GETTING AROUND
Our highly knowledgeable guides are fluent in English, Spanish and French. Travel in a fully air conditioned four wheel drive Toyota Hiace mini Bus or Toyota Coaster 26 seater Bus for a group of 14 passengers.
For our river tours, we use a traditional boat called a pinasse for both river Niger and River Gambia tours, comfortable for 14 passengers with beds on the roof, including well equipped with mattresses and protected with mosquito nets. Featuring a cook aboard for all overnight cruises. Accomodations range from 5 star hotels in the bigger towns to a tented encampment under the stars, or a truly authentic experience spending the night as a guest in the house of a village chief.
Most of our trips are scheduled upon request. In addition to our standard tours, we can also custom design an itinerary to join tribal festivities, local marriage ceremonies or a newborn naming ceremony and other cultural traditions and festivities. Contact us today for the travel adventure of a lifetime!
What to Bring
Africa is like no other place on earth, and the experience of a lifetime. Below are a few things you'll want to know before heading out. We're looking forward to seeing you!
Items You'll Want
- Small backpack to store water/cameras/other necessities when on walking excursions
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellant
- Lip balm
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Adaptor/convertor
- Extra batteries for your electronics
- Small flashlight
- Detergent
- Plastic Ziploc bags
- Money belt
Money
ATMs accepting VISA cards are available in the capital cities. Euros are the preferred foreign denomination for both cash and traveler’s checks – try to keep some small denomination euros along with the local currency, with US dollars as an alternate (although one dollar bills may not be accepted at banks). Also, you may find that a large denomination of any currency is hard get change for from most merchants.
What to wear
In deference to the Muslim culture, modesty is appropriate in dress: comfortable, lightweight clothes with coverage for protection against both mosquitoes and sunburn, good walking shoes, and a warmer sweater for evenings if traveling to the Sahara in the winter.
Requirements
Documentation
You will need a visa for most countries in West Africa, with a passport valid for at least 6 months longer than your visit. Contact the Malian Embassy in your country or a passport services company.
Health
A yellow fever vaccination will be required to obtain your visa. A hepatitis A inoculation, while not compulsory, is always a good idea when traveling in third world countries. Contact your local public health department. Also, an anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended for use as a preventive measure and an antibiotic such as Ciprofloxacin in case of intestinal maladies.
When to Go
July through March is the best time to travel, as the rainy season (July – September) turns the region to its most lush, with the rivers easily navigable. Cooler, drier weather prevails from October to March and is an ideal time to visit. From March to June, the powerful easterly wind Harmattan blows across West Africa, bringing desert heat and dust to much of the area.