Day 1: Arrive in Bamako
Start your trip in Bamako, the capital of Mali. After you land, take some time to get a feel for the city. Grab a cold drink at a local café or walk around the bustling markets.
If you have energy after your flight, head to the National Museum of Mali. It offers a great overview of the country’s rich history and culture.
Day 2: Explore Bamako
Today, dive deeper into Bamako. Start your morning by visiting the Grand Marché. It’s colorful, busy, and the perfect spot to practice your bargaining skills.
Afterward, swing by the Point G Hill for panoramic views of the Niger River snaking its way through the city. It’s a quiet spot to escape the fast pace of the day.
In the evening, check out some live music. Bamako is known for its lively music scene, and venues like Africa Club are a good place to catch local bands.
Day 3: Bamako to Ségou
Leave Bamako early and head toward Ségou, a charming town by the Niger River. It’s a 4-hour drive but totally worth it for the relaxed riverside vibe.
Once you arrive, spend the afternoon wandering through town. Ségou has a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of small shops and art studios where you can meet local artisans.
In the evening, take a sunset boat ride on the Niger. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of traveling.
Day 4: Explore Ségou
Ségou was once the capital of the Bambara Kingdom, and there’s still plenty of history to explore. Visit the colonial-era Governor’s Office and check out some traditional mud-brick architecture.
Don’t miss a visit to nearby villages like Kalabougou, famous for its pottery. If you’re a fan of learning from locals, this is a great chance to see the pottery-making process firsthand.
Day 5: Ségou to Djenné
Today, continue your Mali journey to the town of Djenné. Known for its UNESCO-listed mosque, this small town is one of Mali’s most unique destinations.
Once you arrive, take it easy and explore the town’s narrow streets. You’ll find plenty of cool viewpoints to snap pictures of the famous mud-brick architecture here.
Day 6: Discover Djenné’s Famous Mosque
This morning, visit the Grand Mosque of Djenné. It’s one of the largest mudbrick buildings in the world and absolutely stunning. You can’t enter, but it’s well worth admiring from the outside.
If you happen to be there on a Monday, you’ll also get to experience the colorful market that takes place right outside the mosque. People from nearby towns come to trade everything from spices to silverware.
Day 7: Djenné to Mopti
After breakfast, head to Mopti, about a 2-hour drive from Djenné. Mopti is often called the “Venice of Mali” because it’s located at the confluence of the Niger and Bani rivers.
Spend the afternoon wandering along the riverside, watching the pirogues (long canoes) ferry goods across the water. If you’re up for it, you can even take a boat ride to nearby fishing villages.
Day 8: Mopti and Dogon Country
From Mopti, take a day trip to Dogon Country. The Dogon people are one of the most fascinating ethnic groups in Africa, and their cliffside villages are remarkable.
It’s a scenic drive and the hiking here is top-notch. You’ll get to see traditional homes built into the cliffs, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a traditional masked dance, one of their most famous cultural practices.
Day 9: Mopti to Hombori
Head out early to reach Hombori. This is a great spot for travelers who love nature. The rugged landscape is dominated by rocky mountains, including Hombori Tondo, which is the highest peak in Mali.
In the afternoon, take a guided hike through the area. The views here are spectacular, and if you love geology or photography, this will be a highlight of your trip.
Day 10: Return to Bamako
It’s time to head back to Bamako. The drive from Hombori is long, about 9 hours, but you can break it up with stops at smaller villages along the way.
Once you arrive in Bamako, treat yourself to a relaxing evening. Grab some dinner at a local restaurant and reflect on all the amazing things you’ve experienced over the past 10 days.
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