Dogon Trek
Trip Start
Mar 11, 2009
1
14
55
Trip End
Jan 05, 2010
Where I stayed
Auberge Kansaye
Bandiagara, Mali
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Dist cov. = 68.9 km
Day One - Picked up by 4 cars to take us to our starting point. The cars were pretty much shells, in mine only the water temp meter on the dashboard seemed to be working. Walked down the Bandiagara Escarpment to the village of Begnimato, where we got to see the ways the old hunters used to work. Continued walking to where we would have our lunch stop in a local village, the scenery/landscape is absolutely amazing and visually stunning. The rocks along the escarpment overlooking the sandy flat lowland to the south and able to see for many kms. Stopped briefly in Dourou for the market before continuing on to Nambori to camp on the roof. Had the opportunity to watch the village perform their end of millet harvest dance. Where the men drumming were the farmers and the women were thanking them by dancing and singing.
Dist walked = 15 km
Day Two - Had a tour of the village in the morning, up to the rock face and exploring where the spirtual Dogon would've lived. Speedy had organised for a cart pulled by a cow to carry our bags, which we were very grateful due to the 40C+ heat at around 9-10am. Walked to Tireli where we had lunch and waited until 3pm when the village chief came to walk us up to where we would watch the Mask Dance being performed. This was an initation for the younger boys, as this was the first time they'd worn their masks on. I feel very priveleged to have seen this dance, something I think everyone should try to witness. Thinking of words to describe the 45 min performance...amazing, fascinating, stunning, colourful. Continued on walking to Ireli to stay and celebrate Sarah's birthday.
Dist walked = 14 km
Day Three - Walked for 3km to Banani, where we had the enjoyable task of waiting till the heat of the day passed so we could climb up the Escarpment. Some climbed up early while some took taxis, cars or motorbikes to the top. The climb up to Gogoli wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be, taking only 45 mins or so, but upon reaching the top we had to climb into 2 sweatboxs (vans) for the journey back. Went through Sanga before arriving back in Bandiagara for a night of festivities organised by Gary, whilst we were walking. Best experience of the trip, re-affirming that this was the best decision I had made to come on this trip.
29th - Headed to the border stopping at Bankass for lunch and driving through Koro before going over the border. Long drawn out wait on the Burkina Faso side of the border, stopped at Tiou for cold drinks before bush camping.
Dist cov. = 165 km
