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Mali - Festival of the Desert - Overland Trip

3 weeks: Accra to Bamako (KU-AFWA8)

This special festival tour begins its journey in Ghana. We explore the Kumasi markets, the Baobeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, and walk with the elephants in Mole National Park. Into Burkina Faso, we overnight at lively Ouagadougou, before continuing on to Mali, home to the Dogon people, and the Tuaregs. We trek into the heart of the Dogon Country and witness life on the mighty Niger River as we travel between Mopti and the fabled ancient trading town of Timbuktu. Here there is the chance to ride into the Sahara on a camel safari to overnight with the Tuareg people. Then it’s on to Essakane, a small oasis in the Sahara Desert, which becomes the stage every year for the colourful and vibrant Festival of the Desert. Artists from not only Mali’s eight regions, but also other Africa countries join together to present their art in what always proves to be an unforgettable experience. We spend three days at the festival, soaking up the atmosphere and taking in the beat of Mali. Next stop Djenné with its famous ancient mud mosque and busting Monday market, before our journey comes to an end in the bustling Malian capital of Bamako.

Tour Type: Small Group Tour

Countries Visited: Ghana - Burkina Faso - Mali

Age Guide: 18-55

Maximum Group Size: 12

Highlights

Ghana

Kumasi, Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary & Ecotourism Site, Mole National Park

Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou

Mali

Dogon Country Trek & Mask Dance, Mopti, Niger River Boat Trip, Ali Farka Toure\'s Village of Niafounke, Timbuktu Tour, Essakane - Festival of the Desert, Djenné Monday Market and Mud Mosque, Bamako

Kitty Notes

What is included?

Fully Escorted Tour - Kumuka Tour Leader and Driver, Local Guides

All Activities, Sightseeing + Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary

All Meals Whilst Camping

National Parks and Reserve Entrance Fees

All Tolls and Taxes

Festival of the Desert

Itineraries (Accra - Bamako)

Day 1

Depart Accra - To Kumasi. Explore West Africa's Largest Market

Day 2

Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary - Guided Tour

Day 3

Mole National Park - Game Walk

Day 4

Tamale

Day 5

Cross into Burkina Faso to Ouagadougou

Day 6

Cross into Mali - Bandiagara Escarpment, Bandiagara

Days 7-9

Dogon Country - Overnight Dogon Trek, Bandiagara

Day 10

To Mopti

Days 11-12

Niger River Boat Trip

Days 13-14

Timbuktu - Optional Overnight Camel Safari and Tuareg Homestay

Days 15-17

Essakane - Festival of the Desert

Day 18

To Douentza

Day 19

Djenné - Monday Market, Mud Mosque

Day 20

Drive to Bamako - Tour Ends on Arrival


Departures

Reference Departure Arrival Price GBP Kitty Notes
KU-29881 23 Dec 10 Accra 11 Jan 11 Bamako £2410 0

Last updated: 8th June 2009

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