MALI

January 30 – February 8, 2026
(January 30 – February 12, 2026)
Mali
Tour to Mali

Dates: January 30 – February 8, 2026 (January 30 – February 12, 2026)

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights (14 days / 13 nights)

Number of participants: 6 – 12

Cost FOR MAIN PROGRAM, per person:
  2 590 EUR subject to 12 participants,
  2 890 EUR subject to 10 – 11 participants,
  3 090 EUR subject to 8 – 9 participants
  3 290 EUR subject to 6 – 7 participants.

Cost FOR TIMBUKTU EXTENSION PROGRAM, per person:
  1 940 EUR subject to 11 – 12 participants,
  2 140 EUR subject to 10 participants,
  2 290 EUR subject to 8 – 9 participants,
  2 490 EUR subject to 6 – 7 participants.

* 10% early booking discount (in case you book before August 30, 2025)

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: 350 EUR (provided throughout the entire itinerary)

Single supplement for Timbuktu extension: 160 EUR (provided throughout the entire itinerary)


TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Mali

Day 1. January 30, 2026 (Friday). ARRIVAL IN BAMAKO

Arrival in Bamako with international flight, pick-up from the airport transfer to the hotel Columbus for rest.
There is nice swimming pool in the hotel to fresh yourself after the long way.

Meals included: no
Accommodation included: Hotel Columbus or similar


* Recommended flights to Bamako:
— Ethiopian Airlines, depart from Moscow at 21:30 on January 29, stopover in Addis Ababa 5 hours, arrives in Bamako at 14:40 on January 30, or
— Turkish Airlines, depart from Moscow at 13:55 on January 30, stopover in Istanbul 2 hours 30 minutes, arrives in Bamako at 1:00 a.m. on January 31, or
— Royal Air Maroc, departs from Moscow at 7:35 am on January 30, layover in Casablanca 10 hours 40 minutes, arrival in Bamako at 0:55 am on January 31, or
— any other flight with arrival in Bamako anytime on January 30, or in the night from January 30 to January 31.


Day 2. January 31, 2026 (Saturday). 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 our socio-cultural values. This day, on Saturday, Dogon mask dances are expected to be released, as per the program.
Bandiagara is not safe nowadays, and we have unique chance to witness Dogon dance named Dogogo right here. The Ogobagna Festival is also an ideal place for selling Dogon masks, called "Emna".
Dogon being named “people from the Sirius” is one of the most unique tribes in Africa. Their animistic beliefs, masks and costumes are one of the most remarkable in the world and look really extraterrestrial. We will see very special dance and will be explained about all masks that participate.
Besides, we will attend the concerts hosted by Malian musical artists who have given Ogobagna a special cachet.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Columbus or similar


Day 3. February 1, 2026 (Sunday). BAMAKO – SIBY – YUGUBA MASK DANCE – BAMAKO

After breakfast, we drive to Siby.
Reach Siby town, Malinke (or Mandinka) Country. The Malinke are descendants of Mali Empire that extended from present day Senegal to Niger.
Upon arrival, we take a walk in the village. While lunch, between the Mandingo Mountains and the mango tree, we will have the opportunity to learn the history of the king who founded the empire of Mali.
After lunch, we explore natural wonders, such as the Arch of Kamadjan and the Consultation Cave. We do small hike to the arch, the panoramic point, and the sacred cave under the arch of Kamadjan.
We will attend the Yuguba mask dance of Mandinka people. This dance will be performed in front of famous Arch of Kamadjan until sunset, with the possibility of taking best panoramic photos. Comeback to Bamako in the evening.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Columbus or similar


Day 4. February 2, 2026 (Monday). BAMAKO – TIÉBLETIÉ DANCE IN FANSSIRA VILLAGE – BAMAKO

