Africa's Niger River, stretching more than 4200 km, only surpassed by the Nile, is Mali's primary supply route. All sorts of vessels constantly ply its waters, from salt-laden pinasse to huge barges towing fuel tanks. Fishing is a way of life for the Bozoo people. The mud on the banks of the Niger is the main housebuilding material, and it is also used to shape ceramic ware. Livestock drink its water and large ricefields spread along its banks. Mali, which literally means hippopotamus, depends on this river just as much as the animal that has provided its name.DAY 25: BAMAKO
Arrival in Bamako and hotel transfer.
DAY 26: BAMAKO/DJENNÉ
In the morning, we set off for DJENNÉ. Ringed by the Bani River, this ancient adobe city contains fine examples of “Sudanese architecture”. The mosque (World Heritage site) is spectacular.
DAY 27: DJENNÉ/DJIGUIBOMBO
Transfer by 4WD to Djiguibombo village, which means "where the lion lives", in Dogon Country.
Overnight in campament (accommodation on terraces equipped with sleeping mats and mosquito nets).
DAY 28: DJIGUIBOMBO/YABATALOU
We climb up the fault through a small gap in the rock wall. Walk through OGOSOGU, a beautiful animist village, and then descend to TELLI. After lunch, we visit ancient Dogon villages perched on the fault. We continue walking to ENDÉ and then on through the savannah to YABATALOU, our guide's home village.
DAY 29: YABATALOU/BEGNEMATO
We climb back up to the fault along a spectacular path. We cross the beautiful village of INDIELOU and from here on to BEGNEMATO.
DAY 30: BEGNEMATO/DOUROU
We cross small market gardens, watered by men armed with gourds, on our way to Konssogou village and then on to DOUROU. Visit to local marke.
DAY 31: DOUROU//NOMBORI
We continue walking along the fault, enjoying a stunning landscape of dunes that break into the savannah. Descend to NOMBORI. After lunch, we take a spectacular path to Idjelina village. Back to NOMBORI.
DAY 1: NOMBORI/MOPTI
4x4 trip to MOPTI.
DAY 2: MOPTI/SEGOU
Trip to SEGOU where we cross the Niger by pinasse to visit Kalabugu, a potters' village.
DAYS 3 a 6: SEGOU
Segou: SEGOU Festival SUR LE NIGER
DAY 7: SEGOU/BAMAKO
Transfer to Bamako.
Visit the National Museum.
Transfer to airport.
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