New Year in Mali
A full week across Mali's highlights - Bamako, Ségou, Djenné and the Manding country at Siby - ending New Year on the Niger River with Bozo fishermen.
Join us on this unique journey, as we explore some of Mali's highlights — including Djenné and Manding country — and see in the new year on the river with the Bozo people.
Day by day.
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Day 1
27 Dec 2025Bamako
Bamako
- Arrival in Bamako at your convenience
- Meet Papillon guide and driver for pre-tour briefing
- Evening city visits (schedule permitting)
- First night in Bamako
Overnight
Hotel Tamana - AC room
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Day 2
28 Dec 2025Bamako - San
Bamako · Ségou · San
- Morning departure for San
- Stops in local villages along the way
- Lunch in Ségou
- Late afternoon arrival in San
- Stroll through town and visit local mosque
Overnight
Hotel Teriya - AC room
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Day 3
29 Dec 2025San - Djenné - Ségou
San · Djenné · Ségou
- Early drive to Djenné
- Wander old town, koranic schools, mud structures
- Sacred well and Tapama's tomb
- Rooftop climb for Great Mosque views
- Regional Tion Tion lunch
- Afternoon drive back to Ségou
- Malian tea ceremony
Overnight
Hotel Djoliba - AC room
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Day 4
30 Dec 2025Ségou - Bamako
Ségou · Segoukoro · Bamako
- Explore Somono and colonial neighborhoods
- Soroblé bogolan (mud-cloth) center
- Calabash village - learn about fabric transformation
- Visit Segoukoro, former Bambara capital
- Meet village chief for tea
- Afternoon ride to Bamako
- Local dinner
Overnight
Hotel Tamana - AC room -
Day 5
31 Dec 2025Bamako - Niger River
Bamako · Badalabougou · Kalaban Coro · Niger River
- Blacksmiths market - upcycling metal scraps
- Railway station visit
- Puppeteer's workshop
- Boat trip on the Niger to spot fauna
- Meet sand fishermen at Kalaban Coro
- Tea with the fishermen
- Camp on small island with Bozo community
- Homestyle dinner and New Year surprises
Overnight
Niger River island camp - Basic facilities, with Bozo community
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Day 6
1 Jan 2026Niger River - Siby
Bamako · Siby · Manding country
- Return to Bamako, continue to Siby
- Visit the 13th-century Kamadjan Arch
- Sacrificial and consultation caves
- Dogon mask ceremony - elders chant, sacred masks dance
- Evening in the Manding country
Overnight
Campement de l'Arche - Basic facilities
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Day 7
2 Jan 2026Siby - Bamako - departure
Siby · Bamako
- Morning ride back to Bamako
- National Museum
- Grand Marché
- Monument of Independence
- Tower of Africa
- Artisans' market for souvenirs
- Airport transfer
Overnight
Auberge Amassakoul - AC day-use room
What's included
- Breakfast on days 2–7
- Lunch on day 3
- Private transport
- Accommodation
What's not included
- Flight to and from Bamako
- Visa
- PCR test if needed
- Tips for local guide & driver
- Drinks, souvenirs
- Personal expenses
Ready to join this journey?
Tell us your party size and any preferences - we'll come back with availability, a formal quote and next steps.