Guinea-Bissau, Mali & Senegal cultural festival holiday
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Basic information
Location: Mali, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau
Date: 24 February 2011
Duration: 12 days
Group size: 7-18 people
Price: From £1993 - £2147 (depending on the group size). Including full-board and transport. Excluding flights. Single supplement from £254.
Location: Mali, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau
Date: 24 February 2011
Duration: 12 days
Group size: 7-18 people
Price: From £1993 - £2147 (depending on the group size). Including full-board and transport. Excluding flights. Single supplement from £254.
What will I be doing on this trip?
On this 12 day holiday you will travel across three of the most fascinating countries in West Africa to take in their cultural differences, natural habitats and historical sites. In Mali, the capital Bamako awaits with its vibrant markets, UNESCO World heritage sites and beautiful islands on the Niger River. The Bedik and Bassari tribes of South-Eastern Senegal will welcome you into their villages and teach you the fundamentals of their belief systems deeply rooted in animistic traditions. In Guinea-Bissau you will travel across forgotten borders, interact with tribes living in the mangroves, island hop to witness the endangered sea Hippos and finally participate in the Bijagos tribal carnival. A holiday to remember!
The company who operates this tour not only has more than 23 years experience in the area, but has also helped organisations such as National Geographic and The Discovery Channel with their local expertise.
On this 12 day holiday you will travel across three of the most fascinating countries in West Africa to take in their cultural differences, natural habitats and historical sites. In Mali, the capital Bamako awaits with its vibrant markets, UNESCO World heritage sites and beautiful islands on the Niger River. The Bedik and Bassari tribes of South-Eastern Senegal will welcome you into their villages and teach you the fundamentals of their belief systems deeply rooted in animistic traditions. In Guinea-Bissau you will travel across forgotten borders, interact with tribes living in the mangroves, island hop to witness the endangered sea Hippos and finally participate in the Bijagos tribal carnival. A holiday to remember!
The company who operates this tour not only has more than 23 years experience in the area, but has also helped organisations such as National Geographic and The Discovery Channel with their local expertise.
My holiday itinerary...
Day 1: Bamako
Arrival at Bamako, the capital of Mali. Assistance at airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Western Mali
Brief visit of Bamako and departure for one of the less visited part of the country. Road and tracks will lead us through a large expanse of savannah spotted by large baobabs. Arrival in the evening at Manantali.
Day 3: Lake and islands
Manantali Dam has created a lake long more than 40 miles and large between 3 and 5 miles. The water, rich in fish, has attracted the Bozo (fisherman ethic group) that has settled in villages on the edges of the lake. With them we will take an excursion on a motorised canoe and visit the remote settlements. The lake is edged by escarpments and small creeks. Different kinds of islands merge in the lake: just rocks, flat islands covered by lush tropical vegetation and large mountains with vertical ridges emerging from the water like monoliths.
Day 1: Bamako
Arrival at Bamako, the capital of Mali. Assistance at airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Western Mali
Brief visit of Bamako and departure for one of the less visited part of the country. Road and tracks will lead us through a large expanse of savannah spotted by large baobabs. Arrival in the evening at Manantali.
Day 3: Lake and islands
Manantali Dam has created a lake long more than 40 miles and large between 3 and 5 miles. The water, rich in fish, has attracted the Bozo (fisherman ethic group) that has settled in villages on the edges of the lake. With them we will take an excursion on a motorised canoe and visit the remote settlements. The lake is edged by escarpments and small creeks. Different kinds of islands merge in the lake: just rocks, flat islands covered by lush tropical vegetation and large mountains with vertical ridges emerging from the water like monoliths.
Afternoon departure to cross one of the more remote areas inhabited by the Malinke tribe, we will follow an old “vanished” track used in colonial times and today covered by vegetation, in a geographical environment where the arrival of “foreigners” is a rare event. Camp near a small village made of circular adobe huts covered with conical “grass roofs” where the traditional chief will receive us. Evening drumming and traditional dances around a large fire in the centre of the village.
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Day 4: The forgotten track
We will follow a small track to climb the Tambaoura escarpment crossing canyons and rocky hills that hide beautiful villages with their adobe dowels decorated in bas-relief. The Mandé area located between Mali and Senegal is called Bambouk. A great part of the gold that made the caravans which left Djenné, Timbuktu, and Oualata in direction of the Mediterranean famous came through here.
The villagers: Peul and Malinke come to greet the rare traveller passing through and invite us to visit their huts. The road will bring us to the border with Senegal consisting of the river Falémé. From the river a new road will bring us to Kedougou and its comfortable hotel on the banks of the Gambia River.
