Happy New Year to everyone back in the real world!
We have had a very busy two weeks since our last report from Bamako.
We left Bamako and headed north towards Mopti, where we based ourselves for almost two weeks, for local adventures and excursions...
Our first destination was the small Dogon village of Sanga, which lies on the edge of the Bandiagari Escarpment. We spent the following three days trekking between neighbouring villages and sleeping on the rooftops of their huts, a great experience which was enjoyed by all. It has to be said, though, that hiking in 45 degree heat was not everyone's idea of fun!
Christmas Day was spent in Bandiagari, where we cooked a pig and goat over the open fire, with a lot of help from the very friendly campsite owner. This was definitely a Christmas to remember... after a few drinks, a few games and a few more drinks!
Timbuktu was our next port of call. It took us three days on the Niger River to travel from Mopti to the most infamous place on earth!! We travelled on a local boat, spending the evenings camping on the shores of this huge river, with everyone saying it was a trip they would never forget...
We also visited Djenne, a town boasting with the largest mud mosque in Mali, spending time wandering the narrow streets and keeping local children amused with our fun games and strange-tasting foods!
At this point, five of the guys took the opportunity to do their own thing, heading off to Burkina Faso in local bush taxis, with tins of beans and lots of patience to complete their travels.
New Year was spent at a beautiful bush camp outside Sevare, where we were lucky to meet up with the two Economic Expeditions Trans-Africa trucks. We were also fortunate enough to witness the very impressive Anzalone Brothers fireworks display, while Economic's punch took a few casualties...
After all the festivities and experiences of Mali, we are now in Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou, enjoying the Heat, and camping in the Ok Inn Hotel with its mini-golf course and welcome swimming pool.
We are heading from here into Ghana, as The Ivory Coast is still not safe to travelling through.
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