Mali - Festival of the Desert

This special festival tour begins its journey in Ghana. We explore the Kumasi markets, the Baobeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, and walk with the elephants in Mole National Park. Into Burkina Faso, we overnight at lively Ouagadougou, before continuing on to Mali, home to the Dogon people, and the Tuaregs. We trek into the heart of the Dogon Country and witness life on the mighty Niger River as we travel between Mopti and the fabled ancient trading town of Timbuktu. Here there is the chance to ride into the Sahara on a camel safari to overnight with the Tuareg people. Then it?s on to Essakane, a small oasis in the Sahara Desert, which becomes the stage every year for the colourful and vibrant Festival of the Desert. Artists from not only Mali?s eight regions, but also other Africa countries join together to present their art in what always proves to be an unforgettable experience. We spend three days at the festival, soaking up the atmosphere and taking in the beat of Mali. Next stop Djenné with its famous ancient mud mosque and fascinating Monday market, before our journey comes to an end in the bustling Malian capital of Bamako.