Mali~
The Niger River & Timbuktu

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Lost Frontiers invites you to join us for an unforgettable visit along the mighty Niger River to legendary Timbuktu, two entities that have defined the history and economy of Mali and fascinated the western world for centuries. Greeks and Romans named the Niger, but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that its course was even charted. The river historically provided transport and trade from the south while caravans brought ivory, gold and slaves to the north. Out of this grew the fabulous Songhai Empire whose capital, Timbuktu, is situated on the Niger’s northern bank at the very edge of the Sahara. Timbuktu was once a great world center of learning and culture and explorers like Park, Caillies, Barth and Laing endured incredible hardship and even death to enter its forbidden walls. Remarkably little has changed by time, and today Mali remains a colorful land of exotic tribes, ancient cities, fascinating cultures and the Sahara.

Not far from the Niger is the cosmological world of the Dogon people who inhabit the isolated Bandiagara Cliffs to the east. These remarkable people migrated to this remote area in the 15th century building, fortress-like dwellings along the cliffs to escape Islamic invaders. They prevailed and have adhered to their ancient animistic beliefs while creating some of the finest art in Africa. We will also visit the river towns of Djenne and Mopti where many of Mali’s tribes come to barter and trade in a cacophony of sound and color unmatched. Lost Frontiers is now offering a limited number of travelers the opportunity to accompany us on this fabled journey.

Itinerary

Day 01
Arrive in the evening in Bamako, capital of Mali. Transfer to Hotel.

Day 02
Morning Bamako museum and town visit. Afternoon departure for the colonial town of Segou. Hotel.

Day 03
Travel to Dogon country via San, to fortified Dogon village. Camp.

Day 04
Visit fortified village and depart for Sanga and Dogon villages. Camp.

Day 05
Morning mountain hike to Dogon villages through Telem ruins. Visit to sacred village. Camp.

Day 06
Hike the Bandiagara cliffs to fetish village and later see Dogon masked dance. Sanga Encampement.

Day 07
Depart for Mopti with town and market visit. Hotel.

Days 08/09
Board ‘pinasse’ boats for Niger River trip to Timbuktu. Visit Bozo fishing villages, mosques, view riverine bird life. Camp.

Day 10
Arrive late in Timbuktu and walk the town. Hotel.

Day 11
Visit Timbuktu markets, historic library. Sunset and Tuareg dinner in dunes.

Day 12
Early flight for to Mopti with full day for town, market visit and shopping.

Day 13
Drive to ancient island town of Djenne for ‘market day’ and visit magnificent Grand Mosque. Return to Mopti. Hotel.

Day 14
Depart for colonial town of Segou. Hotel.

Day 15
Morning drive to Bamako followed by town and market visits. Evening transfer to airport for flight home.

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

Departures: Please call for departure dates

Please call us at 1.707.775.4344 for the latest prices