Expedition to the heart of ancient African empires and
Ogobagna Dogon festival
Ogobagna Dogon festival
MALI
January 26 – February 1, 2027
Mali
Tour to Mali
January 26 – February 1, 2027
Mali
Tour to Mali
expedition to Mali tour to Dogon Timbuktu Djenne mosque Mopti trip to Mali West Africa
tour to Congo, tours to Africa, trekking gorillas
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The heart of West Africa, where adobe mosques rise above dusty streets, and mask dances carry the memory of ancestral spirits...
We'll arrive right in time for the Ogobagna Festival in Bamako — a celebration of Dogon culture in the heart of the capital, where the famous "Emna" Dogon masks come alive in dance. We'll reach the village of Siby among the Mandingo Mountains, where the legendary Mali Empire was born, and witness the dance of the Dozo hunters near the Arch of Kamadjan. Then comes the Tiéblétié dance — an acrobatic mask performance in Fanssira village — and the Bambara mask dance in Dogodouma. And, if all goes well, we'll reach the mysterious city of Timbuktu, the "city of 333 saints," where almost no tourists ever go.
Seven days at the very heart of ancient African empires.
We'll arrive right in time for the Ogobagna Festival in Bamako — a celebration of Dogon culture in the heart of the capital, where the famous "Emna" Dogon masks come alive in dance. We'll reach the village of Siby among the Mandingo Mountains, where the legendary Mali Empire was born, and witness the dance of the Dozo hunters near the Arch of Kamadjan. Then comes the Tiéblétié dance — an acrobatic mask performance in Fanssira village — and the Bambara mask dance in Dogodouma. And, if all goes well, we'll reach the mysterious city of Timbuktu, the "city of 333 saints," where almost no tourists ever go.
Seven days at the very heart of ancient African empires.
The mysterious Timbuktu and the famous clay mosque in Djenne, the majestic Niger River and the Dogon Country that has preserved its culture through the centuries, the sands of the mighty Sahara Desert, animistic rituals and ceremonies.
On this expedition we will meet representatives of the Bambara, Bobo, Bozo, Fulani, Tuareg, Songhai tribes and witness the famous Dogon dances.
On this expedition we will meet representatives of the Bambara, Bobo, Bozo, Fulani, Tuareg, Songhai tribes and witness the famous Dogon dances.
SCHEDULE AND COST:
Dates: January 26 – February 1, 2027
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Number of participants: 6 – 12
Cost FOR MAIN PROGRAM, per person:
– 2 090 EUR subject to 12 participants,
– 2 290 EUR subject to 10 – 11 participants,
– 2 550 EUR subject to 9 participants
– 2 690 EUR subject to 8 participants
– 2 790 EUR subject to 6 – 7 participants.
Cost FOR TIMBUKTU EXTENSION PROGRAM, per person:*
– 2 350 EUR subject to 12 participants,
– 2 690 EUR subject to 10 – 11 participants,
– 3 290 EUR subject to 8 – 9 participants,
– 3 990 EUR subject to 6 – 7 participants.
*The price of a charter flight to Timbuktu is subject to change by the airline without prior notice; the final price will be confirmed before the departure date and might be changed depending on the cost of the charter flight.
**Meanwhile, the operator reserves the right to operate the Timbuktu program using regular flights instead of a charter, subject to availability of suitable tickets and subject to the new schedule, with possible adjustments to logistics, the program, and the cost of the itinerary. Such a program based on regular flight would be longer (3-4 days) and cheaper that the 1-day program with the charter flight. In case of the program with regular flights, the program is subject to confirmation by the client.
* 10% early booking discount (in case you book before August 30, 2026)
Everything is included except for:
- international flight to Bamako roundtrip,
- international medical insurance,
- lunches and dinners, beverages,
- Mali visa (to be obtained at the consulate in Moscow or another city for 50 EUR. The cost may change).