Day 5: Bedick and Bassari animist tribes
Discovery of the remotest ethnic groups in Senegal. Protected by mountains and rivers, at the border of Senegal and Guinea lives the last animist tribes of the country: Bedick and Bassari. These people try to preserve their original African culture and animistic religion; totally surrounded by en environment more and more under the pressure of islamisation.
Early morning departure for the village of Ibel to start a 40 minutes steep walk that brings us over the mountain to Iwol village. In XII century the ancestors of Bedick immigrated from Mandé (Mali) to the actual territories. With the rapid growth of Mali Empire and its internal and external wars some minority groups were forced to emigrate to survive, and this eastern region isolated and protected by nature had been the ideal final settlement for them.
We will follow a small track to climb the Tambaoura escarpment crossing canyons and rocky hills that hide beautiful villages with their adobe dowels decorated in bas-relief. The Mandé area located between Mali and Senegal is called Bambouk. A great part of the gold that made the caravans which left Djenné, Timbuktu, and Oualata in direction of the Mediterranean famous came through here.
The villagers: Peul and Malinke come to greet the rare traveller passing through and invite us to visit their huts. The road will bring us to the border with Senegal consisting of the river Falémé. From the river a new road will bring us to Kedougou and its comfortable hotel on the banks of the Gambia River.
Day 5: Bedick and Bassari animist tribes
Discovery of the remotest ethnic groups in Senegal. Protected by mountains and rivers, at the border of Senegal and Guinea lives the last animist tribes of the country: Bedick and Bassari. These people try to preserve their original African culture and animistic religion; totally surrounded by en environment more and more under the pressure of islamisation.
Early morning departure for the village of Ibel to start a 40 minutes steep walk that brings us over the mountain to Iwol village. In XII century the ancestors of Bedick immigrated from Mandé (Mali) to the actual territories. With the rapid growth of Mali Empire and its internal and external wars some minority groups were forced to emigrate to survive, and this eastern region isolated and protected by nature had been the ideal final settlement for them.
Iwol is the largest and a well conserved Bedick village, located on a mountain it can only be reached by foot. A tall sacred tree protects the village that is inhabited by 4 different large families (clans): Keita the family of chiefs, Camara and Samoura the families that organize ceremonies and dances and Sadiakou the clan in charge of the traditions. Bedick women have interesting adorns: a complicated hairdo with plait, adorned with beads, strings of coloured glass beads and in the nose a porcupine spike.
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Return to the vehicles and depart direction east. In the afternoon, arrival to the Bassari villages and start our visit. Our guide will be Mr. Balingo a learnt Bassari that will introduce us to the culture of his people. Research on DNA says that Bassari origin is in the Bantu group from Central Africa and coastal regions of the Gulf of Guinea. The cycle of life of the Bassari follow the ancestral calendar which follows the rhythm of the seasons, the periods of initiations. Each person belongs to his initiation group and shares a common brotherhood. The Bassari live in tiny villages in a rocky hill environment, villages are governed by the “elder’s council” and large drums announce ceremonial days and important decisions. Overnight near a Bassari village. Dinner will be a traditional Bassari meal based on Fonio grains vegetables and meat (our cuisine is also available).
Day 6: Forgotten borders
A lost track will bring us to a hidden corner of the Republic of Guinea and we will then cross into Guinea Bissau border. Guinea Bissau is an old Portuguese colony, one of the poorest and isolated countries in West Africa, which became independent in 1974 after long guerrilla that opposed the PAIGC (Soviet oriented independence organisation lead by Amilcar Cabral) to Portugal de Salazar. Evening arrival to the small town of Bafata.
Day 7: Mangrove tribes
Visit the remote South-East of Guinea Bissau, difficult to access due to the rivers, mangrove swamps, islands and peninsulas. Exploration of the area to discover the more remote ethnic groups.
Day 8: Bolama a “lived-in” ghost capital
Morning driving to discover the region, in the afternoon we will leave our vehicle to cross a canal with a local motorize boat and reach Bolama. Bolama was the former capital of Portuguese Guinea before the capital was moved to Bissau in the 40's.
Indigenous inhabitants live in this town which is slowly being taken over by vegetation. Built with the plan of the 'roman castrum’ with straight avenues, large squares, fountains, gardens, administration buildings and governor's palace, all in original colonial style, that have never been maintained.
This vanishing town, with its monuments from the colonial time, has an 'out of time' decadent atmosphere that becomes more intimate in the night when hundreds of petrol lamps illuminate the traditional life of those who live there.
Day 9: Sea Hippos
We will take a speed boat out to the ocean, and continue our trip in direction of the legendary archipelago of Bijagos.
Day 6: Forgotten borders
A lost track will bring us to a hidden corner of the Republic of Guinea and we will then cross into Guinea Bissau border. Guinea Bissau is an old Portuguese colony, one of the poorest and isolated countries in West Africa, which became independent in 1974 after long guerrilla that opposed the PAIGC (Soviet oriented independence organisation lead by Amilcar Cabral) to Portugal de Salazar. Evening arrival to the small town of Bafata.
