Timbuktu & Bamako Tour – 6 Days

“Salt comes from the North, gold from the South, and silver from the land of the whites. But God’s words, holy things, learned stories, and polite tales are only found in Timbuktu.” After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Timbuktu, known as the city of 333 Saints. Located near the Niger River and at the terminus of the great trans-Saharan caravan route, Timbuktu became fabulously wealthy in the 16th century. Loaded with blocks of salt and other trade goods, huge convoys of camels would spend weeks crossing the unforgiving Sahara to reach Timbuktu. It was here that they would trade salt, pound-for-pound, with African merchants bringing gold and ivory along the Niger River from other parts of Africa. On arrival in Timbuktu, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city. After check-in, together with your guide, who is a native of Timbuktu, you will wander the dusty streets of this mythical town, admiring such magnificent mud-brick structures as the Djinguereber Mosque, Sidi Yahia Mosque, and the Mosque of Sankoré, which received many Muslim scholars. See the houses of various 19th-century European explorers who used Timbuktu as a base. Today’s activities include a visit to the Ethnological Museum, Heinrich Barth Museum, and Maison des Artisans to see the Tuareg artisans’ skills on display. Overnight in Timbuktu.
Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel :Hendrina Khan Hotel

After breakfast, drive to Koriomé, the port of Timbuktu, and board a traditional motorized boat to Toya. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide and boat driver. Along the way, you will visit villages along the Niger Riverbank, including Toya, known for its fascinating sand dunes. You may also spot hippopotamuses in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, return to Timbuktu, where you can enjoy tea on the dunes with our Tuareg hosts, the Princes of the Desert. Overnight in Timbuktu.
Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel: Hendrina Khan Hotel

After breakfast, you will leave a place whose name is synonymous with somewhere unreachable — Timbuktu. Fly back to Bamako. Upon arrival, you will visit La Tour d’Afrique (Africa Tower), a 50-meter-high structure representing a baobab tree. The tower features four main doors, symbolizing African hospitality, and is adorned with the flags of the 54 African countries. Inside, you will find offices and a library showcasing pictures of the African presidents who founded the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1960. Next, visit the Martyr Monument, which symbolizes the transition to democracy in 1991. Continue to the Memorial of Modibo Keita, the first President of independent Mali. In the afternoon, drive to Dogodouman to visit the Parc of Sofa, a historic battlefield where the French colonial troops of Borgnis Desbordes fought against Almamy Samory Touré. At the top of the hill, you will see the monument of Keme Bourama, the younger brother of Samory, representing the Sofa (soldier). Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel:Radisson Collection

Experience a panoramic view of Bamako from Point G, also known as the Hill of Health. Visit the National Museum, which offers an excellent introduction to the ethnic diversity of the country. Explore the craft bazaar, where sculptors, weavers, leather workers, metal workers, and other artisans display their skills and wares. One section of the market is dedicated entirely to traditional African medicines, where you will find unique items used in traditional healing practices. Spend time at the handcraft center, where you can find great bargains on locally made goods. Drive through the city and observe monuments dedicated to Mali’s historical figures.
Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel :Radisson Collection

Enjoy breakfast. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Your driver and guide will be available to assist with any excursions or site visits. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. End of your tour of Mali. Meals included: Breakfast