Estimated cost of the flight Moscow – Bamako – Moscow: 900 – 1300 EUR (usually purchased on your own. We advise on purchasing tickets).
Estimated cost of the flight Istanbul – Bamako – Istanbul: from 700 EUR (usually purchased on your own. We advise on purchasing tickets).
Single supplement for main program: 230 EUR (provided throughout the entire itinerary)
TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Mali
Day 1. January 26, 2027 (Tuesday). ARRIVAL IN BAMAKO
Welcome by our team at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation included: Hotel Onomo
Meals included: no
Recommended flights to Bamako:
— Turkish Airlines, depart from Moscow at 14:00 on January 25, stopover in Istanbul, depart from Istanbul in the evening on January 25, arrival in Bamako on the night of January 25–26;
— Royal Air Maroc, depart from Moscow on January 25, stopover in Casablanca, arrival in Bamako on January 26;
— Corsair International, depart from Paris on January 25, arrival in Bamako the same day;
— or any other flight with arrival in Bamako on January 26.
Day 2. January 27, 2027 (Wednesday). OGOBAGNA FESTIVAL IN BAMAKO
During the week of the festival, a Dogon village will be erected in the heart of Bamako to allow craftsmen from the Dogon country and from different backgrounds to exhibit their know-how through artistic works inspired by traditional socio-cultural values. The festival is accompanied by concerts hosted by Malian musical artists, which have given Ogobagna a special cachet. The Ogobagna Festival is also an ideal place for finding the famous Dogon masks called "Emna" — genuine, non-touristy souvenirs.
Accommodation included: Hotel Onomo
Meals included: no
Day 3. January 28, 2027 (Thursday). BAMAKO – OGOBAGNA FESTIVAL – SIBY – BAMAKO (50 km)
After breakfast, we start our day with a walking tour around the hotel toward the Peace and Independence Monument, then continue to the National Museum of Bamako, where the local museum team welcomes us and guides us through the museum and zoological park. After that, we continue to the craft market and the vegetable market of N'Golonina, where virtually everything the country produces is traded.
After lunch, we drive to Siby, between the Mandingo Mountains and the mango trees, where we'll have the opportunity to learn the history of the king who founded the Empire of Mali. Arrival and meeting with local representatives at the shea house (Maison du Karité, where shea butter is produced), the Kamadjan Arch, and the Fanfa Ba cave. After the meal, we rest, and in the evening we attend the dance of the Dozo hunters or the Dagassa mask. We watch the performance until sunset, with the chance to take truly beautiful panoramic photos. Return to Bamako in the evening.
Accommodation included: Hotel Onomo
Meals included: breakfast
Day 4. January 29, 2027 (Friday). BAMAKO – FANSSIRA – BAMAKO (177 km)
After breakfast, we visit the Africa Tower monument, followed by the local sand mining site in Kalaban. After lunch, we drive to the Beledougou district, to Fanssira village, where the mask dance is organised for us. We visit the village and meet our local mask team, called Tiéblétié. Return to Bamako in the evening.
Accommodation included: Hotel Onomo
Meals included: breakfast
Day 5. January 30, 2027 (Saturday). BAMAKO – SÉGOU (230 km)
Morning drive to Ségou. On the way, we stop at the ancient village of Sekoro, by the tomb of Biton Coulibaly's mother, where we'll have the chance to meet the king. We visit the bogolan workshop, where you'll see how indigo dyeing is done on fabric. Check-in at the hotel.
At sunset — a pirogue ride on the Niger River, with panoramic photo opportunities. You'll have the chance to capture the Markala puppets during a performance. The programme also includes traditional dances and performances by giants of African music.
Accommodation included: Hotel Esplanade
Meals included: breakfast
Day 6. January 31, 2027 (Sunday). SÉGOU – DOGODOUMA – BAMAKO (230 km)
After breakfast, we head back toward Bamako, stopping at the bogolan center "N'Domo." Arrival in Bamako, check-in and lunch at the hotel.
