Bandiagara, Mali
Walking through Dogon country in Mali is a unique experience and a chance to learn about the local culture through visiting the traditional villages with unique encounters. The Dogon people live near the Malian city of Bandiagara and the Bandiagara Escarpment which runs for 150 km.
This is an arid sandy area on one side of the escarpment and the Bandiagara Highlands on the other and the Dogon are one of the best preserved local cultures in the world. Along the cliffs are tiny ancient houses inhabited by the Tellem people who inhabited the area before the Dogons. Since the fourteenth century the Dogons have continued their cultural, religious and artistic traditions and a walk through the villages is an excellent way to see the way of life and experience the hospitality of the locals.
Getting a good guide is essential as they are able to provide a detailed insight into the animist religion and traditions. The area is shaped by the Dogon and their dramatic architecture are impressive features on the landscape and the trekking paths follow the centuries old paths and stone steps that have been used for hundreds of years.
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