BOOK NOW at www.imaginative-traveller.com or CALL 0845 287 0769MALI67ItineraryDay 1-2 / Bamako - Kalabankoro Arrive anytime in Mali's capital, Bamako. In the evening, delve deeper into West African rhythms via a drumming session. After free time in the morning, we head out to Kalabankoro to visit a local school and micro-credit organisation - two of Mali's development initiatives.Day 3-4 / Bamako - Mopti Drive to Mopti, with brief stops to admire the adobe buildings of the former riverside capital of Segou and at a small village to watch shea butter being made. The following day, explore Mopti, the 'Venice of Mali', including the grand mosque and bustling port replete with salt slabs arriving from Timbuktu. Get amongst the swirl and colour of the ladies' market.Day 5 / Niger River Take a classic journey by local 'pinasse' down West Africa's grandest river. Watch the sun set over tiny fishing villages and spend a night camping on the river's remote banks.Day 6-7 / Djenne Arrive in Djenne in the morning and visit the colourfully adorned Fulani at a nearby village in the afternoon. The following day, wander through Djenne's rich mix of tribes at the Monday market beneath the huge mud walls of the Grand Mosque. The afternoon is free to wander this exotic river-island city. We camp on the rooftops in the heart of the old town.Day 8-9 / Dogon Country Trek down the escarpment into the Pays Dogon and walk through this wondrous region of the fascinating Dogon tribe. See Tellem houses built into the cliffs of Bandiagara, elaborate rock paintings, wooden sculptures and famed masked dancing. The mythology, architecture and culture of this area are truly astounding, and to learn about them in such remote, unusual climes is a rare and special experience. Trek over flat sandy terrain from four to six kilometres per day and spend nights sleeping beneath the stars on village rooftops.Day 10-11 / Mopti - Bamako Trek out of the Dogon. Say farewell to those continuing on to Burkina Faso then take your unescorted private transfer to Mopti. After a night in a hotel, board a flight to Bamako, where the tour ends on arrival.Mali Magic 11 daysDiscover magnificent Mali - the epitome of west Africa.We trek West Africa's finest trail, following the Bandiagara Escarpment, home to intriguing cultures, fabulous legends and staggering views of the surrounding countryside. Trek through the eye-popping Dogon country, camp nights on rooftops under the stars and revel in the history and lively culture of Mali, from the fabled grand mosque of Djenne to the colourful markets of Mopti.Trip InfoDeparture DatesGroup size: Maximum 24.Grade: Culture Remote / Trekking Moderate.Transport: Custom-built safari vehicle, Riverboat.Accommodation: 7 nights camping, 2 nights Dogon Village rooftop, 1 night hotel.Meals: 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners.Start Day: Tuesday End Day: FridayTour code: GAMMNEWStart FinishStart Finish201113-Sep 23-Sep08-Nov 18-Nov201203-Jan 13-Jan28-Feb 09-Mar20-Mar 30-Mar

For detailed departures, itineraries and prices please visit our website68BENIN / TOGO / GHANAItineraryGold Coaster 10 daysVoodoo rituals and distinct local cultures on this remote adventure.From a golden stretch of Ghana coast, travel by magnificent villages, mountains views, butterfly-strewn forest and waterfalls, and on to the seat of ancient kingdoms, the birth place of voodoo and the fetish markets of Togo. It's hot work on the trail, so a dip at the beautiful Kpime Falls is well-earned luxury. Afterwards, we keep well off-the-beaten-track by staying at a remote mountain abbey. Trip InfoDeparture DatesDay 1 / Kokrobite Beach Arrive in Accra anytime and head to Kokrobite Beach: swim, surf, wander and kick back with happy, easy going locals. Big Milly's, our beach camp, is local legend and a great first port of call in West Africa.Day 2-3 / Acra - Kpalime - Mt Agou Cross the border into Togo and head into the steamy green forest and orange dirt roads of Kpalime. In the morning, trek through local villages with magnificent views to the summit of Mt Agou. On return, we stop at the beautiful Kpime Falls for a refreshing swim. Keep an eye out for chameleons and butterflies on this fascinating 4 hr walk. We stay two nights in a remote mountain abbey.Day 4 / Klouto - Abomey Get up early - morning is the best time of day to see the butterflies and beautiful views at Klouto. After leaving the cool mountains we cross the border into Benin and continue to Abomey.Day 5-6 / Abomey - Ganvie Stilt Vilage Visit the Palace of Abomey, the former royal seat of the Dahomey kingdom. Take a boat out to Ganvie stilt village, set on a huge lake on the border with Nigeria. Watch life unfold by the tranquil waters and stay overnight in a thatched home on stilts.Day 7 / Ouidah Experience the shuffling, writhing, drumming and music of Voodoo while watching a ceremony in its birthplace. See the temple of pythons where snakes are revered and learn about the mystical and largely misunderstood practices of Voodoo. Walk the 'Avenue of Slaves' and see the 'Door of No Return' at the beachfront.Day 8 / Togovile - Lome Cross back into Togo and visit the cathedral and voodoo shrines of Togoville. Continue to the capital, Lome, where we visit the local fetish market - filled with the bizarre and often gruesome ingredients used by voodoo practitioners.Day 9-10 / Kokrobite Beach (Acra) We cross back into Ghana and spend our final days relaxing at Kokrobite beach. Please book additional accommodation or a departure transfer if you'd like, at the time of booking.Group size: Maximum 24.Grade: Culture Remote / Trekking Moderate.Transport: Custom-built safari vehicle, Riverboat.Accommodation: 7 nights camping, 1 night hotel, 1 night stilt village.Meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners.Start Day: Wednesday End Day: FridayTour code: GAGCNEWStart FinishStart Finish201105-Oct 14-Oct30-Nov 09-Dec201225-Jan 03-Feb21-Mar 30-Mar11-Apr 20-Apr