We drive to Dogodouma, a small village near Bamako, where we watch a traditional Bambara mask performance. We close the day with a "ballad" boat ride on the Niger River to enjoy the sunset.
Accommodation included: Hotel Onomo
Meals included: breakfast
Day 7. February 1, 2027 (Monday). BAMAKO - FLIGHT HOME
After breakfast, visit the city center: the famous fetish market and artisan bazaar where you can buy masks and souvenirs. In the morning - transfer to the airport and flight home. Or an expanded program with a flight to Timbuktu.
Accommodation included: -
Meals included: breakfast
EXTENSION PROGRAM FOR TIMBUKTU
Day 7. February 1, 2027 (Monday). BAMAKO – CHARTER FLIGHT TO TIMBUKTU – BAMAKO (optional)
Early breakfast and transfer to the airport. Charter flight to Timbuktu in the morning, departing at 6:30, arriving at 10:00. Reception by our local team and a city tour of the "city of 333 saints," the mysterious desert city: the great Djingareiber Mosque and the Sankoré Mosque, the Hamed Baba cultural center, Koranic schools, and the architectural houses of Timbuktu.
Lunch, followed by attending a Tuareg dance with a traditional family. Afterwards, return on a charter flight to Bamako and transfer to the airport or to the hotel (not included).
After dinner, transfer to the airport according to your international flight time.
Accommodation included: no (if this day is used for Timbuktu, the night in Bamako is not included — see "not included" section)
Meals included: breakfast
Recommended flights from Bamako:
— Royal Air Maroc, depart from Bamako on the night of February 1–2, stopover in Casablanca, arrival in Moscow on the morning of February 2;
— Turkish Airlines, depart from Bamako on the night of February 1–2, stopover in Istanbul, arrival in Moscow on February 2;
— Corsair International, depart from Bamako in the evening on February 1, arrival in Paris on the morning of February 2;
— or any other flight from Bamako to any city departing not earlier than 19:00 on February 1.
* The operator reserves the right to change the order of excursions, visits and activities of the program subject to keeping of all activities if possible. It would mainly depend on the flights schedule, weather conditions, actual security situation, as well market days, ceremonies and festivals availability (if any). If some visits and/or tours could not be done due to external conditions, they will be replaced when possible.
** Visit of Timbuktu is subject to current security situation in the region.
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Number of participants: 6 – 12
Cost FOR MAIN PROGRAM, per person:
– 2 090 EUR subject to 12 participants,
– 2 290 EUR subject to 10 – 11 participants,
– 2 550 EUR subject to 9 participants
– 2 690 EUR subject to 8 participants
– 2 790 EUR subject to 6 – 7 participants.
Cost FOR TIMBUKTU EXTENSION PROGRAM, per person:*
– 2 350 EUR subject to 12 participants,
– 2 690 EUR subject to 10 – 11 participants,
– 3 290 EUR subject to 8 – 9 participants,
– 3 990 EUR subject to 6 – 7 participants.
*The price of a charter flight to Timbuktu is subject to change by the airline without prior notice; the final price will be confirmed before the departure date and might be changed depending on the cost of the charter flight.
**Meanwhile, the operator reserves the right to operate the Timbuktu program using regular flights instead of a charter, subject to availability of suitable tickets and subject to the new schedule, with possible adjustments to logistics, the program, and the cost of the itinerary. Such a program based on regular flight would be longer (3-4 days) and cheaper that the 1-day program with the charter flight. In case of the program with regular flights, the program is subject to confirmation by the client.
* 10% early booking discount (in case you book before August 30, 2026)
Everything is included except for:
- international flight to Bamako roundtrip,
- international medical insurance,
- lunches and dinners, beverages,
- Mali visa (to be obtained at the consulate in Moscow or another city for 50 EUR. The cost may change).
Estimated cost of the flight Moscow – Bamako – Moscow: 900 – 1300 EUR (usually purchased on your own. We advise on purchasing tickets).
