Festival In The Desert (Overland), 11 Days

Day 1 Arrive Bamako

International flight arrives in Bamako. You will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight:(3-star hotel)

Meal(s) Included: No

Day 2 Bamako/Segou/San (410 Km)

This morning, we shall leave our hotel and begin the journey eastward to Segou, one of Mali’s largest cities and former colonial administrative center. We will have lunch in Segou followed by a city tour. We will walk through the tree-lined streets just back from the riverbank and stroll to the Quai Ousmane Djiri area. This afternoon we will continue to San for overnight.

Overnight:(Hotel)

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Day 3 San/Dogon

After breakfast we depart to Dogon Country, Mali’s standout highlight and homeland of the fascinating Dogon people and their unique houses and art forms. This afternoon we shall explore Dogon Country, another World Heritage site, which is considered one of the most extraordinary places on earth. Built up high on the narrow ledges of the cliffs are the villages of the Dogon people. In the 11th century, the Dogons fled the advancing Arabs coming from the north, and found shelter in one of West Africa's most inhospitable areas.

Overnight:(Hotel)

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 Dogon/Mopti (120 Km)

We shall spend the morning walking to the villages of Songo, Teli, and Ende. This afternoon travel to Mopti where you will see the fascinating mix of Malian cultures: Bambara. Bobo, Bozo, Dogon, Fulani, Tuareg, Songhaï and Hausa. We shall visit the beautiful mosque, the fishing port and the bustling Marche Souguni and Centre d’Artisanat des Femmes, where gold and silver jewelry, Tuareg Leatherwork and Fulani blankets are sold.

Overnight:(Hotel)

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 Mopti/Timbuktu/Essakane

After breakfast, we shall drive to the legendary city of Timbuktu. Located at the terminus of the great trans-Saharan caravan Route. We will refresh and relax before continuing to Essakane, the site of the festival in the Desert. We shall have leisure time in the encampment before the evening music begins.

(Tents)

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Essakane

After a musical evening, we shall have a leisurely Morning. In the afternoon, we shall enjoy camel rides, traditional songs and games and interact with the musicians and traders before enjoying the music festival finale, which lasts all night long.

(Tents)

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Essakane/Timbuktu (2 Hours)

This morning we travel back to Timbuktu where we will check into our hotel to freshen up, then visit this legendary city with a name synonymous with “a place unreachable” Visit the old mosques and former universities, the museum and archives of ancient Islamic manuscripts, the explorers' houses, the city market and the artisans' center.

Overnight:(Hotel)

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Day 8 Timbuktu/Mopti (392 Km)

After breakfast we will drive to Mopti, the Venice of Mali which is nestled between the Niger and the Bani rivers. This evening you will enjoy a sunset sail on the Niger River in a traditional pirogue.

Overnight:(Hotel)

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 Mopti/Djenne (131 Km)

This morning we will complete our tour of Mopti before driving to Djenne, Timbuktu's ancient sister-city on the Niger. See the magnificent Grand Mosque, the largest mud brick architecture in the world and one of UNESCO’S World Heritage sites, the museum, and a visit to artisan Pama Sinatou’s workshop.

Overnight:(Hotel)

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Day 10 Djenne/Bamako (567 Km)

Early breakfast, we depart for Bamako; arriving late afternoon. Time permitting we shall explore Bamako with a driving tour of several of Bamako's neighborhoods, stopping at Maison des Artisans and Mai Mali en route. The tour will conclude with a visit to Point G where we shall enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Overnight:(3 star Hotel)

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Day 11 Bamako/Depart

Day at leisure before your onward flight—or extended tour begins

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast