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Travel philosophy | Accessibility | Itinerary | Equipment | Accommodation and meals | Insurance | Prices | Schedule | Special conditions | Information and reservation |
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Travel philosophy 
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 The Niger river shows you Mali as the first explorers discovered it, from the interior. You sail from bank to bank, to discover a multiplicity of cultures, a variety of flora, the beauty of the towns and villages. A genuine discovery circuit for an authentic experience off the beaten track. Leaving from Bamako, the capital of the country, you make your way to Timbuktu, passing through three other large towns: Ségou, Djenne and Mopti. But the trip is not limited to these mythical towns, meccas of African history. The journey takes you through isolated villages, past magnificent mosques, overlooked by classic tourism, landscapes that vary throughout and according to the season: lakes, fine sandy beaches, desert dunes, rice fields, dry land and savannas. The tour passes through a number of cultural areas offering you the opportunity of making contact with the main Malian ethnic groups: Bambara, Sarakollé, Bozo, Peul, Tuareg... People of complementary activities (farmers, fishermen, breeders, potters), villages of differing architecture (huts, permanent houses, adobes, etc.). Throughout the journey, you'll also discover the Dogon region. Three original stopovers will offer you another cultural and landscaped face of Mali in the space of one day of overland travel. Riverside contributes to the presentation of the Niger river as new tourist potential for Mali. The Malian Ministry of Tourism approves this project that exploits the potentials offered by the Niger, truly the lungs of the country. |
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Accessibility
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 Today, the jet ski is no longer the reserve of ski enthusiasts! It's a machine that combines comfort and safety. For two people, whether a couple, friends or with a child, it can be driven by beginners after a short introduction. The jet ski allows you to travel in groups, while giving you the impression of being the only master on board and a powerful personal experience. You can also choose to travel on our comfortable and fast motorboats. |
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Itinerary
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 Two tours alternate each week: you choose to sail up or down the river, to Bamako or Timbuktu. In both cases, you go from one discovery to another: landscapes change in a heartbeat and you never pass through the same place twice!
Bamako: your first stopover Large village or real African city? With a slowly gestating modernity, Bamako is the host city of international travellers. The Malian capital is spread discontinuously over the heights and in the valley of the Manding plateau, where the Djoliba (Niger river) flows. A cosmopolitan city, Bamako houses more than 1/10th of the population and brings together the various regional ethnic groups. This crossroads-city is an incredible cultural melting pot. It offers a dizzying choice of lively markets and colourful shops: street vendors, craftsmen, griots (wonderful musician-entertainers)... a myriad of sounds, unforgettable pleasure and gaiety! Far from the hectic pace of modern life, a residence, the River Lodge, awaits you on the banks of the river, in the gentle warmth of its microclimate... Be our special guest! Koulikoro - Ségou From Koulikoro port and harbour (60 Km from Bamako) where the jetskis leave en route to Ségou, the river Niger crosses through Bamana country (Bambara) in a valley of trees and deep ochre rocks. Nestled under the trees, lovely little villages appear, then millet fields, the high grass and mango gardens in all their splendour... At each port of call, farmers, fishermen or women artisans welcome you with a natural fervour of which only they hold the secret! Lunch enjoyed on the banks of the village, Niamina, is a privileged moment in time before arriving in Ségou, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Bambara. "Balazan, the city of trees, is a must for all travellers heading north. When bivouac time rolls around in Jakana, you'll enjoy the gentle evening air while admiring the pirogues filled with pottery that pass in the setting sun... Ségou - Djenné - Mopti From Ségou to Mopti, all the enchantment of beautiful villages far removed from the classic tourist routes and beaten tracks. The changing colours, landscapes and people are indeed astonishing. The Bozo and Somono fishermen, Bobo farmers, Bambara potters try to outdo each other with enthusiasm with each traveller the river brings... The rhythms of their music and traditional hospitality, which they succeeded in jealously protecting, create a family atmosphere at each village. But already the beauty of the legendary cities awaits you: Djenné and its magnificent mosque in cob, a UNESCO world heritage site, along with Takala, Koa et Sofara... And finally Mopti, the Venice of the Sudan, completely surrounded by water, comes into sight on the banks, like a shiny pearl. Savour the restful atmosphere of a charming hotel before exploring the hinterland and the famous Dogon plateau. Dogon country The south-east of Mopti stands the plateau de Bandiagara, the land of the Dogon people: a marvellous landscape around a cliff stretching several dozen kilometres, in certain places reaching 600 m high. Troglodyte villages in rock offer a sublime sight. All around, the African savannah stretches as far as the eye can see, a breathtaking horizon... a panorama of houses and cubic granaries, and burial places strewn above the habitats... A typical architecture that literally merges into the rock. Further down, giant baobab trees, fields of millet and terraces planted with onions and tobacco. All around, the African savannah as far as the eye can see, a breathtaking horizon! Here, it is thought that the world was created differently: there are 5 days in a week, original masks dance away from the eyes of the women, while the men gather together under the Toguna (case palabra) to decide on the future... perhaps the next great Dogon ritual (the Sigui) scheduled to take place in ... 