Bamako, Segou and Djenne Hiking, Culture and Arts 8-Day Tour

Bamako, the capital and largest city of Mali, is known for its many notable institutions such as the University of Bamako, the National Museum of Mali, the Grand Mosque, and of course, its international airport. It is also estimated to be the fastest-growing city in Africa and the sixth-fastest in the world. 

Unbeknownst to many though, the capital and its surrounding lands are also a treasure trove of natural wonders just waiting to be explored. On this 8-day tour, discover the beauty of nature and the active artisan community of Bamako, Segou, and Djenne as you hike its top trails, cruise the Niger River, and visit local villages and studios known for their impressive world-class arts.

What to Expect

Day 1: Arrival in Bamako

Arrive in Bamako where you'll be assisted and transferred by your friendly driver-guide to your hotel. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Overnight at The Sleeping Camel or a similar hotel.

Day 2: Bamako

Start the day with an early morning hike at one of the top hiking trails of Bamako. Led by your professional guide, discover the beauty and mysteries of Manding country. After half-a-day of slightly strenuous but invigorating adventure, enjoy a visit to the National Museum of Mali, which offers ethnographic exhibits on the locals. Here, you'll see many interesting items that represent the rich culture of Mali, including displays of masks, textiles, statues, and other contemporary art forms.

Overnight at The Sleeping Camel or a similar hotel.

Day 3: Bamako

Enjoy a moderate hike in the morning at another hotspot for outdoor lovers where you'll see picturesque traditional villages and impressive nature like no other. Then, cruise the Niger River and discover the Bozo fishermen's way of life along the riverbanks. If you're lucky, you may even spot some hippopotamus and other wildlife cooling down in the water. Your cruise concludes in the afternoon, where you'll get to see the mighty sun painting the sky and water below hues of yellow, orange, and pink as it sets on the horizon.

Overnight at The Sleeping Camel or a similar hotel.

Day 4: Bamako - Segou

Another morning in Bamako means another morning of hiking. Only this time, you have the option to choose a Djembe drumming experience or a fun Bogolon-making lesson instead. Otherwise, you'll go ahead and explore other natural wonders of the capital on foot. After your morning activities, hop on an air-conditioned vehicle that will take you on a scenic 3-hr drive to Segou, a town northeast of Bamako on the right bank of the Niger River.

Overnight at Hotel Djoliba or similar.

Day 5: Segou - Djenne - Segou 

Depart from Segou at around 6 am to Djenne, an ancient town that will take you back to the Medieval times with its ancient Sudanese-style mud buildings. Upon arrival, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Mosque, the biggest dried mud building in the world. In front of this building is a large square that turns into a colorful market every Monday. Here, locals from different corners of Mali gather to sell, buy, and exchange local produce, art pieces, animals, and so much more. End the day with a transfer back to Segou.

Overnight at Hotel Djoliba or similar.

Day 6: Segou 

Today is dedicated to learning more about Segou traditions and arts as you visit the village of Ségou-Koro, the former seat of the Bambara Empire where the body of the late King Biton Coulibaly lies. Then, appreciate the talent and skill of the artists in town as you explore a number of locally-owned ateliers or studios. In the afternoon, board a boat and take a scenic Niger River cruise, heading to the village of Kalabougou. This humble village is known for its craftsmanship, particularly pottery of which the women of the village are traditionally employed. You may even purchase a pot or three from the locals as your souvenir from this unforgettable experience.

Overnight at Hotel Djoliba or similar.

Day 7: Segou - Bamako

Depart from Segou in the morning and head back to Bamako. After lunch, go on another hiking adventure and maybe enjoy the sunset from an elevated part of the capital, making the sweeping scenery even more glorious than it already is.

Overnight at The Sleeping Camel or a similar hotel.

Day 8: Bamako

Take an early morning hike, exploring caves and a string of laid back villages that are always happy to welcome visitors. In the afternoon, you have the option to enjoy and learn to play djembe, a rope-tuned skin-covered goblet drum played with bare hands, or try your hands at making bogolan, a handmade Malian cotton fabric traditionally dyed with fermented mud.

The tour ends with a transfer back to the airport.

Includes

• Entrance fees
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional local guide 
• Fuel
• Accommodation for 6 nights
• Airport transfers

• Visa and visa application fees
• Travel insurance and immunizations
• Meals, beverages, and snacks not included in the itinerary
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses

• The hikes are around 2-hours each (7-8 km) and are an approx 45-min drive in each direction.
• A Thursday start date would be required if guests would like to visit the Djenne market which is on a Monday (the most interesting day to visit Djenne) - but not necessary if seeing the Market isn't a priority.