Travelling on the river, in the open air, is much less tiring than travelling on land! When jet skiing, you can stop, go slower or faster whenever you want to. The models of jet ski we use are real little boats! Unsinkable, these family models are spacious and comfortable. Although designed to accommodate three people, we limit the number of passengers to two for your comfort. You can take turns driving. Thanks to jet skis, the trip becomes both a dynamic and revitalising experience, procuring a sensation of speed, gliding, but also calm and reassurance.

Gone are the days of alligators and other wild beasts! There are no animals dangerous to man in the Niger. Children swim in it with joy and women wash their clothes in it along the banks. The Niger is a wonderfully pleasant living space. Very wide in places (several hundreds of metres), it's like a real inland sea with its fine sandy beaches and its ports, where people can peacefully fish and swim. The water is calm, the surface smooth for difficulty-free navigating. Participants are equipped with lifejackets and benefit from the assistance of the Riverside team who accompanies them throughout their journey.

River trekking is something the whole family can enjoy. Children can travel by boat or by jet ski with an adult. Jet skis are so simple to use, even a child of 12 can drive one! All participants are equipped with lifejackets. Just make sure your children are given suitable sun protection, including hats and sunscreen. However, this trip is really only enriching for children of 7 or over, when they seek to learn and understand the world around them, either in school or through your education. Riverside offers a 20% reduction applicable on the price of the trip for children under 12.

Our fleet is composed of jet skis and boats. Whatever your age, you can choose either option, in line with your personal tastes. As for any trip abroad in exotic conditions, it is important to be in good physical condition and in good health.

You wear your swimsuit and lightweight and long-sleeved clothes to protect you from the sun. You wear footwear that can be worn in water that will protect you on the banks or in the boats. Before arriving in the villages, we change into clothing that observes the local rules of propriety.

The landscapes you'll pass through and the experiences you'll have are so extraordinary that you should always have your camera handy! Jet skis are equipped with airtight safes. You'll take your personal effects with you including photo and video camera. The boats are large and stable, so you can take photos whenever you get the urge!

Because it's a magnificent country! Doubtless one of the most beautiful Africa has to offer. Not spoiled by tourism, it is still wild. Its inhabitants are very welcoming and friendly. Malians have succeeded in preserving intact their culture and their traditions. It is one of the most politically stable of all black African countries. Largely inspired by the French Constitution, the Malian constitution is based on two key policies: the guarantee of rights and freedom, the separation and diversification of powers in view of preserving a legal status.

There is no best season for travelling to Mali. Landscapes vary markedly according to the season. In the dry period (from November to June), country is clothed in ochre and yellow, the river is low, the beaches come into sight. Nights are chilly (until February) and daytime hot and sunny. During rainy season (from July to October), there sudden downpours that don't last very long. The colours are saturated, the earth red (laterite), the vegetation of an almost fluorescent green. The nights are hot but pleasant on the river and the sun almost veiled, which is relatively pleasant in Africa! Jet skis are only used for the trip when the Niger is sufficiently high for navigating, from February to July.

Because the intrinsic quality of your holiday is our priority. Our requirements in terms of accommodation, food, safety, timing and transport are so stringent that you will be surprised by the means implemented to ensure your comfort on African soil. We use sophisticated equipment for our bivouacs and encampments, and top-range vehicles for your travel needs. Our fleet is made up of high-tech boats and jet skis. Riverside guides are recognised professionals, natives of the country. Our prices are based on the best quality/price ratio. They meet your requirements and our continuing concern to see the people involved correctly remunerated. Travelling with Riverside is synonymous with promoting a responsible and equitable tourism: we have entered into partnership and solidarity agreements with local populations.

Riverside offers a real catering service during stopovers. You'll thus eat solely quality dishes, prepared by our Malian chefs: food with an exotic edge that respects your digestive balance. Mineral water will be served with each meal. A few simple rules of hygiene prevent "Montezuma's revenge", as it is often called: washing hands regularly and above all before eating. Drinking only boiled or bottled water. Avoiding fresh fruit juice and ice cubes (with local water) in public places. Only eat fruit you peel yourself and vegetables.

You benefit from the assistance of the Riverside team throughout your trip. Taking out medical and repatriation insurance (when purchasing your ticket or trip) is obligatory. Most travel agencies propose complementary insurance for any eventual medical care, repatriation, lost luggage, departure cancellation... If you pay for your trip by credit card, you'll also benefit from complementary insurance. Ask your banking institution and verify the insurance conditions before your departure.

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