ESSENTIALS
DATES February 12-23, 2009
FLY DATES
  Depart USA to Bamako via Paris Depart Bamako via Paris USA
February 2009 2/12 (arrive 2/13) 2/22 Bamako - Paris
2/23 Paris - USA
DEPOSIT A deposit of $750 per person is required at the time of registration.
FINAL PAYMENT Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure and is payable by personal check. Credit card charges for final payment are assessed a processing fee.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS A visa is required for American/Canadian passport holders. For current costs and to download forms, we recommend using Zierer Visa Service. To speak directly to ZVS Customer Service, call 866-788-1100 (toll-free in the U.S.). Please note that visas cannot be processed more than 90 days prior to departure and processing may take several weeks to complete. You may also apply directly with an Mali Consulate in your area. For information, google the Mali Consulate nearest you (e.g. Mali Consulate New York). You must have a valid passport that remains valid six months past your return to the U.S. You should also have a minimum of two empty passport pages.

SHOTS / HEALTH

 Yellow Fever required; Cholera & Anti-malarials recommended (resistance to chloriquine is confirmed.) If you cannot receive a Yellow Fever vaccine & wish to participate, please call us. It is recommended you have your reqular vaccinations up-to-date before traveling. For furhter information, visit the Center For Disease Control website.

INT'L AIRFARE

Air France and Royal Air Maroc are among airlines that can be used for this trip. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to try to use Frequent Flyer Miles for free tickets or upgrades or the American Express Platinum card 2-4-1 program.
MINIMUMS All departures are guaranteed on a minimum of 2* participants. A Coda Tour Manager accompanies the tour on a minimum of 10 participants. (* Some modifications to the inclusions in the program may be made if participation is fewer than 5 travelers.)
TOUR RATES - 9 hotel nights and 25 meals included
2009 Land Price Intra-tour Air Total Per Person
Double $4295 $400 $4695
Single $5095 $400 $5495
INCLUDED
Tour rates are per person in U.S. dollars. Most major credit cards are accepted for Tour Deposit. Final payment is payable by personal check. Final payment by credit card is assessed a processing fee.
Tour Rates include accommodations as listed in the itinerary, entertainment, special meals, air-conditioned motor coach, van or sedan transportation, sightseeing, luggage handling, admissions, expert English-speaking local guides and drivers. Mineral water on busses and at meals.
Arrival and departure transfers are included for those who purchase international air through Coda International Tours. Separate transfer costs will be charged to those who are not ticketed by Coda International Tours. Participants are required to provide Coda Tours with complete international flight details at least 2 weeks prior to the schedule tour departure date.
Most meals are included as indicated in the itinerary. The meal codes are: B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner; R=Cocktail Reception. Participants with specific dietary requirements must inform Coda Tours at least 2 weeks prior to departure. Every effort will be made to accommodate special dietary needs where possible. Most meals taken as a group are pre-ordered. Local cuisine is given preference over Western choices.
NOT INCLUDED
International airfare is not included. Coda Tour will be happy to assist with business, first or coach class airfares . If you are planning to use Frequent Flyer Miles for an upgrade or free ticket, we highly recommend booking your tour at least 7 months prior to departure.
Passport and visa expenses (if required). Please check our Travel Documents requirements for this trip. Always double check that your passport will remain valid for at least 6 months past your return to the U.S.and that you have sufficient empty pages in your passport to accommodate visa and entry/exit stamps. Always carry a copy of your passport packed separately from your travel documents and leave a copy with someone at home.
Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance which is highly recommended to protect your travel investment in the unlikelihood you would need to cancel or return home early. We recommend Travel Insured International and will send you an application form with confirmation of your trip. You may check the rates for insurance on their website at www.travelinsured.com. We also recommend insuring any expense for airline tickets issued prior to the determination if a tour is guaranteed to operate. We cannot assume responsibility for losses incurred due to the cancellation of a tour.
Gratuities to porters, waiters and hotel staff are included. Gratuities to local guides & drivers are not included.
Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees (if applicable) and other optional incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
EXTENSIONS
Please see our EXTENSION PAGE
AFTER YOU ARRIVE
WEARING Light cotton fabrics are best. T-shirts, khakis, shorts, jeans and similar casual wear will be best for daytime touring. Evening dress is also casual. Weather is warm during the day and cool n the evenings. A light jacket comes in handy.
WEATHER

The best time to visit is November-February, during the cool, dry season. Travel can be difficult during the rainy season (June-September), but the rivers are high and the scenery is lush. Beginning in October, the harmattan, an arid trade wind from the northeast, blows sand, grit and dry air across the country. The hottest time is March-June.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES AVERAGE RAINFALL
   
Bamako
 Timbuktu
High Feb
96
 91
Low Feb
68
 58
Inches Feb
0
 0
SPENDING

The official currency on this tour is:

  • CFA Franc BCEAO (CFA)
It is not necessary to exchange foreign currency before the tour begins. Your local guides can advise as to where you can obtain local currency. Travelers’ checks are becoming very out-dated and would be difficult to use.. Limited access to ATM machines may be available. Credit cards are also difficult to use.

To obtain the latest currency exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website www.oanda.com.
RECHARGING The electrical current in the hotels is 220V 50HzHz If you plan on bringing electrical devices with you, it is suggested that you bring an electrical converter with an adapter plug set. The following adapter plugs are used on this trip.

.
A PRETTY FACE

Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tour Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tour Director at the start of your tour.
 

#