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Festival On The Niger Extension
Celebrate music, folklore and dance at one of Mali's most famous festivals
Celebrate music, folklore and dance at one of Mali's most famous festivals. The Festival on the Niger takes place in the ancient Bambara capital of Ségou. Its name pays homage to Africa's third longest river, but the festival is a kaleidoscope of the rich cultural tapestry that this region has to offer. Past musicians to have played at the Festival of the Niger include such esteemed Malian artists as Salif Keita, Bassekou Kouyate and Abdoulaye Diabate. Our three days of music, storytelling, workshops and dance are sure to provide a wonderful finale to any West African adventure.
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Tour Highlights
- Festival of the Niger
Inclusions
Transfers from and to Bamako Airport, accommodation, return transport from Bamako, local guide, meals as indicated and entry pass to festival.
- 4WD vehicle
- Private vehicle
- 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Festival On The Niger Extension
Day 1
Bamako
Meals Privided:
Today is an arrival day. On arrival at Bamako International Airport you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of your day will be at leisure. Sights of interest in the Malian capital include the Grande Marché – a veritable rabbit warren of food stalls, clothing and household goods, spread over several city blocks. Whilst not for the faint-hearted, a visit to the fetish stalls is sure to guarantee unforgettable and bizarre sightings. We visit to the exceptional Musée National (National Museum), with its stunning collection of masks, textiles and ancient artefacts. Set amid tranquil, leafy grounds the museum is an excellent introduction into Malian life and also houses a wonderful bookshop and restaurant.
Day 2-4
Ségou - Festival on the Niger
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch
(Driving time: approx 3 hours)
This morning we depart Bamako for a three-hour drive to Ségou (235 km), where we check into our hotel. Ségou is located on the banks of the Niger River and has a languid slow-paced charm with wide avenues and faded colonial building tell the story of its rich and varied history. The various artisans such as pottery makers, rug weavers and producers of local millet beer reflect its diverse cultural traditions. During the festival, the riverbank comes alive with exhibitions, dancing, theatre and puppet performances, storytelling and craft displays. Founded in 1852, this town of nearly 100,000 people was the capital of the ancient Bambara Kingdom and has an undeniable charm and has inspired numerous writers and historians. Over three magnificent days and nights we get to experience the best of Malian song and dance, as well as workshops, poetry recitals and storytelling along the banks of the Niger River. Now in its fourth year, this festival focuses on 'local knowledge and the environment' and this theme is constant throughout the festival, including in the art exhibitions, mask-making demonstrations and puppetry displays. Whilst the program is rich and diverse in its offerings the main drawcard is still the music, as esteemed artists from Mali and other parts of West Africa converge on a custom-built floating pontoon on the Niger River to entertain an audience lined along the riverbank. Previous artists to have played at the festival include the extraordinary Salif Keita, Abdoulaye Diabate, Bassekou Kouyate and Oumou Sangare. Our three days and four nights spent at the spectacle that is the Festival on the Niger is sure to be a unique experience and an unforgettable climax to our Malian adventure.
Day 5
Bamako
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
(Driving time: approx 3 hours)
An early start to our final day as we return to Bamako. We arrive back in Bamako before noon and this is where our tour ends. If you are departing Bamako today please do not book a departing flight before 2pm. Additional accommodation and transfers can be pre-booked as required.
IN A NUTSHELL
5 days
$1,495
TOUR INFORMATION
| Start | End | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 16/02/2012 | 20/02/2012 | $1,495 |
| 14/02/2013 | 18/02/2013 | $1,495 |
