Who hasn't thought of traveling to Timbuktu, that mystical place that represents the ultimate destination for the true world-traveler? It is possible to go there, but we offer a trip that includes much more than just a trip to Timbuktu. Mali is one of the most fascinating countries in West Africa, if not the world. You will witness traditional ways of life that one normally gets to see only between the pages of National Geographic magazine. Mostly untouched by today's global problems, the people of the Dogon Country are welcoming and appreciative of your interest in visiting them. Our program includes tribal dances, river excursions, market visits, light hiking in the Dogon Country, the amazing Djenne Mosque and, of course, the opportunity to go all the way to Timbuktu.

Day 1 – USA/PARIS
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Paris. (AIR FRANCE & ROYAL AIR MAROC are the only carriers that can be used. You will need to book flights to Bamako.)

Day 2 – PARIS - BAMAKO
Upon arrival in Paris (if you are flying Air France), transfer to your flight to Bamako, arriving late evening in West Africa. Upon arrival in Bamako, you will be met and transferred to the Sofitel l'Amitié Hotel.

Day 3 – BAMAKO - SEGOU
Following breakfast, depart for a morning visit of Mali’s capital. Visit the Musée National d’Art Malien and the Grand Marché, Bamako’s busy central market. Following lunch, depart Bamako for the provincial capital town of Ségou. En route stop at a traditional farming village and take in the West African countryside. Overnight at the L'Auberge in Ségou. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 –- SEGOU - MOPTI
After breakfast, visit the morning market in Ségou before continuing overland to Mopti. En route pass the towns of Bla and San. Upon arrival in Mopti check in to the Hotel Kanaga. Following a late lunch at the hotel, depart for an afternoon walking excursion through the old residential quarter of the town. Overnight and dinner at the hotel.

Day 5 – MOPTI - DJENNE - MOPTI
Following an early breakfast, travel by 4x4 to the historic town of Djénné, one of the oldest city sites in sub-Saharan Africa. Cross the Bani River by local ferry and join the locals at the colorful Djénné market. Time at leisure to browse the teaming market before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, enjoy a view of the Grand Mosque and visit a Bogolon cloth workshop. Returning to Mopti in the early evening, relax at the hotel before dinner.

Day 6 – MOPTI
Following breakfast, depart on a river boat excursion along the Niger River. During this excursion we view the bustling port of Mopti, crowded with boats carrying produce from all over West Africa. Also view the market of the Saharan salt traders and several Bobo villages built on a series of mid-stream islands. Return to the Hotel Kanaga for lunch. Afternoon at leisure to relax or visit the local craft market. Overnight and dinner at the Hotel Kanaga..

Day 7 –MOPTI - SANGHA - DOGON COUNTRY
After breakfast, depart for the town of Bandiagara, gateway to the region of the Dogon. Visit the Dogon village of Songho, located at the foot of an impressive limestone mesa. In Songho you will see some of the best examples of Dogon mud architecture and the important site of the coming of age ritual for Dogon boys. Lunch is at a local restaurant in the main town of Bandiagara. Overnight at the Campement de Sangha.

Day 8 – DOGON COUNTRY
Following an early breakfast, travel overland to the Bandiagara Escarpment, heart of Dogon Country. Continue to the village of Sangha where we have lunch at the Guina Encampment before continuing on a walking tour down into the valley below. En route view the unique mud granaries, sacred fetish shrines and elder’s houses. Returning to the encampment, enjoy a refreshment and traditional Dogon dance performance .