Bandiagara Escarpment, Mopti Region in Mali, is a wonderful place that will allow you to admire the most incredible views from the top of a cliff of 1,600 feet. You will enjoy the sun, the clear sky and the breeze from the top. Without a doubt, you will live a unique and unforgettable experience in a few days of excursion through this amazing place.
Things to do
Cliff Tour
The best way to get to know this place is by walking and exploring its corners. It is a quiet and fascinating tour, although you do a little exercise when walking, it is not very demanding. Walking through this site will allow you to feel even the ancient civilizations that belong to the region.
In addition, there are still small towns along the way that you can also visit. Enjoy the journey, the unique landscapes, the spectacular plains, and majestic acacia trees, as well as baobabs rising like giants.
Dogon people
Famous for its distinctive architecture, this ancient town is hidden at the base of the cliff. They still retain their well-known rituals, such as carved wood masks, called “Kanaga”. Undoubtedly, one could say that it is a magical town due to all the legends attributed to their civilizations. To visit this place is to make a trip to the past and be filled with an amazing story.
This town exists due to a geological fault of approximately 200 square kilometers. On the other hand, it was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1989, due to its great cultural and natural importance, in addition to its spectacular architecture.
Arou Temple
It is located in the village of Arou, right on top of the steep. It was built in the fifteenth century, only of wooden land, and is considered one of the most important and oldest religious buildings. Because of this, it is of the utmost importance for the people of the Dogon region. In addition, tourism has also been involved as it is an important destination for tourists visiting the region. You can follow a new path from the plain below to the top to reach the temple while enjoying landscapes and villages
How to get there
Most visitors fly to Bamako, the capital of Mali, which is a good day trip by road from Mopti, the closest city to the Dogon country. You can also fly directly to the nearest airport of the cliffs, Bandiagara Airport (GABD), 1 hour away by car. The buses operated by Bani Transport are good, as are the road between Bamako and Mopti. For a more relaxed trip, take a night rest in Ségou.
When to go
From November to March it is better, avoiding the rainy seasons and the intense summer heat.
How long do I go for
There are tours that you can do a day to get to know the cliff a bit. However, the 3-day excursions will be perfect so you can enjoy and admire the charm of the villages and know their history, live the experience to the fullest.
Opening and Closing Hours
The excursions start from very early in the morning so you can take full advantage of daylight.
Planning
Unless you are an adventurous and independent traveler, organize your walk in the Dogon country through a tour operator. You can spend the nights at local Dogon houses or camping in their villages. Do not forget to book your plane ticket on time, it can be difficult to get them at the last minute. Also, find out about the excursions and the dates on which you want to travel.
Inside Information
You need a visa and a yellow fever vaccination certificate for Mali. If you are offered a cup of local beer, do not forget to pour a little on the ground as an offering to the ancestors. Remember to pack sunscreen and lose clothing, heat can be present.
History
The cliff marks the southeastern edge of the Bandiagara Highlands, a sandstone massif where the Dogons settled sometime around the 15th century. It is said that its origins come from the eastern part of the Niger River. This place was a natural refuge for the Dogon. This is because the rocks were a protection to camouflage their houses made of clay and straw. Before the Dogon settled, civilizations belonged to the Tellem and Toloy, in fact, you can still see some Tellem structures. They used to live on the slopes of the cliff and in caves.
Websites
- www.toungatours.com
- www.sagatours.com
- www.ambamali-jp.org
- www.festival-au-desert.org
Other Nearby Attractions
National Park of Mali
Enjoy a quiet day and relax in this place full of green areas. You can have a small picnic, walk with the family and even pets. The place is very well maintained and clean. Without a doubt, it is a mandatory stop and one of the best places to visit in the city. In addition, you can also access the museum that is at the entrance of the park. Spend a pleasant afternoon and surrounded by the green and charming roads of the site.
Musee National de Bamako
This is a modern museum and is in good condition. Inside, it has a spectacular collection of African art, perfectly exposed. If you tour the museum you will appreciate the history of Mali and it is certain that you will fall in love completely. For lovers of African culture, this is the perfect place. On the other hand, the employees will answer the questions you have, they are nice people and they will make your visit unforgettable.
Great Mosque Of Djenné
It’s known as one of the most important monuments in the country. It is an incredible place, where you can enjoy a great variety of flavors, music, and colors. It is a pleasant surprise both inside and out, it is a visit that is totally worth it. The architecture that is reflected in its interior is a sample of the impressive culture and architecture of the place. At the end of your visit, you can also walk through the market that is located abroad.
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