11-Day Mali Festivals Cultural Heritage Tour

Embark on an once-in-a-lifetime journey as you immerse yourself into Mali’s festive celebrations in 11 days! Experience the fascinating Malian cultural heritage, take part in the vibrant Dogon Mask Festival in Bamako, enjoy the dynamic Festival Sur Le Niger in Segou, and so much more. Indeed, a great opportunity to get an insight into the splendor and fascinating cultural tapestry of Mali. 

Itinerary

Day 1 - Bamako

Arrive at Modibo Keita International Airport. Your local guide will meet you and take you to the hotel for check in. Then, enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure. 

Day 2 - Bamako - Siby

Journey to Siby, home of the Mandinka people from the 13th century Mali Empire. Visit the stunning Kamdjan Arch, a natural, ancient stone arch that was once used as a gathering spot for troops, war councils, and highly intelligent individuals in the 13th century. You will also stop by other ancient sites located nearby, such as the “consultation cave” and the sacrificial caverns. Dinner and overnight stay in Siby, giving you an opportunity to interact with the locals. 

Day 3 - Siby - Bamako - Dogon Festival

Travel back to the capital city of Bamako and enjoy one of Mali’s ultimate cultural experiences! Spend the entire day solely focused on the vibrant Dogon Mask Festival, where you will meet up with Dogon people from different villages, have the chance to watch some performances, and discover more about their fascinating yet mysterious culture and beliefs. 

Day 4 - Bamako - Dogon Festival

Take an early morning trek on one of Bamako's best paths to start the day. Discover the splendor and mystery of the Manding region under the guidance of your knowledgeable guide. After a half-day of moderately taxing yet energizing adventure, enjoy a visit to the National Museum of Mali, which features ethnographic displays on the inhabitants. Check out a variety of fascinating artifacts that showcase Mali's vibrant culture, such as displays of masks, textiles, statues, and modern works of art. Then, spend the rest of the day with more performances at the Dogon Festival. 

Day 5 - Bamako - Dogon Festival

Take a leisurely morning stroll in one of the popular walking trails for outdoor enthusiasts to witness lovely traditional towns and unrivaled natural beauty. Then, take a cruise along the Niger River to learn about the Bozo people's way of life along the riverbanks. Depending on your luck, you might even spot some hippopotamuses and other animals relaxing in the water. Your cruise comes to an end in the late afternoon as you watch the sun paint the sky and the water below with hues of yellow, orange, and pink as it sets on the horizon. Afterwards, enjoy another day of performances at the Dogon festival where a special photo opportunity with a Dogon Mask Dance is organized.

Day 6 - Bamako - Segou

Another morning in Bamako means another day of hiking. This time, however, you have the option between a fun Bogolan-making class or an exciting Djembe drumming experience. If not, you should proceed to explore the capital's other natural attractions on foot. Once you have finished your morning activities, board an air-conditioned car for the 3-hour beautiful trip to Segou, a town northeast of Bamako on the right bank of the Niger River. 

Day 7 - Segou - Djenne - Segou

Depart Segou for Djenne, a historic village with mud structures that will transport you to the Middle Ages. Upon arrival, visit the Great Mosque, the largest structure made of dried mud in the world, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, check out the square in front of the structure which hosts a vibrant market every Monday. Locals from all across Mali congregate gather here to trade goods including fruit, artwork, animals, and a variety of other things. Afterwards, take a transfer back to Segou to cap out the day. 

Day 8 - Segou

Visit the village of Ségou-Koro, the former capital of the Bambara Empire, where the body of the late King Biton Coulibaly is interred, to learn more about Segou customs and arts. Take time to admire the ability and expertise of the local artists as you visit the locally owned ateliers and studios in the area. Then, get aboard a boat in the afternoon and travel to Kalabougou village while enjoying a picturesque cruise along the Niger River. This small community is renowned for its artistry, especially its pottery, which is traditionally produced by the village's women. You can also buy a pot or two as a memento of this unforgettable event from the locals. You will then spend your first night at the Festival Sur Le Niger, where a number of acts and performances awaits you.

Day 9 - Segou - Festival Sur le Niger

It’s festival time! A festival area has been created at the Ségou River Quay with the top musicians in Mali's music industry taking the stage. The days are filled with culture, local groups, and flaming talents, while the evenings are devoted to music. Take in the festive mood as you check out the bars, restaurants, and the vibrant market around the festival grounds. You can also take  excursions in and around Ségou between enjoying the performances. Discover how to make mud cloth, visit a town where the inhabitants are masters at designing calabashes, embark on a river cruise to a nearby pottery village, where, with any luck, the weekly baking will take place, enjoy a donkey cart tour, sample locally brewed millet beer, and stroll around Ségou's historic neighborhoods. Take advantage of the festival’s lively atmosphere that will keep you coming back again and again! 

Day 10 - Segou - Festival Sur le Niger

Visit the Soroblé Bogolan (mud-cloth) Center after breakfast. One of the most important cultural practices in Mali is represented by this traditional cotton cloth, which is coloured with fermented mud. After the visit, continue to see Ségou, paying particular attention to its colonial and Somono neighborhoods. Then, take an afternoon trip to Segoukoro, a village also known as Sekoro, which once served as the Bambara Kingdom's capital. Explore the village, where remnants of the past may still be seen, including Biton Coulibaly's tomb and the mosque he had constructed for his mother, and pay a visit to the village head, a descendent of the Bambara Kings. You will spend another night at the Festival Sur Le Niger with Timbuktian Tuaregs, enjoying traditional Tuareg tea with them and then viewing an exhibition of their exquisite artwork.

Day 11 - Segou - Bamako

Drive back to Bamako, where you can spend the rest of the day at leisure or buying souvenirs. Afterwards, make your way back to Modibo Keita International Airport for your onward destination. 

Inclusions

• Airport Pick Up and Drop Off

• 10 Day Accommodation

• Breakfast (10)

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation As Per Itinerary

• Admission Fees and Activities As Per Itinerary

• Festivals Cameras (Photo and Video) Accreditation

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel and Medical Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Arrival time at each location may vary depending on the season and the day of the week due to traffic conditions.

• If there is insufficient time for all attractions on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions. 

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.

• Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own expense. You will have your tour guide's mobile number in case of emergency.