The tour starts in Bamako, straddling the banks of the Niger River. It is from here that African music first leapt from the bars and clubs of the bustling Malian capital to the stages of Paris and the world as a whole. Mali moves to its own unique beat and to this amazing sound track we will explore the ancient trading towns of Djenné and Timbuktu, as well as witness life on the Niger River. Explore on foot the unique culture and villages of the Dogon People. Walk with the elephants in Mole National Park and hang out with the sacred monkeys at Baobeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary. This trip showcases the music, the people and the cultural diversity that makes West Africa so special.

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.

Soak up the atmosphere at Mali’s Festival on the Niger – with music, dancing and storytelling – it is an event in the West African calendar not to be missed. From the bustling Malian capital of Bamako, we head to Djenné, home to the famous mud mosque and Monday market. We witness life on the Niger River as we travel between Mopti and the ancient trading town, and mysterious and fabled Timbuktu. We explore the unique culture and villages of the Dogon people on an overnight trek, gaining an insight into their life and old traditions. Then it is time to move to the beat of Mali at the Festival on the Niger in Segou, capital of the ancient Bambara kingdom. And as we continue on to Ghana, we walk with the elephants in Mole National Park and see the sacred monkeys at Baobeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary.

This a true taste of West Africa. From chilled out days on the boat trip to Timbuktu to the frenetic dancing of the local cultural group on the beach in Ghana. You will walk though the tree tops on the canopy walk in the rainforest of Kakum National Park, and through the sands of the Sahara with the Tuareg. See animals on foot in Mole National Park and discover the amazing world of the Dogon People in Mali. From the sand dunes of the Sahara to the beaches on the Atlantic coast, this is a tour of great diversity, and gives you a real insight into the complexity and friendliness of West African society.

This grand adventure is truly one of contrasts. Watch life slide by whilst retracing ancient trading routes on course to the mystical gateway to the Sahara - Timbuktu. Visit the ancient city of Djenné and its famous mud mosque. Stretch your legs whilst exploring the unique villages of the Dogon people. Walk with the elephants in Mole National Park and with the animals and birds of the rainforest in Kakum National Park. Explore deserts, rainforests, mountains, valleys, and beaches. See the sights in vibrant cities and sleepy villages, dance to West African rhythms or learn to beat a drum. Above all else, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes that make this region unique.