INTO THE HEART OF WEST AFRICA

Departures

For 2010 we are pleased to offer something very new, an adventure into the heart of West Africa. Our journey will feature two very exciting lands – Mali and Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta). Mali, best known for the legendary caravan centre of Timbuktu, is home to a variety of native peoples who retain their heritage, dress, crafts and overall lifestyles. Located in the hinterlands of The Niger River, this is a land known for its music, literary heritage, unique lifestyles, magnificent masks and so much more.

Planned to provide us with as many insights into this region as we will be able to absorb, members need to appreciate that this is an expedition into an area of Africa that is still off the beaten track. We shall use best available accommodation but this will often be relatively basic and conditions in some areas must be considered rustic at best. While for much of the tour we shall travel by modern coach, for the time that we are exploring Dogon Country (Mali) we shall be using 4x4 vehicles. Hotels will vary from two to four star but all rooms will have private bathrooms. The tour will be limited to 25 members.

If you are looking for something new, different and very old, this may well be the journey for you. Members need to come with an open mind ready to experience all these lands have to offer. Read on but don’t delay – we are sure that our limited space will fill very quickly.

Itinerary

February 10, Wednesday: Depart CANADA
Members gather in Toronto for the overnight Air France flight to Paris.

February 11, Thursday: Arrive BAMAKO, Mali
Arriving Paris early this morning we have free time (day room) until our afternoon flight to West Africa. Later this evening we arrive in Mali’s capital, Bamako, where we will be met, assisted and transferred to our hotel. Laico El Farouk Hotel (2 nights)