After breakfast at hotel at 8:00 a.m., we start our day with walking tour in direction of peace and independence monument. Continuation to the national museum of Bamako, arrival and visit to the museum with local team. After, we continue to the craft market and the vegetable market of N’Golonina then we return to the hotel for lunch around 1:30 p.m.
We will reach very photogenic place – the shores of Niger River in the suburbs of Bamako to see how local Bozo tribe extracts sand for construction in a traditional way.
In the afternoon, we drive to the north from the capital, to Beledougou district, where the village of Fanssira we will witness Tiebletié dance. This dance is not that old, but is performed in masks and based on great acrobatic techniques. The villagers get around in the shade under the huge tree to stare the dance and listen to traditional balafon music.
Back to Bamako late in the evening, chance to have best ice cream in Mali.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Columbus or similar


Day 5. February 3, 2026 (Tuesday). BAMAKO – SEKORO – SÉGOU

Morning drive to Segou. Visit the ancient village of Sekoro (Segoukoro) on the way and get a look at the beautiful adobe mosque of Biton Coulibaly's mother, as well as his own tomb and former Palace. At midday, the sunrays blaster the space of the palace and you will take your best pictures. We will start our visit of Sekoro with the meeting the king (chief).
Arrival in Segou, visiting the famous bogolan traditional factory to discover how indigo dyeing is done on the fabric.
Sunset walk across on the Niger quay where you can catch beautiful pictures.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Esplanade or similar


Day 6. February 4, 2026 (Wednesday). FESTIVAL SUR LE NIGER IN SÉGOU

After breakfast, we will attend the current events of the Festival Sur le Niger which takes place annually in Segou. Festival Sur le Niger is an annual music and arts festival that features a variety of traditional music and dance performances, as well as works by local craftsmen. One can also buy handmade goods here: textiles, jewelry, paintings. Another attraction is the many stalls selling traditional Malian food.
For 2026 Festival Sur le Niger is scheduled for February 3 – 8, so we are flexible for 2 days with our program in Segou. We will have opportunity to make beautiful pictures of African art and traditional dances. Great African musicians are also on the agenda. We will stay all day today at Segou to fully participate in festival activities and contemporary art. 

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Esplanade or similar


Day 7. February 5, 2026 (Thursday). SÉGOU – MOPTI

After breakfast, early check-out from our hotel and drive to the Mopti. Check-in in the hotel upon arrival.
After early lunch, visit Mopti – «the melting pot» of Mali. This beautiful city attracts many visitors with its river port which remains an inevitable crossroads for trade. Visiting canoe workshops and see the process of making pirogues by the local's hands. Walking across the river port and the bustling fish market where many of Mali's ethnic groups come to trade: Bambara, Bobo, Bozo, Dogon, Fulani, Tuareg and Songhay. Visit to the Djuma Mosque of Mopti named Kamaguel – one of the finest examples of adobe architecture. We can also see it from one of the neighboring roofs of the local houses.
Transfer to the harbor area. Boat trip along the Bani and Niger rivers until sunset. We will see Sudanese style mosque made of banko in one of the small villages on the opposite bank, and thousands of traditional boats. Today you will come up with an idea why we call it "Malian Venice".
Late swim in the pool of our hotel, dinner and overnight.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Flandre or similar


Day 8. February 6, 2026 (Friday). MOPTI – GANGA VILLAGE OF BOBO – BLA VILLAGE OF BOZO – SAN

After breakfast, departure for San, the Bobo country.
Halt in Ganga village. Here we will get into acquaintance with Bobo people, who are pejoratively called "dog eaters". Being animists, Bobo live in traditional dwelling built among beautiful granaries, hidden graveyards, mud brick common houses and mighty baobab trees.
Short stop on the bridge over the Bani River in the village of Bla where we can meet Bozo people – traditional fishermen of Mali.
Arrival and check-in at the hotel. In the evening, we attend traditional dance ин the local people in the village of San.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Santora 


Day 9. February 7, 2026 (Saturday). SAN – SÉGOU – BAMBARA MASK DANCE IN DOGODOUMA – BAMAKO

