RiverSide | Gourma | The mountains of Gourma

Travel philosophy

This journey off the beaten path combines the discovery of traditional cultures and all the splendour of the natural landscapes.

Gourma is located within the loop of the Niger river. This wild area of Mali is surrounded by Historical cities like Gao to the East, Timbuktu to the North, Mopti to the West and Dogon country to the South. This is a region boasting an intense ethnic and cultural blend, where Peul breeders mix with Songhoi farmers, Tuareg nomads and Maure shopkeepers.

Gourma offers a panorama of astounding beauty, the landscape, a vision of the Far West, a vastness stretching as far as the eye can see, within which standing proud like Sahel sentinels, Mali's highest mountains. Silent walks along the sand dunes, that catch fire as the sun sets, an intense moment of communion with nature. A few kilometres away, the last elephants of the desert wander freely, as they move from Mali to Burkina Faso.

The "plus" of this tour

	The most beautiful landscapes at the best time of day
	Close to wild elephants and domesticated crocodiles
	Pinasse rides on the Niger river

Itinerary

Sunday | Arrival at Bamako
Evening reception at Bamako international airport, transfer to the Sofitel L'AmitiÈ hotel or River Lodge, on the banks of the Niger river. Information meeting and dinner.

Monday | Bamako - Mopti: a historical route
En route for Mopti, the Venice of the Sudan. Crossing through the savannah and tours of the most typical Bambara villages. On the way, lunch under the shade of the mango trees. Arrival in Mopti in the afternoon, dinners and night in a hotel of exotic charm.

Tuesday | Borko - Douentza: a well-hidden oasis
En route to Gourma. Along the way, we visit Peul hamlets in the Kounary region, an area of traditional breeding. We reach the plateau where we discover Borko, an oasis of arid land. This funnel village is watered by 33 clear water sources that protect the sacred crocodiles! A picnic lunch in Roniers valley. Arrival in Douentza, dinner and night in the encampment.

Wednesday | Dalla - Boni - Hombori: Meeting with the masters of the land
We discover the mountains of Gourma offering remarkable sites for their panoramic view of Mali's highest summits. Visit of traditional courtesy of the Haire Kings in the villages of Dalla and Boni where we eat lunch. An afternoon excursion through the mountains to the villages of the Sonhoi farmers and transhumant nomads. End afternoon arrival at the foot of the Hand of Fatma. Dinner and overnight stay at the encampment set up under this splendid mountain of a thousand legends.

Thursday | Hombori: From the elephants' gateway to the heart of Gourma.
In the morning, we follow in the footsteps of the last elephants of Western Africa. They move freely from Mali to the Burkinabe border. We attempt to get some twenty or so metres closer to them! We reach Hombori in time for lunch. This ancient city was once the military garrison of the Songhoi Empire. Its labyrinth of lanes evokes a singular culture, steeped in magic and curious symbols. Its craftsmanship is rich in secular traditions: silver smithery, basketry, leather working. At the end of the day, we set out to savour the sight of the sun setting over the pink dunes facing Mount Hombori. We return to the village for a spit-roasted lamb dinner to the accompaniment of traditional music.

Friday | Cliff: Pygmies in Mali?
We travel the region discovering a new view of the mountains. On foot in the red villages, perched on the heights. Discovery of troglodyte dwellings of the first of the region's inhabitants. History of a vanished pygmy civilisation recounted over a picnic lunch. En route for the market in Hombori where we meet local craftsmen and discover their work. Dinner and special village menu, night at the encampment.

Saturday | The Niger River
We reach the banks of the river where we board a pinasse for a cruise (traditional dug-out canoe) that takes us to Mopti. We stop at a few riverside villages along the way before stopping off for lunch at the water's edge. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Sunday | Mopti-Bamako
Return to Bamako for an early afternoon flight. Rest in the Malian capital at the Sofitel hotel for "day use", free time...
At the end of the day, transfer to the international airport for an evening flight.

Travel conditions

This tour accommodates small groups of no more than 2 to 8 people. By car, you travel in a comfortable air-conditioned 4x4, systematically checked to ensure technical performance and cleanliness.

The pace of the journey depends on your interests and wishes. You can stop to take photos or buy a product, for example...

You team up with another 4x4 vehicle used for logistics: meals, technical assistance, transport of bivouac equipment, etc.

You travel with an experienced guide, a personal cook and drivers.

Accommodation and meals

Riverside offers accommodation and high quality catering. The rest stops are organised in optimal comfort conditions:

	We alternate your nights between hotels and encampments.
	The hotels we have selected are known for their quality and typical character.
	Our encampments are simply laid out, combining comfort and authenticity.
	We set a premium on the pleasure of good eating: meals and buffets are prepared on site by our Malian chef. Just because you're travelling doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself. We do everything possible to offer you high-quality cuisine, featuring a variety of dishes, healthy food, each and every day. Beverages and music are at your disposal for a festive atmosphere.

Insurance

Repatriation insurance, obligatory when purchasing your holiday, covers the organisation of any health-related treatment and care you may require, along with your eventual repatriation during the course of your holiday.

Prices

8 days / 7 nights, full-board accommodation, outside of airline ticket

1490 € per person

Individual travel (single room and tent): +220 euros
20% discount for children -12

The price includes: transport by air-conditioned 4x4, hotel and encampment accommodations (room or double tent), full board and mineral water during meals at the Riverside encampment, supervision and assistance of the specialised team (multilingual guide, private cook), visits mentioned and eventual entry fees, transfers and local air transport, tourist taxes and visitor tax.

The price does not include: international flights and airport taxes, insurance (medical, repatriation, lost baggage and cancellation costs), extras, drinks and mineral water in hotels and restaurants, extras and beverages additional to those served with meals at the Riverside encampment.

Groups from 2 to 8 people.
The price is the same and departures are ensured whatever the number of participants.

Schedule

Trips are organised during the months of July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March.

Departure from Paris every Sunday, return from Bamako the following Sunday.

Information and reservations

contact@riverside-mali.com

Tel. +(33) 01 42 39 88 74

RIVER TREKKING - TOURS OFF THE BEATEN PATH - COMPANIES & INCENTIVES - MALI A LA CARTE


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