Mopti to Ancient City of Timbuktu 4-Day Trip via Niger River

Situated 20 km north of the Niger River, Timbuktu is known as the former center of Arab-African trade, religion and scholarship in Africa. It was home to a 25,000-student  Koranic Sankore University and other madrasahs that served as wellsprings for the spread of Islam throughout the continent. Today, many centuries after its apex, this designated UNESCO World Heritage Site is teetering on the edge of existence because of the encroaching Sahara Desert, human neglect, and war.

On this 4-day tour from Mopti, experience the stark contrasts of Mali, as you go on a fun-filled cruise on the lively Niger River and then relive the glory days of Timbuktu, the ancient city of gold that's now slowly turning to dust.

What to Expect

Day 1: Departure from Mopti - Niger River

From Mopti, via the Niger River. Along the way, witness many different species of birds and even herds of hippopotamus cooling down on the river if you're lucky. Stop by several villages and get a glimpse of the way of living of the Fulani and Bozo people, one of the many ethnic groups in Mali located predominantly along the river.

In the evening, camp along the banks of the Niger River where you'll spend a lovely night under the star-filled Sahara skies.

Day 2: Niger River - Korioumé

Spend the first half of the day cruising the Niger River and then arrive in Korioumé, where your boat will dock. Korioumé is linked to Timbuktu by 18 km of paved road.

Spend the night at Hotel La Maison, one of the better hotels in the area, offering mouthwatering local cuisines and delicacies.

Day 3: Timbuktu

You will spend all day today exploring Timbuktu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched on the edge of the Sahara and a was center of religion and scholarship for centuries.

Visit three of West Africa's oldest mosques, Sankore Mosque, Djingareber*, and Sidi Yehia, all of which are made from mud and timber and recall Timbuktu's golden age. You will also explore the Ethnological Museum, the Al-Mansur Korey House, the marketplace, and the Ahmed Baba Center and Haidara Library to see the ancient manuscripts that have survived since the 13-14th centuries.

In the afternoon, take an amusing sunset camel ride into the desert and visit a Tuareg campsite. Here, you'll have the opportunity to mingle and drink tea with the nomads and be entertained by their traditional singing, drumming, and dancing with sabers. An optional traditional moshe dinner is also available.

You may spend the night in the desert or return to the center at Hotel La Maison or similar.

*Visit inside the Djingareber is not allowed for tourists.

Day 4: Timbuktu-Mopti

Depart from Timbuktu early in the morning via an airconditioned vehicle and arrive in Mopti in the afternoon. Conclude your 4-day tour with drinks at Bar Bozo and then savor the view of the sun as it sets over the majestic Niger River.

Spend the night at Hotel Kanaga, Ambedjele, or Maison Rouge.

Includes

• Professional local guide 
• Fuel
• Airconditioned vehicle
• Accommodation for 4 nights
• Meals and beverages mentioned

• Visa and visa application fees
• Travel insurance and immunizations
• Meals, beverages, and snacks not mentioned
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses