Take a 12 day trip to Mali which hosts one of the most remote festivals in the world every year in January, on the way stopping at various traditional and modern cities such as Djenne and Mopti. Go Walking in the Dogon area and then travel in a pinasse (motorised canoe) along the River Niger, before spending three days in the vibrant "Festival au Desert". With guaranteed sunshine the "Festival au Desert" is an unforgettable experience.
Itinerary
4th January 2012 Wednesday
Day 1- Fly to Bamako which is the capital of Mali then explore the capital then stay overnight at a Hotel. Leave in the morning to Djenne.
5th January 2012 Thursday
Day 2- Travel to Djenne over land in Jeeps, arrive late in Djenne then stay overnight at a hotel.
6th January 2012 Friday
Day 3 – Spend half a day in Djenne looking at the Great Mosque, the biggest mud building in the world, built in 1907. Then travel in Jeeps to Bandiagara, camp at the escarpment.
7th January 2012 Saturday
Day 4 Have a day long trek round the escarpment and camp again.
8th January 2012 Sunday
Day 5 -Travel in the Jeeps onwards to Sangha to stay over night in hotel.
9th January 2012 Monday
Day 6 – Travel from Sangha to Mopti and explore the River and see the culture of Mopti then sleep in a hotel.
10th January 2012 Tuesday
Day 7 – Travel on a pinasse to Konna from Mopti where the jeeps will pick up and take you to Goundam. Where you can go and see the Lake “Fati” and then camp near there.
11th January 2012 Wednesday
Day 8 – Travel to Dire and have a look at the market and the River Niger before setting off to Timbuktu which then you can explore.
12th, 13th, 14th January 2012 Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Day 9, 10, 11- Travel into the vast Sahara Desert to watch the festival and then camp nearby.
15th January 2012 Sunday
Day 12- Leave Timbuktu 7.00 Arrive in Bamako at 21.00 board flight at 23.40
16th January 2012 Monday
Day 13- Arrive in England at 7.50 (Heathrow)