- Duration: 10 Days (approx.)
- Location: Bamako
- Product code: groupmali
10-Day Mali Cultural Festival Expedition
***$1000 deposit required to secure your spot and balance to be paid via Bank Transfer or wire.
Join us on a 10-day cultural expedition through Mali, a journey that combines history, tradition, and adventure. This group tour takes you from the legendary city of Timbuktu to the vibrant Ogobagna Festival in Bamako, with visits to desert camps, artisan markets, and historic towns like Siby and Ségou. Experience Malian music, Dogon culture, river life on the Niger, and the traditions of the Tuareg people, all while traveling with professional guides and full security support. This is an unforgettable way to discover Mali’s culture, heritage, and landscapes with like-minded travelers.
December 27 – Arrival in Bamako
Arrival at Modibo Keita International Airport. Assistance with visa procedures and airport formalities. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest. Evening welcome dinner featuring traditional Malian cuisine and live music.
December 28 – Bamako to Timbuktu
Morning flight to Timbuktu. Meet with assigned military escort team. Afternoon: settle into your accommodation. Evening: traditional Tuareg dinner.
December 29 – Exploring Timbuktu
Morning: Visit Djinguereber Mosque, Sankoré University, and ancient manuscript libraries. Afternoon: Explore the Ethnological Museum and local markets. Evening: Traditional Tuareg music performance.
December 30 – Timbuktu Desert Excursion
Morning camel trek into the Sahara Desert. Visit a Tuareg camp to learn about nomadic life. Afternoon: return to Timbuktu for rest. Evening: Optional desert stargazing.
December 31 – Timbuktu to Bamako
Morning flight back to Bamako. Afternoon free for shopping or art galleries. Evening farewell dinner with cultural performances.
January 1 – Ogobagna Festival, Bamako (Day 1)
Attend the Ogobagna Festival celebrating Dogon culture with mask dances, music, and art. Afternoon visit to the National Museum of Mali. Evening festival performance.
January 2 – Ogobagna Festival, Bamako (Day 2)
Festival workshops and interactive sessions. Afternoon: artisan market and traditional Dogon cuisine. Evening: festival closing ceremony.
January 3 – Excursion to Siby
Morning drive to Siby, rich in Manding history. Visit the Arch of Kamandjan and nearby villages to learn about the Mali Empire. Afternoon return to Bamako.
January 4 – Bamako to Ségou
Morning departure for Ségou, city on the Niger River known for colonial architecture and arts. Visit artisan markets for bogolan (mud cloth) and pottery. Evening sunset boat ride on the Niger River.
January 5 – Departure from Bamako
Morning return to Bamako. Transfer to Modibo Keita International Airport for departure.
Inclusions
• 9 nights accommodations in hotels and guesthouses
• Daily breakfast and selected dinners in Timbuktu
• All ground transfers and domestic flights
• Professional local guides throughout the trip
• Festival access to Ogobagna events
• All listed excursions and cultural activities
• Security measures including military escort in Timbuktu
Not Included
• International flights
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Personal expenses and souvenirs
• Visa fees
“Very flexible and attentive to my specific itinerary requests and budgetary needs. Karen was great and Ogo was a total gem. Her knowledge, cheer, work ethic and sensitivity (when to let the group chill out vs. when to capture a teachable moment) was outstanding. He became a real friend to many in our group and they still remain in contact via email two years later.”
