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Travel philosophy | The "plus" of this tour | Itinerary | Travel conditions | Accommodation and meals | Insurance | Prices | Schedule | Information and reservation |
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Travel philosophy 
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 To experience the high points of Timbuktu, described as the meeting place between river (pirogue) and desert (camel) travellers, this trip combines the life of the river and the desert, a journey by water to the city of sand! On the road to Mecca, Timbuktu was the most important centre of Islamic culture during the Middle Ages. Listed by Unesco as world heritage of humanity, Timbuktu wielded great influence throughout several centuries in Africa and throughout the world: A centre of commercial exchanges between the north and south, the obligatory point of passage of desert caravans, the capital of the Sudan Empire, the city of learning and literature. Century after century, the prosperity of this city, in the middle of nowhere, built its legend. Its riches nourished the dreams of many colonial explorers and made the city the most coveted of Mali! To solve the mystery of this legendary city, a trip to Djenne, its twin, is a must. Built completely in banco, it is one of the most ancient of African cities (dating back 250 years BC). Djenne and Timbuktu share their mysteries as they do their cultural characteristics: both cities complete each other to such a degree that observers love to compare them to two sides of a coin! |
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The "plus" of this tour
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Itinerary
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Sunday | Arrival at Bamako Evening reception at Bamako international airport, transfer to the Sofitel L'AmitiČ hotel or River Lodge, on the banks of the Niger river. Information meeting and dinner. Monday | Bamako - Djenne En route for Djenne, the twin city of Timbuktu. We pass through numerous Savannah villages and enjoy lunch along then way, in the shade of the mango trees. We reach the Queen of the Delta at the end of the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay in an encampment of traditional Sudanese architecture. Tuesday | Djenne and its great mosque We set off down the streets of Djenne to discover its craftsmen and their know-how. We visit the Djenne mosque, on the list of Unesco world heritage: it is the world's largest mosque in banco! After lunch, we continue on our way to Mopti, the Malian Venice. Stroll along the port and aperitif while watching the changing colours of the setting sun. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel of exotic charm. Wednesday | Mopti on the Niger river We leave Mopti on board a pinasse (traditional pirogue) and sail down the Niger. Along the way, we discover the villages of the Bozo fishermen, Peul breeders and Bambara farmers. After a picnic on the sandy banks, we arrive in Guidio, a surprising village nestled at the foot of the cliff. Dinner and overnight stay at the encampment at entry to the majestic Lake Debo. Thursday | Lake Debo: the inland delta of the Niger We arrive at the heart of lake Debo, a veritable inland sea in Mali. A picnic lunch in the middle of the vastness: white dunes, the golden reflections of the sun and island villages... all working together to create a sparkling panorama of light. Meeting with the nomad shepherds and encampment on the banks of the Waki. Friday | Waki: sand dune Our third day on the river leads us, to the rhythm of the historical villages along the way, to Niafounke, the home of famous musician Aly Farka Toure. We sleep on the dunes where its authentic blues keeps us dreaming... Saturday | Timbuktu, imperial city What is the source of the mystery surrounding the village? A walk around the legendary city, in search of history and knowledge. Tour of the historical monuments and libraries, colourful markets and craftsmen. Meeting with a historian who enlightens us about Timbuktu Bilad al Soudan, its prestige and its glory. We'll be spending the night blue men-style, in the desert. After a camel ride, a spit-roasted lamb dinner with music and bivouac under traditional Tuareg tents. Sunday | Bamako, African capital We leave the desert behind us and head for Timbuktu airport for the Timbuktu-Bamako 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. |
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Travel conditions
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 This tour accommodates small groups (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. |
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Accommodation and meals
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 Riverside offers you high-quality accommodations. The rest-stops are organised in optimal conditions of comfort:
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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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8 days / 7 nights, full-board accommodation, outside of airline ticket 1760 € per personIndividual travel (single room and tent): +220 euros 20% discount for children -12 The price includes: Transport by jetski or boat, hotel accommodation or encampment (double room or tent), full board and mineral water during Riverside encampment meals and the assistance of a specialised team (multingual guide, personal chef), the visits mentioned and eventual admission fees, transfers and local air transport, tourist taxes and visitor tax. 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. Groups from 2 to 8 people. The price is the same and departures are ensured whatever the number of participants. |
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Schedule
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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. |
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Information and reservation
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contact@riverside-mali.com
Tel. +(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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