February 12, Friday: BAMAKO
Mali is a country of many tribal peoples, each with their own exuberant styles of clothing and jewelry. There is nowhere better to see this colourful diversity than in the streets and markets of the capital. In the city’s craft bazaar we shall see sculptors, weavers, leather workers and jewelers exhibiting their wares and displaying their skills. Later we will visit the National Museum, providing an excellent introduction to the ethnic diversity of the country. This evening, our Welcome Dinner is at the Savanna Restaurant.
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February 13, Saturday: TIMBUKTU
Early this morning we fly to legendary Timbuktu, located at the terminus of the great trans-Saharan caravan route. It was here that traders from the north would trade salt, pound-for-pound, with locals for the gold and ivory from the heart of Africa. Wander the dusty streets of Timbuktu, admiring such magnificent mud-brick structures as the Djinguereber Mosque, the Mosque of Sankore, the Mosque of Sidi Yehia and the Palace of Bouctou. We’ll visit the ethnological museum and Maison des Artisans and see the houses of 19th century European explorers who used Timbuktu as a base. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion into the Sahara Desert to visit a Tuareg camp to enjoy tea on the dunes with our hosts, the Princes of the Desert. La Colombe Hotel (1 night)
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February 14, Sunday: MOPTI
Fly to the city of Mopti, the Venice of Mali, nestled between the Niger and the Bani Rivers. Highlights of our tour will include the fishing port, the beautiful mosque and the bustling and colourful market where many of Mali's cultural groups can be seen: Bambara, Bobo, Bozo, Dogon, Fulani, Tuareg and Songhay. Following a break for lunch we hope to visit a local school, the ‘SOS’ Village d'enfants de Sokoura, followed by a sunset sail on the Niger River in a traditional pirogue (boat) visiting fishing villages on the river bank. Hotel Kanaga (2 nights)
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February 15, Monday: DJENNE / MOPTI
This morning we travel to Mali's architectural jewel, Djenné. Founded in the fourth century it has scarcely changed since the Middle Ages and, as we stroll through the streets and the bazaar we will be transported back into medieval times. Today is the weekly market and Djenné is at its colourful best. A definite highlight is the magnificent Grand Mosque, the largest mud-brick architecture in the world and a Unesco World Heritage Site. We shall also visit the local museum and have time to wander through the narrow streets of Djenné to admire this architectural gem. Late this afternoon we return to Mopti.
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February 16, Tuesday: DOGON COUNTRY
After breakfast, drive to Mali's fascinating Dogon country and visit the Dogon village of Songo, renowned for its rock paintings and circumcision grotto. Continue to Sangha, comprised of 10 distinct Dogon villages - some of which are traditional animist while others have converted to Islam. Watch for the women’s houses which are different in each Dogon village. We will have a special visit with the spiritual leader of the Dogon people, Le Hogon. Tonight we shall stay in the relatively basic Campement Sangha (1 night)
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February 17, Wednesday: DOGON COUNTRY
Following breakfast, we descend the Bandiagara escarpment and visit the village of Banani and see ancient Tellem cave dwellings in the cliff face. In the villages of Ireli and Amani, we shall see the sanctuary for the sacred crocodiles. Watch a traditional Dogon Mask Dance before continuing to Bandiagara for overnight. La Falaise Hotel (1 night)
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February 18, Thursday: DOGON / SEGOU
En route to Ségou, one of Mali's largest cities and former colonial administrative centre, we shall visit San to see the local mosque, designed as a replica of the Djenne Grand Mosque. We hope to stop in another village today with an opportunity to visit a private home. Hotel Independence (2 nights)
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February 19, Friday: SEGOU
This morning we shall explore Ségou to admire the beautiful Sudanese-style colonial architecture, visit a number of sites to see women preparing local beer, the pottery market, traditional weavers and other artisans. Visit Sékoro village, ‘Old Ségou’, the former capital of the Bambara kingdom to see the tomb of King Biton Coulibaly. After lunch take a cruise in a traditional pinasse on the River Niger to the Bambara village of Kalabougou, known for its pottery.
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February 20, Saturday: SEGOU / SIKASSO
Drive to Sikasso, passing through the rich agricultural lands of southern Mali. In Sikasso, Mali’s breadbasket, we shall see the remnants of the Tata, an ancient palisade that encircled the city which held off the French colonial army. In the Mamelon, residence of the local kings and the cultural centre the Sénoufo tribe, we shall learn about this brave tribe. Hotel Maissa
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February 21, Sunday: BOBO DIOULASSO, Burkina Faso
First stop today is a visit to the stone mosque of Missirikoro, home of the protector spirits of the Mandé people. Cross into Burkina Faso and visit Koumi, a typical Bobo village. Admire the style of the old villages and see women making baskets. During the dry season the young Bobo boys are circumcised and initiated into manhood. Continue to Bobo Dioulasso for the night. Hotel L’Auberge
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February 22, Monday: BOBO / BANFORA
Explore Bobo Dioulasso, ("house of the Bobo merchants"), Burkina Faso's second largest city. See the old mosque and visit the old Kibidwe artisans' district, here we will see blacksmiths, potters, and dyers at work. At Banfora, visit the Karfiguela waterfalls, Dome of Fabebougou and Lac Tengrela. Hotel Canne a Sucre (1 night)
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February 23, Tuesday: BANFORA / GAOUA
Visit the mysterious stone ruins of Loropeni, known to the local Gan people as the "House of Refusal". This village hosts a large and diverse market held every five days. At Kampti we shall visit the remains of an old French military camp with its church. If it is market day we will visit Lobi village. Hala Hotel (1 night)
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February 24, Wednesday: GAOUA / OUAGADOUGOU
Visit the Poni Museum, dedicated to the Lobi culture, where we shall see examples of the distinctive, fortress-like Lobi architecture. We hope to visit a traditional Lobi home this morning. Sit back this afternoon as we enjoy the countryside of Burkina Faso while driving to the capital. Mercure Silmandé Hotel (2 nights)
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February 25, Thursday: OUAGADOUGOU
Today we shall explore Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's capital city. Visit the Grand Market and the National Museum with its interesting collection of regional clothing, masks, household utensils and ancestral statues. Visit the craft market at the Artisans' Centre, where we will find basketry, batik fabrics, wooden statues and masks, jewelry, leatherwork and bronze castings.
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February 26, Friday: OUAGADOUGOU / PARIS
On our final day we will drive to the village of Tiebele, in the country of the Gourounsi tribe, where we will see the magnificent fortress-like houses and compounds, colourfully painted with traditional motifs. Later we shall return to Ouagadougou for an opportunity to relax and freshen up before our evening flight to Paris.
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February 27, Saturday: PARIS / CANADA
Arriving Paris early this morning, we catch our connecting flight to Toronto with connections to our homes across Canada.

Tour Costs (CDN$/person)

Rates from other cities are available on request. *Land only price includes flights within Mali.
Airfares in Canada are based on best local fares currently available and are subject to change. Members may wish to use points for flights to/from Toronto.
Note: the order of the itinerary and hotels may be changed due to unforeseen schedule changes in the destination.

CT Rating FOUR - Members need to be aware that travel conditions in West Africa (Mali & Burkina Faso) are relatively primitive with rough roads, limited facilities, basic hotels and some difficult physical conditions. Accommodations outside the main centres are basic three star hotels that are comfortable and provide good food. This tour includes a number of visits into remote regions with some drives over extremely difficult terrain. All members need to be in excellent physical health and be willing to accept the destination as it is.

Prices are based on airfares, fees and exchange rates effective April 2009 and are subject to change. Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at hotels and lodges. Singles are extremely limited - book early.

Tour cost and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($285 pp) for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellations of any booking prior to November 11, 2009 will be subject to an Administration Fee of $50pp – this fee will not be covered by our insurance. Insurance coverage will begin on the above date and will cover penalties from that date forward. Contact our office for full details. Final payment will be due on December 10, 2009.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $800 per person to Craig Travel's office.