Bicycle Africa
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Bicycle Africa |
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Unique Programs To Special Places For Memories Of A Lifetime!
For those seeking a green vacation, while meet people and gain a better understanding of the world, Mali is an excellent destination. Participants stay in rural villages, learn about day-to-day life, meet artisans, health care personnel, educators and government officials, visit historic and cultural sites, and relax on the river. Highlights of the program are visits to Mopti and Djenne, multiple markets, the fascinating enclave of the Dogon people (with its many sacred sites) and a truly extraordinary riverboat trip on the Niger River.
The “Mali Sahel Journey” program is a perpetual favorite: Mali has a rich history and flourishing indigenous cultures. Early in the trip we spend a couple days taking a lift down the Niger River on a working riverboat. As we make friends with our fellow passengers, some heading for Timbuktu, the boat stops in town and village along the way delivering goods and picking up local produce -- to be dispatched further on. It is a fascinating and unique experience that you will remember for a lifetime. The bicycling is in a historic/cultural triangle bounded by Mopti, Djenne and Bankas, which only shows serious marks of Western culture at the corners.. We travel village to village, sharing roads and tracks with, and learning about, the Bambara, Dogon, Peule, Songhai, Bobo, Bozo and people of other local ethnic groups. Traditionally, each group had a distinctive role in economic life. The architecture, lifestyle, and human activity are all incredible “eye-candy” to look at. Making our way through this largely non-motorized society by our own non-motorized transport is a moving experience. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the heart of Africa. After the program it is easy to extend your exploration of Mali with a visit the historic city of Timbuktu.
Program Fact Sheet
Schedule:
October-December (see full schedule and status)
With enough lead time, custom individual and group departures can be arranged.
Contact us for more details.
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more): US$1490
(less than six people add $100) (travel
to Mali and Timbuktu extension are not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program $100 plus or minus $50
(Timbuktu extension is not included).
Description: Day 1-2: Explore Bamako. Day 35: Travel by riverboat on the Niger
River to the commercial center of Mopti. This is one of the world's most fascinating boat
trips. Day 6-7: Cycle to and visit historic Djenne, see its renowned market and mosque.
Day 8-12 Cycle and walk through the isolated and beautiful Dogon country, staying in
villages. Day 13-14: Return to Bamako.
[Optional extension - Day 14-15: fly to the ancient city of Timbuktu (Tombouctou)
and return to
Bamako.]
Features: Small group, self contained bicycle and boat tour. We explore the
lifestyle of the 'Sahel', including a once- in-a-lifetime boat trip on the Niger River,
visits to the fascinating, culturally rich Dogon/Djenne/Mopti region. We will
meet members of the Bamana (agricultural), Tuareg (nomadic), Dogon (agricultural), Bozo
(fishing) and Peul (pastoral) ethnic groups.
Starting/Ending Point: Bamako, Mali.
Skill Level: Suitable for fit Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced.
Mileage Daily / Total: 18-55 miles / 500km, 300 miles
Cycling Conditions: Flat, 60% paved roads, 40% dirt/sand/rock, some rough roads.
Accommodations: Small hotels and "village camping" (some rustic conditions), no bush
camping. This is one of our most "off-the-beat-track" programs and will take you
furthest from the influences of western civilization.
Van Support: None. Local transport is generally available.
Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner (meat, chicken, rice,
beans, pasta, potatoes, tomatoes).
Other Activities: river boat, local canoe, walking (5km, 3 miles), bus
Bike: Mountain bike recommended. Bike Rental: Not
available.
Registration Information
Unique Programs To Special Places For Memories Of A Lifetime!
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write if you have questions, suggestions and comments about our program or want to be
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