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Mali & Burkina Faso… The land of the Lost Kingdom
February 06 - February 15, 2026
Led by Professional Tour Lecturer, Mohamed Halouani
Mali, a landlocked country, is split by the Niger River, one of the great rivers of the world. It marks an approximate boundary between the Sahara Desert and the Sahel. Mali means “hippo” in one of the local languages and hippos can be seen during the dry season. Visit Timbuktu, the legendary city, which truly exists on the fringes of the Sahara Desert. Visit the iconic Grand Mosque in Djenne, the largest mudbrick building in the world. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Stroll through the weekly markets in Djenne and Mopti, known to attract thousands of people from Mali’s many tribes. Spend time in Dogon country home to one of the most fascinating tribes in Africa. End your tour at the quaint town of Segou, famous for its musical heritage and boasting a gorgeous setting with the Niger River crossing it and staying at a lovely hotel that overlooks the river.
Walk in the footsteps of scholars and explorers who once gathered in Timbuktu’s grand universities. With its centuries-old mosques, ancient libraries, and manuscripts that tell stories of Africa’s intellectual greatness, Timbuktu offers a unique peek into a time when this city was one of the world’s foremost centers of learning. Explore stunning architectural wonders, including the Djinguereber Mosque, the Sankore Madressa, and the Tomb of Askia. These historic monuments stand as testimony to Timbuktu’s profound influence on the Islamic world and West African empires.
Burkina Faso may not have many big-ticket attractions, but the warmth of its welcome and the friendliness of the Burkinabé people is unique. Wherever you go you will be greeted with a memorable bonne arrivée ('welcome') and a handshake. There is also the lively cultural scene. The capital, Ouagadougou, Burkina's largest and gloriously named citiy, famous for its musical traditions and beautiful handicrafts.
Travel with us to a country with a recent troubled past but is now once again accessible to intrepid travelers who are looking to delve into the amazing diversity of West African culture. This is a journey full of surprises to a land that can rightly be considered truly "off the beaten track" as one of Africa’s most recent additions to tourism.
Can be combined with Niger tour (February 16 - February 23, 2026)
Tour Cost (Land Only):
Per person sharing in double occupancy
Mali 6 - 8 travelers $9,995.00
9 - 12 travelers $8,995.00
Single Supplement: $795.00
B. Faso 1-3 travelers $4,495.00
4-10 travelers $3,495.00
Single Supplement: $495.00
Price based on group size minimum of 6 participants and maximum of 12 participants
Trip Grade: III Lodging Level: **-***
Tour Includes
All transfers and ground transportation in A/C vehicles.
4WD for some parts of the trip and bus on the rest.
Accommodation at mentioned Hotels or similar.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner). And soft drinks with meals.
Daily bottled water on the bus and with meals.
Military escort in Timbuktu and Dogon Country.
Professional English speaking guide throughout.
All visits, taxes & Scout service & entrance to national parks.
Dogon Dance in Mali.
Day-use room on February 15.
Escort of a tour Lecturer throughout the trip (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Gratuities to guide, drivers, and porters (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Tour Does Not Include
International airfare to in and out of Mali.
Visas: Mali (obtainable through Washington DC for $185.00 & Burkina Faso (currently $140.00 – Subject to change).
Any meals not mentioned and alcoholic drinks with or without meals.
Items of a personal nature (camera fees, laundry, emails, excess luggage, etc.).
Transfers if not arriving/departing on scheduled flights/tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules.
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
Travel protection insurance.
(HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Trip Grade:
III Challenging: Parts of the trip are physically challenging, involving hiking on rough terrain, in sand, or at high altitudes. There may be very long drives on rough roads; weather conditions with high heat and/or humidity, and the presence of insects. You may have simple picnic lunches, primitive bathroom facilities along the road and remoteness from modern towns or cities.
II Active: Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides.
Lodging Level:
**Simple: Comfortable yet on the Spartan side, usually small but usually with private facilities. Some stays in private homes or small inns that may lack western style amenities. Few of such smaller hotels may have unexpected poor services (3 stars).
***Superior: Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service and comfort level acceptable to western standards. 3 – 4 stars in the main cities.