2027! Dogon traditions are still living and veiled in mystery, well-guarded and preserved since the 13th century. This is a barrow pit steeped in magic and rites thousands of years old. Listed a world heritage site, Dogon country has never left its visitors indifferent! Mopti - Debo lake - Timbuktu Northbound from Mopti, a new decor takes centre stage leaving you in a total state of amazement. The river multiplies into several lakes and rivers, all meeting at majestic Lake Debo. This "water goddess", a real inland sea on the loop of the Niger, gives free rein to your imagination and spirit of navigation. The savannah is not there, it's still confined to the villages that appear for a long while as faraway islets, mirages on the smooth waters of the lake. Closer to the banks, the encampments in straw of the Bozo and Sokrode fishermen, the huts of the Peul farmers, and a few fortified villages that are given away by their high minarets reaching for the sky: the traditional architecture is simply splendid! Soon the sun setting alight the high dunes of Waki, the setting for our last bivouac before Timbuktu. The beaches appear, little by little, in full regalia, the sandy banks and clear water of what are veritable natural swimming pools... Soon, we can see the Sahara dunes of "Tuareg country", that rock the Niger, "our only true guide", that leads us to the river port of Koriomé. "Timbuktu the mysterious" awaits you! Under the great traditional tent, spit-roasted lamb and mint tea to the beat of the music of the blue men, that transport you from one world to quite another: from the majesty of the King river to the immensity of the desert. |
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Equipment
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 Our fleet is made up of state-of-the art technology vehicles, combining comfort, safety and environmental protection.
Our automobile fleet comprises vehicles adapted to tarred roads and tracks, all equipped for the bush: Land Rover 130, Land Rover 100, Toyota GX. Riverside also provides all equipment required for navigation and accommodation:
Supplies and technical supervision are ensured by land and water. Pinasses carry the lightweight, modulable equipment: beverages, meals, personal affairs of participants), etc. 4x4 vehicles anticipate the journey and link stopover points to organise lunches and bivouacs. Our tried and tested logistics ensures participants a high-quality holiday that combines adventure and rest, discovery and festive pleasure. |
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Accommodation and meals
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 Riverside offers accommodation and high quality catering. The rest stops are organised in optimal comfort conditions:
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Insurance
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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. |
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Prices
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Children's rates (- 12): 20% discount The price does not include: International air transport and airport taxes, insurance (costs of medical treatment and repatriation, lost luggage and cancellation), extras, drinks and mineral water in hotels and restaurants, extras and beverages outside of those served with meals at the Riverside encampment. |
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Schedule
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The Niger river is navigable 8 months of the year. Our holidays are organised in July, August, September, October, November, December and January. Inbound flights every Saturday evening and return flights leave Tuesday evenings. The trip starts on Sunday with an introduction. |
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Special conditions
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Groups do not exceed 15 people. Each approved 3-seater jetski carries no more than two people to ensure your optimum comfort. The number of people on board a boat is limited to 6 (5 passengers + the pilot). A deposit is required from each person responsible for jetskis on arrival. The deposit covers damages exceeding the excess and the return of complete equipment. The 1000-euro deposit will be returned to you at the end of the trip. A part or all of the deposit can be withheld in the event of damage to property. Participants holding a boating license can pilot following a trial and payment of a 3000-euro deposit. Participants must be in good health and good physical condition. |
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Information and reservations
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contact@riverside-mali.com
Tél. +(33) 01 42 39 88 74 |
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RIVER TREKKING - TOURS OFF THE BEATEN PATH - COMPANIES & INCENTIVES - MALI A LA CARTE |
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