Itinerary

Wednesday 16 December – Arrival in Bamako

Arrival in the capital of Mali, Bamako. Airport pick up and drop off at our hotel.

Overnight stay in Bamako.

Thursday 17 December – Bamako – Timbuktu

Meet your tour group at 8:00 a.m. for a short introduction before we head to the airport for our flight to Timbuktu. Transfer to the domestic terminal for the morning flight north towards Timbuktu, one of the most legendary and mysterious cities in Africa.

For centuries, Timbuktu stood at the crossroads for the trans-Saharan trade routes and became one of the most important centres of Islamic scholarship, trade and culture in West Africa. Even today, the name Timbuktu continues to capture imaginations around the world.

After arrival, we immediately dive into the city’s fascinating history and atmosphere.

Visit Timbuktu’s famous mud mosques, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town. The Three Great Mosques are among the finest examples of Sudano-Sahelian architecture anywhere in Africa. We’ll also explore the old explorers’ houses, manuscript collections, and ethnological museum, offering insight into Timbuktu’s golden age as a centre of learning and commerce.

As the city comes alive during the festival period, we will also experience traditional cultural performances and local music throughout the evening.

Overnight stay in Timbuktu.

Friday 18 December – Timbuktu Festival and Desert Culture

Today we’ll continue exploring Timbuktu and experience more of the city’s unique festival atmosphere and desert traditions.

Experience traditional Tuareg music performances, deeply connected to the nomadic culture of the Sahara. Timbuktu has long been a meeting point between West Africa and desert cultures, and the festival offers a rare opportunity to witness these traditions up close.

During the day, we’ll also attend one of the region’s most iconic spectacles: a traditional camel race celebrating the nomadic heritage of northern Mali. Depending on local conditions and festival schedules, additional cultural events, workshops, and music performances may take place throughout the city.

We’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a traditional Timbuktu bread-making workshop, giving us further insight into daily life and culinary traditions in this remote Saharan city.

Despite its isolated location and difficult recent history, Timbuktu remains one of the most culturally important and atmospheric destinations in all of West Africa.

Overnight stay in Timbuktu.

Saturday 19 December – Timbuktu – Bamako – Siby

After breakfast, enjoy a final exploration of Timbuktu before transferring to the airport for our flight back to Bamako.

Upon arrival around midday, we’ll continue southwest towards Siby, located in the historic Manding region, considered the cultural heartland of the old Mali Empire.

Explore the landscapes and traditions of Manding Country, known for its sandstone cliffs, traditional villages, and deep connections to Mandinka oral history and culture. The region is often considered a quieter alternative to Dogon Country, while still offering rich history, warm hospitality, and beautiful scenery.

Depending on timing, short walks or local village visits may be possible around Siby before dinner.

Overnight stay in Siby.

Sunday 20 December – Siby – Ségou – Bamako

Very early departure this morning for a long but rewarding travel day across southern Mali.

We’ll continue first towards Ségou, one of Mali’s most historic trading cities located along the Niger River. Ségou was once the capital of the Bamana Kingdom and remains known for its distinctive mud architecture, river life, and artistic traditions.

Explore parts of Ségou’s historic centre and experience daily life along the Niger River before returning west towards Bamako.

Airport drop off and end of tour.

OR: continue to Burkina Faso for our Burkina Faso Highlights Tour.