Day 7: Mangrove tribes
Visit the remote South-East of Guinea Bissau, difficult to access due to the rivers, mangrove swamps, islands and peninsulas. Exploration of the area to discover the more remote ethnic groups.
Day 8: Bolama a “lived-in” ghost capital
Morning driving to discover the region, in the afternoon we will leave our vehicle to cross a canal with a local motorize boat and reach Bolama. Bolama was the former capital of Portuguese Guinea before the capital was moved to Bissau in the 40's.
Indigenous inhabitants live in this town which is slowly being taken over by vegetation. Built with the plan of the 'roman castrum’ with straight avenues, large squares, fountains, gardens, administration buildings and governor's palace, all in original colonial style, that have never been maintained.
This vanishing town, with its monuments from the colonial time, has an 'out of time' decadent atmosphere that becomes more intimate in the night when hundreds of petrol lamps illuminate the traditional life of those who live there.
Day 9: Sea Hippos
We will take a speed boat out to the ocean, and continue our trip in direction of the legendary archipelago of Bijagos.
The archipelago is composed of 16 inhabited islands, and dozens of small deserted islands. Between an island and the other, the low tide uncovers large sand banks. The colours of the archipelago have a primitive beauty.
The intense green of the forest covers Orango Island; the white sand of the beaches host only birds, brown rocks contrasting with the blue of the ocean. |  |
Our boat will follow a Bolong (natural canal) in the mangrove swamp and if we are lucky we will spot the unique “salt water Hippos”.
Day 10: Bijagos tribal carnival
Arrival on the island of Bubaque for a unique carnival composed of spectacular tribal masks that come from all the islands of the Bijagos archipelago. A unique chance to encounter hundreds of masks, fetish sculptures, ritual dancers and traditional warriors gathering in one of the most spectacular tribal celebration in West Africa.
Day 11: Bissau Carnival
Our speed boat will bring us to Bissau to participate in the Carnival mask parade. An unforgettable mix of Portuguese culture and African magical sensibility to masks. In the crowd of the “Festa Popular”.
Day 12: Bissau departure
Free time and free meals. Transfer to the airport and assistance.
Day 10: Bijagos tribal carnival
Arrival on the island of Bubaque for a unique carnival composed of spectacular tribal masks that come from all the islands of the Bijagos archipelago. A unique chance to encounter hundreds of masks, fetish sculptures, ritual dancers and traditional warriors gathering in one of the most spectacular tribal celebration in West Africa.
Day 11: Bissau Carnival
Our speed boat will bring us to Bissau to participate in the Carnival mask parade. An unforgettable mix of Portuguese culture and African magical sensibility to masks. In the crowd of the “Festa Popular”.
Day 12: Bissau departure
Free time and free meals. Transfer to the airport and assistance.
Note: The itinerary cross fascinating areas where the arrival of foreigners is a rare event. Travellers must be prepared for poor hotel maintenance, road conditions, and general administration. Fuel, water and power shortages are common and many items are not available. Intelligence and flexibility are the right attitudes to full enjoy the experience, the spontaneous hospitality that the local people will offer us, and to appreciate the mystery, metaphysics, architecture, ceremonies, life philosophies, magic and religious behaviours that these peoples will be ready to share with us.
Additional information
Guide: With a very good knowledge of the areas and the ethnic groups.
Transport: 4x4 air-conditioned cars and minibus. Motorised local canoe on the Lac of Manantali and to Bolama. Speed boats to the Bijagos archipelago.
Vaccinations: Yellow fever: mandatory. Cholera: not requested at the moment, please check at the departure time. Treatment against malaria: absolutely necessary.
Visa: Needed single entry visa for Mali, Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau
Bivouacs: Tropical tents and mattresses provided by the organization. The collaboration of the participants is appreciated.
Meals: At lunch: cold meals (picnic). Dinner at camps: hot meals prepared by our cook; French, Italian or South African wine will be served. Diner in Hotels: prepared by the hotel.
Luggage: Maximum Weight: 20 kg. each participant.
Guide: With a very good knowledge of the areas and the ethnic groups.
Transport: 4x4 air-conditioned cars and minibus. Motorised local canoe on the Lac of Manantali and to Bolama. Speed boats to the Bijagos archipelago.
Vaccinations: Yellow fever: mandatory. Cholera: not requested at the moment, please check at the departure time. Treatment against malaria: absolutely necessary.
Visa: Needed single entry visa for Mali, Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau
Bivouacs: Tropical tents and mattresses provided by the organization. The collaboration of the participants is appreciated.