Estimated cost of the flight Istanbul – Bamako – Istanbul: from 700 EUR (usually purchased on your own. We advise on purchasing tickets).
Single supplement for main program: 230 EUR (provided throughout the entire itinerary)
TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Mali
Day 1. January 26, 2027 (Tuesday). ARRIVAL IN BAMAKO
Welcome by our team at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation included: Hotel Onomo
Meals included: no
Recommended flights to Bamako:
— Turkish Airlines, depart from Moscow at 14:00 on January 25, stopover in Istanbul, depart from Istanbul in the evening on January 25, arrival in Bamako on the night of January 25–26;
— Royal Air Maroc, depart from Moscow on January 25, stopover in Casablanca, arrival in Bamako on January 26;
— Corsair International, depart from Paris on January 25, arrival in Bamako the same day;
— or any other flight with arrival in Bamako on January 26.
Day 2. January 27, 2027 (Wednesday). OGOBAGNA FESTIVAL IN BAMAKO
During the week of the festival, a Dogon village will be erected in the heart of Bamako to allow craftsmen from the Dogon country and from different backgrounds to exhibit their know-how through artistic works inspired by traditional socio-cultural values. The festival is accompanied by concerts hosted by Malian musical artists, which have given Ogobagna a special cachet. The Ogobagna Festival is also an ideal place for finding the famous Dogon masks called "Emna" — genuine, non-touristy souvenirs.
Accommodation included: Hotel Onomo
Meals included: no
Day 3. January 28, 2027 (Thursday). BAMAKO – OGOBAGNA FESTIVAL – SIBY – BAMAKO (50 km)
After breakfast, we start our day with a walking tour around the hotel toward the Peace and Independence Monument, then continue to the National Museum of Bamako, where the local museum team welcomes us and guides us through the museum and zoological park. After that, we continue to the craft market and the vegetable market of N'Golonina, where virtually everything the country produces is traded.
After lunch, we drive to Siby, between the Mandingo Mountains and the mango trees, where we'll have the opportunity to learn the history of the king who founded the Empire of Mali. Arrival and meeting with local representatives at the shea house (Maison du Karité, where shea butter is produced), the Kamadjan Arch, and the Fanfa Ba cave. After the meal, we rest, and in the evening we attend the dance of the Dozo hunters or the Dagassa mask. We watch the performance until sunset, with the chance to take truly beautiful panoramic photos. Return to Bamako in the evening.
Accommodation included: Hotel Onomo
Meals included: breakfast
Day 4. January 29, 2027 (Friday). BAMAKO – FANSSIRA – BAMAKO (177 km)
After breakfast, we visit the Africa Tower monument, followed by the local sand mining site in Kalaban. After lunch, we drive to the Beledougou district, to Fanssira village, where the mask dance is organised for us. We visit the village and meet our local mask team, called Tiéblétié. Return to Bamako in the evening.
Accommodation included: Hotel Onomo
Meals included: breakfast
Day 5. January 30, 2027 (Saturday). BAMAKO – SÉGOU (230 km)
Morning drive to Ségou. On the way, we stop at the ancient village of Sekoro, by the tomb of Biton Coulibaly's mother, where we'll have the chance to meet the king. We visit the bogolan workshop, where you'll see how indigo dyeing is done on fabric. Check-in at the hotel.
At sunset — a pirogue ride on the Niger River, with panoramic photo opportunities. You'll have the chance to capture the Markala puppets during a performance. The programme also includes traditional dances and performances by giants of African music.
Accommodation included: Hotel Esplanade
Meals included: breakfast
Day 6. January 31, 2027 (Sunday). SÉGOU – DOGODOUMA – BAMAKO (230 km)
After breakfast, we head back toward Bamako, stopping at the bogolan center "N'Domo." Arrival in Bamako, check-in and lunch at the hotel.
