Cultural West Africa - Mali and Burkina Faso

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Highlights

• Features Dogon Dance of the Masks
• Camel safari
• Travel by pinasse down the Niger River
• Timbuktu
• Djennne Mud Mosque
• 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Meet tribal people of Burkina Faso
• Visit the capital city of Ouagadougou
• Discover the “Painted Houses” of Burkina Faso

Fact File

• 22 land days
• Maximum 16 travelers
• Start and finish in Bamako, Mali
• All meals included
• Activity Level: 2
 

Travel to the heart of Africa, the fabled Timbuktu; meet the descendants of an ancient culture, the Lobi people; encounter old world traditions on a Niger River adventure; experience Tuareg culture. West Africa is a gem for those eager to explore tribal cultures!

In Djenne, one of the oldest towns in Africa, visit the famous Mud Mosque, a madrassa (school) and a women’s co-operative. In Dogon country, travel to the Bandiagara Escarpment and take in the cliff-side dwellings of these resilient people. Here, we attend the amazing Dance of the Masks: a swirl of rich colors, drums and energetic dancers performed by a secret society of the Dogon.

A river safari on a traditional river boat (pinasse) on the Niger River takes us on a dreamy passage through an Africa unchanged for centuries. En route, we visit villages and keep our eyes open for the occasional hippo along our path. We visit Timbuktu, an important destination for camel caravans of the Middle Ages.

We visit Burkina Faso, one of the least visited, yet culturally rich countries in West Africa — there are over 60 ethnic groups in this country of only 10 million people. Many of the tribal traditions remain intact, making Burkina Faso a premier destination for those in search of ancient cultures. Discover the richly-decorated mud-brick living compounds that have earned the moniker the painted houses.

With distinct tribes such as the Bobo and the Senoufo, you are in for the cultural ride of your life. Join us for an in depth look at the cultural riches of West Africa.

Further Reading

Mail & Burkina Faso with ElderTreks

 

Itinerary - detailed itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Mali
Day 2 Bamako City sightseeing
Day 3 To Segou
Day 4 Djenne Mud Mosque, to Mopti
Day 5 Mopti, to Dogon Villages
Day 6 Dogon Country — a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 7 Begin Safari on the Niger River
Day 8 Niger River Safari
Day 9 Arrive in Timbuktu
Day 10 Timbuktu — Grand Mosque
Day 11 Drive through the Sahel to Mopti
Day 12 Mopti, to Telli, Bankass, Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso
Day 13 Ouahigouya, Ouagadougou
Day 14 Ouagadougou, Tiebele
Day 15 Tiebele, Nazinga Park
Day 16 Nazinga Park, Ougadougou
Day 17 Ougadougou
Day 18 Ouagadougou, Gaoua
Day 19 Gaoua, Helo, Bobo-Dioulasso, Tin
Day 20 Tin, to Sikasso, Mali via Kontambougou
Day 21 Sikasso, to Bamako
Day 22 Depart Bamako

Accommodations

Comfortable hotels with private washrooms, 4 nights camping with limited facilities.

1-800-741-7956 North America  •  0808-234-1714 United Kingdom  •  416-588-5000 Worldwide
 
 

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