Day 1
Arrival in Bamako
-
- Bamako Overview: Arrive in Bamako, Mali's capital city. Nestled on the banks of the Niger River, Bamako is a bustling hub of activity, known for its vibrant markets, lively music scene, and historical sites. After checking into your hotel, take a leisurely evening stroll to soak in the local atmosphere.
- Key Attractions: Visit the National Museum of Mali, which houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing Mali’s rich history and diverse cultures. End the day with a visit to the vibrant Marché Rose, a local market where you can find everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts.
- Meal: Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner.
Day 2
Bamako to Segou
-
- Journey to Segou: After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Segou, a town located on the banks of the Niger River. Known for its colonial architecture and vibrant arts scene, Segou offers a picturesque setting for exploring Mali's cultural heritage.
- Key Attractions: Explore the charming streets of Segou, visit the local pottery workshops, and take a boat ride on the Niger River to enjoy the tranquil surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Malian dinner accompanied by live music.
- Meal: Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner.
Day 3
Segou to Djenné
-
- Historic Djenné: Depart for Djenné, one of Mali’s most iconic cities, famous for its unique mud-brick architecture. Djenné is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Great Mosque of Djenné, the largest mud-brick building in the world.
- Key Attractions: Visit the Great Mosque and the bustling Monday Market, where traders from across the region gather to sell their goods. Learn about the city’s history and its significance as a center of Islamic learning and trade.
- Meal: Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner.
Day 4
Djenné to Mopti
-
- Travel to Mopti: After breakfast, travel to Mopti, often referred to as the "Venice of Mali" due to its network of waterways. Mopti is a vibrant port city located at the confluence of the Niger and Bani rivers.
- Key Attractions: Explore the lively port area, visit the Grand Mosque, and take a boat trip on the Niger River to see the traditional Bozo fishing villages. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the river, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Meal: Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner.
Day 5
Mopti to Timbuktu
-
- Mystical Timbuktu: Fly to the legendary city of Timbuktu, a name synonymous with remote and exotic locations. Timbuktu is an ancient city that was once a major center of trade and Islamic scholarship.
- Key Attractions: Visit the famous Sankore Mosque, one of Timbuktu's historic mosques and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the city's old manuscripts, which provide a glimpse into its scholarly past, and visit the Ahmed Baba Institute for a deeper understanding of Timbuktu’s rich history.
- Meal: Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner.
Day 6
Timbuktu to Gao
-
- Exploring Gao: Travel to Gao, another historically significant city located along the Niger River. Gao was the capital of the Songhai Empire and is known for its historical sites and rich cultural heritage.
- Key Attractions: Visit the Tomb of Askia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an impressive example of Sudano-Sahelian architecture. Explore the local markets and interact with the friendly inhabitants of this historic city.
- Meal: Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner.
Day 7
Gao to Bamako
-
- Return to Bamako: Fly back to Bamako for your final day in Mali. Spend the day visiting any remaining sights or shopping for souvenirs at the local markets.
- Key Attractions: Visit the Botanical Garden and the Zoo of Bamako, which offer a relaxing end to your tour. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional Malian cuisine and music before departing.