After breakfast, short visit to San city. We will also visit the big mosque of San, the local market and depart for Bamako.
Enroute, in Segou, we may visit famous bogolan center “N’Domo, if we have missed to do so on the way there. 
Transfer directly to Dogodouma for Bambara mask dance. Dogodouma, a small village around of Bamako where we will organize the traditional mask dance of Bambara during 1-2 hours.                                                                                                                                                                                      
Upon return back to Bamako, we close our day by ride ‘ballad’ on the Niger River to enjoy the sunset.                                                                       

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Columbus


Day 10. February 8, 2026 (Sunday). BAMAKO – RETURN FLIGHT

After breakfast, visit the city center, famous fetish market and artisanal market for masks and other souvenirs.
Early in the afternoon transfer to the airport for an international flight back home.

* Or 2 days extension program for Timbuktu is possible starting from February 9, 2026 (Monday).

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: no

* Recommended flights from Bamako:
— Ethiopian Airlines, departs from Bamako at 11:00 a.m. on February 8, stopover in Addis Ababa 2 hours 15 minutes, arrives in Moscow at 7:50 am on February 9, or
— Turkish Airlines, departs from Bamako at 2:10 a.m. on February 9, stopover in Istanbul 3 hours, arrives in Moscow at 18:40 on February 9, or
— Royal Air Maroc, departs from Bamako at 1:55 a.m. on February 9, stopover in Casablanca 16 hours 10 minutes, arrives in Moscow at 06:35 am on February 10, or
— or any other flight which departs from Bamako to any city on February 8.



EXTENSION PROGRAM FOR TIMBUKTU


Day 11. February 9, 2026 (Monday). Bamako – Timbuktu

Breakfast in our hotel in Bamako and early flight to Timbuktu. At 10 in the morning arrival in one of the mysterious desert cities in Africa. Reception by our local guide and transfer to the hotel.
After lunch at the restaurant or with local family, we will attend a traditional dance of Tuareg called «Takamba» in the evening. 

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Hendrina Khan


Day 12. February 10, 2026 (Tuesday). Timbuktu

After breakfast, exploring the city of «333 saints» with the great Djigareiber mosque and walking through Sankoré Madrasa – one of three ancient centers of learning located in Timbuktu. Visit the Hamed Baba cultural center, Koranic schools and architectural houses of Timbuktu. Unique experience in sanctum sanctorum for every traveler!
Camel ride in afternoon.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Hendrina Khan


Day 13. February 11, 2026 (Wednesday). Timbuktu

After breakfast, another day for city tour with the armed security.
Nowadays, like centuries ago – the city is surrounded by a heavy mist of mystery. Almost no tourists get there anymore since the Tuareg started demanding their own independent country.
Visit to the Sidi Yahia mosque, the Alfaruk monument, monument of the martyrs of March 26, 1991 and monument of the flame of peace.
After lunch visit to the Yobu Tawo market and the house of artisans. Overnight at hotel Hendrina Khan.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Hendrina Khan


Day 14. February 12, 2026 (Thursday). Timbuktu – Bamako – Departure flight back home

Upon arrival in Bamako, you could stay in the airport for your international fight or come to hotel Columbus for waiting for your evening flight (no check-in included this day, but you are welcome to use nice hotel’s swimming pool).

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: no

* Recommended flights from Bamako:
— Ethiopian Airlines, departs from Bamako at 11:00 a.m. on February 13, stopover in Addis Ababa 2 hours 15 minutes, arrives in Moscow at 7:50 am on February 14 (extra night in Bamako is needed and to be paid), or
— Turkish Airlines, departs from Bamako at 2:10 a.m. on February 13, stopover in Istanbul 3 hours 10 minutes, arrives in Moscow at 18:40 on February 13, or
— Royal Air Maroc, departs from Bamako at 1:55 a.m. on February 13, stopover in Casablanca 16 hours 10 minutes, arrives in Moscow at 06:35 am on February 14, or
— or any other flight which departs from Bamako to any city not earlier than at 20:00 on February 12.


* 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.