Timeless Treasures: A Journey Through the Heart of Burkina Faso and Mali

Itinerary:

Day 1. Bamako City Tour
Upon arrival at Bamako International Airport, you will be greeted by your driver and guide for a transfer to your accommodation. If time permits, enjoy a brief late afternoon tour of Bamako, offering a first glimpse of the city's landmarks, including the Cathedral and the Independence Monument. Hotel in Bamako,

Day 2. Bamako- Ségou
After breakfast, you'll drive to Ségou. Once there, enjoy a walking tour through the Somono neighborhood, the town center, the river quay, and the administrative area featuring colonial-style architecture. Later, take a relaxing late afternoon boat ride on the river in a traditional man-powered pirogue. B/-/-

Day 3. Segou - Djenné- San
After an early morning departure, head towards Djenné, where you will be greeted with a traditional regional dish, Tion Tion, for lunch. Take a walking tour of the historic old town and join in one of the afternoon prayers at the iconic Great Mosque. In the late afternoon, continue your journey with a departure for San. B/-/-

Day 4. San- Bamako
Start the day by participating in the morning prayer at the adobe mosque in San before embarking on an early departure for Bamako. Upon arrival, we’ll begin exploring the vibrant capital city, situated on the banks of the Niger River, Africa’s third-longest river. Mali is home to many tribal groups, each known for their distinctive styles of clothing and jewelry, and there’s no better place to witness this colorful diversity than in Bamako’s bustling streets and markets. At the craft bazaar, we’ll encounter artisans showcasing their sculpture, weaving, leatherwork, jewelry-making, and metalworking skills. At the same time, one section of the market is dedicated to traditional African medicines, featuring everything from shrunken animal heads to lizard skins. Our day will conclude with a visit to the National Museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s ethnic richness. Accommodation: B/-/-

Day 5. Bamako – Siby (Mandé area) - Ouagadougou
Travel to the mountain village of Mandé, located 55 km west of Bamako, where you will dive into the history of Soundiata Keita, the legendary king of the ancient Malian Empire. This region is the birthplace of several Mali ethnic groups, including the Dogon, Bambara, Malinké, Kassonke, Minianka, Sénoufo, and Bobo. In Mandé, explore the Fanfamba Grotto, once a gathering place for village elders, and the Cave of Kamadian, where blacksmiths, hunters, fortune tellers, and chiefs once worked. Discover a sacred pool used for sacrifices to bring prosperity, health, and protection, and meet a Donso, a traditional hunter, in his ceremonial attire. You'll also visit a local center where women make butter and soap from "Chi tree" nuts. Afterward, return to Bamako and transfer to the airport for your departure straight to Burkina Faso. B/-/-

Day 6. Ouagadougou
Arrive in Ouagadougou, the vibrant capital of Burkina Faso. Depending on your arrival time, we'll explore the National Museum, the bustling Market, the Monument of Heroes, and the Cathedral. Overnight in Ouagadougou. B/-/-

Day 7.  Ouagadougou - Bobo Dioulasso
Drive west to Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso's second-largest city, known for its vibrant culture and unique architecture. We'll visit the Old Mud Mosque, an impressive example of Sahel-style mud architecture built in 1983 using local mud and wood. Next, explore the historic Kibidwe artisan's district, where you'll witness traditional blacksmiths, potters, and the fascinating process of dyeing cloths, offering a glimpse into the city's authentic way of life. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner followed by live music. Overnight in Bobo Dioulasso. B/-/-

Day 8. Bobo Dioulasso - Kawara - Banfora
Today, we’ll explore the stunning Sindou Peaks and visit Kawara Village, where you’ll experience a traditional pottery dance. Afterward, enjoy lunch in Banfora before heading to the Fabedougou Domes and refreshingly swim at the beautiful Karfiguela Waterfall. Overnight in Banfora. B/-/-

Day 9. Banfora-  Bobo Dioulasso
This morning, we’ll return to Bobo Dioulasso and explore the local market, Cathedral, and French Colonial Railway Station. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Koro, a village where animist and Catholic traditions coexist. We'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by live African Blues music. Overnight in Bobo Dioulasso. B/-/-

Day 10. Bobo Dioulasso -  Ouagadougou
Start the journey back to Ouagadougou in the morning, visiting the sacred crocodile pond and meeting the village chief. Continue to Ouagadougou, where we’ll see the Thomas Sankara Monument, the FESPACO Monument, and the local craft market. Overnight in Ouagadougou. B/-/-

Day 11. Village of Tiebele - departure
Drive to the unique village of Tiebele, located in the southwest of Burkina Faso, once home to the Kassena civilization, the oldest ethnic group in the country, who settled here in the 15th century. The village is renowned for its stunning wall paintings and colorful, windowless traditional houses called ‘sukhalas.’ Visit the royal compounds of Tiebele, the former residence of the community chief, where women continue decorating their homes with intricate artistic designs. After lunch, we will return to Ouagadougou and transfer to the airport to conclude the tour. B/-/-