We drive to Dogodouma, a small village near Bamako, where we watch a traditional Bambara mask performance. We close the day with a "ballad" boat ride on the Niger River to enjoy the sunset.
Accommodation included: Hotel Onomo
Meals included: breakfast
Day 7. February 1, 2027 (Monday). BAMAKO - FLIGHT HOME
After breakfast, visit the city center: the famous fetish market and artisan bazaar where you can buy masks and souvenirs. In the morning - transfer to the airport and flight home. Or an expanded program with a flight to Timbuktu.
Accommodation included: -
Meals included: breakfast
EXTENSION PROGRAM FOR TIMBUKTU
Day 7. February 1, 2027 (Monday). BAMAKO – CHARTER FLIGHT TO TIMBUKTU – BAMAKO (optional)
Early breakfast and transfer to the airport. Charter flight to Timbuktu in the morning, departing at 6:30, arriving at 10:00. Reception by our local team and a city tour of the "city of 333 saints," the mysterious desert city: the great Djingareiber Mosque and the Sankoré Mosque, the Hamed Baba cultural center, Koranic schools, and the architectural houses of Timbuktu.
Lunch, followed by attending a Tuareg dance with a traditional family. Afterwards, return on a charter flight to Bamako and transfer to the airport or to the hotel (not included).
After dinner, transfer to the airport according to your international flight time.
Accommodation included: no (if this day is used for Timbuktu, the night in Bamako is not included — see "not included" section)
Meals included: breakfast
Recommended flights from Bamako:
— Royal Air Maroc, depart from Bamako on the night of February 1–2, stopover in Casablanca, arrival in Moscow on the morning of February 2;
— Turkish Airlines, depart from Bamako on the night of February 1–2, stopover in Istanbul, arrival in Moscow on February 2;
— Corsair International, depart from Bamako in the evening on February 1, arrival in Paris on the morning of February 2;
— or any other flight from Bamako to any city departing not earlier than 19:00 on February 1.
* The operator reserves the right to change the order of excursions, visits and activities of the program subject to keeping of all activities if possible. It would mainly depend on the flights schedule, weather conditions, actual security situation, as well market days, ceremonies and festivals availability (if any). If some visits and/or tours could not be done due to external conditions, they will be replaced when possible.
** Visit of Timbuktu is subject to current security situation in the region.
Cost includes:
- Accommodation in air-conditioned hotels based on TWIN/DBL occupancy
- Breakfasts
- Drinking water along the entire itinerary
- All airport transfers
- All transportation according to the program along the entire route: Bus Toyota Coaster in case of 9 participants or more, Toyota Hiace in case of 8 or less participants, with working AC and experienced driver
- All boats according to the program
- All permits and police documents
- All dances and performances with masks according to the program
- Attending all festivals
- Visits to museums, palaces and excursions, all payments to the local communities
- Visa support
- Armed security in Timbuktu
- Experienced English speaking guide
- Russian and English speaking team leader
- Domestic flight to Bamako – Timbuktu – Bamako (for the EXTENSION PROGRAM)
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
- International air ticket to Bamako roundtrip
- Medical insurance
- Mali visa (to be obtained at the consulate in Moscow or another city for 50 EUR. The cost may change).
- Lunches and dinners
- Beverages
- Tips for guides and drivers
To take with:
- set of clothes fitting weather conditions, one warm set
- long sleeve wear set,
- repellents (is a must!),
- mosquito net for sleeping place (is a must!),
- comfortable closed shoes and open shoes,
- forehead torch,
- big backpack (or bag or small suitcase) for luggage,
- small backpack for personal items and camera,
- sunblock set (cream, sunglasses, cap),
- personal hygiene items (toilet paper, towel, wet tissues, hygiene lipstick etc.),
- personal medical kit (analgesics, sanitizers, antibiotics, your personal medicine),
- yellow fever certificate,
- antimalarial pills (up to you, but recommended)
- photo and video camera
- powerbank
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