Meals: At lunch: cold meals (picnic). Dinner at camps: hot meals prepared by our cook; French, Italian or South African wine will be served. Diner in Hotels: prepared by the hotel.
Luggage: Maximum Weight: 20 kg. each participant.
How does this holiday make a difference?
Travellers experience
The populations the guests get in touch with whilst travelling in the different countries are mostly friendly and the long experience in Africa of the team has created many relationships and friendships to guarantee true and emotional experiences for travellers, even in the most secluded villages.
The operator considers tourism as a professional activity and they are very responsible in order to guarantee the safety of our customers such as convenient transportation, adequate food preparation, security, etc.
The guides are either bilingual or trilingual, and are extremely knowledgeable of the destinations culture, rites and social values so as to make your trip as informative and smooth as possible.
Environmental responsibility
When camping, in order to not have an impact on the local environment, gas is used instead of wood for fires and for heating.
A policy has been set up which trains staff to make sure that the guests do not leave any rubbish or ‘alien material’ behind when leaving the camp, but also great attention is paid to leaving the least traces possible when visiting the places on the itineraries.
Water use is limited to the bare essentials. Water from wells is used for washing and cooking, and mineral water for the guests.
Cultural responsibility
The traditional festivals of the countries in which journeys are organised are true and not "for tourists". This is the tour operators specific "quality trademark": to offer to the travellers the occasion for a contact still genuine with the daily reality of the populations they get in touch with, and with the several traditional ceremonies, that have remained almost unaltered.
The tour operator is committed to the conservation of the cultural heritage of the local populations destinations visited during the tours. Measures are taken to minimise the negative effects of tourism, and respect is always shown during the visit.
Economic responsibility
All of the operators sub directors, guides, drivers, mechanics, cooks and administrative staff are locally employed and they have set up various training schemes in order to benefit them with useful skills.
Most of the ingredients used for cooking are locally produced and sourced so as to benefit the local producers and offer an authentic experience to our guests.
Social responsibility
Often people are tempted to give money to children... since they see them in trouble and it is often the first thing they ask for. But giving money directly can have serious consequences because the amount a Westerner can give is often much more then what the father earns, and this can create serious imbalances.
It is advised to guests to give pencils and pens, exercise-books and paper as these will be useful at school. If anyone wants to donate money, better to give it to parents or to the chief of the village. Also sweets, biscuits, and other foods are not recommended, because even if children love them, when the tourists are gone they become needs that cannot be satisfied.
Where is it?
Travellers experience
The populations the guests get in touch with whilst travelling in the different countries are mostly friendly and the long experience in Africa of the team has created many relationships and friendships to guarantee true and emotional experiences for travellers, even in the most secluded villages.
The operator considers tourism as a professional activity and they are very responsible in order to guarantee the safety of our customers such as convenient transportation, adequate food preparation, security, etc.
The guides are either bilingual or trilingual, and are extremely knowledgeable of the destinations culture, rites and social values so as to make your trip as informative and smooth as possible.
Environmental responsibility
When camping, in order to not have an impact on the local environment, gas is used instead of wood for fires and for heating.
A policy has been set up which trains staff to make sure that the guests do not leave any rubbish or ‘alien material’ behind when leaving the camp, but also great attention is paid to leaving the least traces possible when visiting the places on the itineraries.
Water use is limited to the bare essentials. Water from wells is used for washing and cooking, and mineral water for the guests.
Cultural responsibility
The traditional festivals of the countries in which journeys are organised are true and not "for tourists". This is the tour operators specific "quality trademark": to offer to the travellers the occasion for a contact still genuine with the daily reality of the populations they get in touch with, and with the several traditional ceremonies, that have remained almost unaltered.
The tour operator is committed to the conservation of the cultural heritage of the local populations destinations visited during the tours. Measures are taken to minimise the negative effects of tourism, and respect is always shown during the visit.
Economic responsibility
All of the operators sub directors, guides, drivers, mechanics, cooks and administrative staff are locally employed and they have set up various training schemes in order to benefit them with useful skills.
Most of the ingredients used for cooking are locally produced and sourced so as to benefit the local producers and offer an authentic experience to our guests.
Social responsibility
Often people are tempted to give money to children... since they see them in trouble and it is often the first thing they ask for. But giving money directly can have serious consequences because the amount a Westerner can give is often much more then what the father earns, and this can create serious imbalances.
It is advised to guests to give pencils and pens, exercise-books and paper as these will be useful at school. If anyone wants to donate money, better to give it to parents or to the chief of the village. Also sweets, biscuits, and other foods are not recommended, because even if children love them, when the tourists are gone they become needs that cannot be satisfied.
Where is it?
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To discover more about Guinea-Bissau, click here.
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To Discover more about Senegal, click here.
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