MALI

A mythical land stretching between the scorching sands of the Sahara and the fertile savannahs of the Sahel, Mali is one of Africa’s brightest jewels. This unique journey, accompanied by an expert local team, will take us through a country as fascinating as it is fragile. From Bamako, the lively and chaotic capital, we will explore the wonders of Mali: from Ségou, historic capital of the Bambara Kingdom, to the fishing villages along the Niger River, immersed in the centuries-old traditions of the Mandingo people, before being captivated by the beauty of the San Mosque, often described as a miniature version of the famous Djenné Mosque.

ITINERARY and SAFETY

Due to the current security situation in the country, the itinerary has been carefully designed to ensure visits to the greatest possible number of sites and locations in areas where a good standard of safety can be guaranteed.

Mali’s internal security situation remains highly volatile, and the list of regions considered safe may change at short notice. For this reason, the itinerary may be subject to modifications in the weeks leading up to the trip, or even during the journey itself, should local representatives deem it necessary.

The BHS touch

The name Timbuktu evokes mystery, timeless charm, and dreams of faraway journeys. This legendary caravan city, once a historic crossroads of the Sahara, is generally considered off-limits to travelers, but not for us. Thanks to a private flight, we will have the rare privilege of being among the very few travelers able to wander through its mud-brick mosques, admire ancient manuscripts, and immerse ourselves in the dreamlike atmosphere of the city and the timeless charm of its inhabitants, the proud Tuareg people. A true travel dream brought to life.

Highlights

Timbuktu: the dream!

The scorching sands of the Sahara and the flourishing savannah of the Sahel

The Mandingo people and life on the Niger

The masterpiece of the San Mosque

Where we sleep

Hotel

How we get around

Domestic charter flights, car with driver

Trans Alps Adventure

MALI

Travel itinerary

Day 1-2: Arrival in Bamako

DAY 1: Departure with flights from Italy. Layover and flight to Bamako, the capital of Mali.

DAY 2: arrival in Bamako, immigration formalities, and meeting with local representatives. First introduction to the city and Malian culture. Depending on the arrival time (in case of a late-afternoon arrival, activities may be moved to Day 8), check-in and lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional West African dishes such as poulet yassa, marinated chicken with lemon, mustard, and onions. Visit the National Museum, home to a collection of over 10,000 objects, including masks, traditional costumes, textiles, photographs, and videos offering insight into Malian culture. Continue to the Tower of Africa, the tallest structure in Mali at 80 meters high, and finally visit the Monument to Malian Independence and the capital’s railway station. Dinner and overnight stay in Bamako.

Day 3: Bamako and Siby

Morning: breakfast and further exploration of the capital, depending on the activities completed on Day 2. Visit the recycling market and a traditional puppet workshop, followed by a ride in a wooden boat along the Niger River, the third-longest river in Africa. Visit the sand port and the temporary fishing villages before transferring to Siby.

Afternoon: Siby is home to the Mandingo people, descendants of the ancient Mali Empire. Visit the Arch of Kamadjan, a remarkable natural stone arch that once served as a meeting place for soldiers, war councils, and local leaders during the 13th century. Continue exploring the surrounding historical sites, including the sacrificial caves and the consultation cave. The day concludes with one of the highlights of the journey: a traditional Dogon mask ceremony, during which village elders chant to ward off evil spirits while sacred masks are brought out from traditional houses and worn for the ritual dance.

Evening: Dinner and night in a tent in Siby.

Day 4: Timbuktu

Morning: breakfast and transfer to Bamako, followed by a flight to the legendary city of Timbuktu, the historic crossroads of the trans-Saharan caravan routes. In recent years, its extraordinary cultural heritage has been threatened by the presence of armed fundamentalist groups in the region.

Afternoon: Afternoon: visit three iconic mud mosques, a library housing precious ancient manuscripts, and the ethnological museum. There will also be the opportunity to witness a traditional Tuareg dance performance and enjoy a camel ride.

Evening: Dinner and night in a hotel in Timbuktu.

Day 5: Timbuktu – Bamako

Morning: Breakfast and transfer to the airport. Flight back to Bamako.

Afternoon: Return to the hotel and relax.

Evening: Dinner and night in a hotel in Bamako.

Day 6: Segou

Morning: breakfast and departure for Ségou. Visit Ségoukoro, once the capital of the Bambara Kingdom. Meet the village chief, a descendant of the Bambara kings, and explore the village, where traces of the past remain visible, including the tomb of Biton Coulibaly and the mosque dedicated to his mother. Visit the Soroblé Bogolan center, where the famous mud-dyed Bogolan fabrics are produced. In the Bambara language, “Bogolan” means “made with mud” and represents one of Mali’s most important cultural traditions.

Afternoon: In-depth exploration of Segou and its colonial districts.

Evening: Dinner and night in a hotel in Segou.

Day 7: Mopti

Morning: breakfast and transfer to Mopti, one of Mali’s main ports along the Niger River, often referred to as the “Venice of Mali.”

Afternoon: visit the fish market and the iconic mud-built mosque, followed by a boat trip along the Niger River.

Evening: dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Mopti.

Day 8: Wan, San e Calabash

Morning: breakfast and transfer to Ségou. Stop in Wan to visit the Bobo Village, known for its impressive granaries. Continue to San to explore the town, its market, and the local mosque, a small jewel of Sudano-Sahelian mud-brick architecture, often considered a miniature version of the Djenné Mosque.

Afternoon: visit to Calabash Village and a traditional bar where millet beer is produced.

Evening: dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Ségou.

Day 9: Return to Bamako

Morning and afternoon: breakfast and return to Bamako to catch up on activities missed on day 2 and day 3

Evening: transfer to the airport and flight to Italy

Day 10: Return to Italy

DAY 10: arrival in Italy and on to the next adventure!