Dogon mask dance and a visit to meet the Hogon, the leader of the Dogon.
Day 11	Return to Mopti. Free time to explore or relax around the pool. Evening boat ride on the Bani and Niger Rivers.
Day 12	Return to Ségou for an overnight stay on our way back to Bamako.
Day 13	Return to Bamako for final sightseeing, shopping or exploring prior to boarding your flight back to Canada.

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