Things to see and do Mopti And Dogon Country

2 km southeast of Djenné, you can visit Djenné Djeno, the archaeological site of the old Djenné. Before visiting the museum, it is advisable to visit the museum, located in the cultural mission. It gathers a collection of beautiful pieces, mainly pottery and statuettes, updated as a result of archaeological excavations on the Djenné Djeno site. Although research continues, most of the site appears to have delivered its secret, thanks to the work of Susan and Roderick MacIntosh, between 1977 and 1981.

By demonstrating that Djenné Djeno was already a thriving city before the first Arab merchants were installed, they discovered the oldest known city in sub-Saharan Africa. The first occupation, highlighted by the traces of the wall in a circle around it, was dated, thanks to carbon 14, to 250 years BC According to the extracted elements, Djenné Djeno was already an important crossroads of trade around 800 BC and housed several thousand inhabitants. Its golden age would be in the th century.

The city occupies an essential place in river traffic and caravans from West Africa until the beginning of the th century. In the th century, trade eroded, to the benefit of Djenné. It was at that time that it suddenly abandoned. Several hypotheses have been established to try to explain this phenomenon. But for many, the site's desertion would have been programmed to appease the powerful Muslim elite, offended by the city's past pagan practices. If the two sites had to coexist at a time, the influence of Muslims probably forced the entire population to emigrate to Djenné, a devout city.

Built on a small hill on the edge of the Niger, the archaeological site is devoid of buildings. Foundations are even difficult to identify without the explanations of an excellent guide (the best, in this case, being the leader of the cultural mission). The remnants of pottery, over seven centuries old, on which we can still see geometric shapes and drawings, are impressive. They litter the soil at a loss of sight, so you cannot avoid walking on it. Curious feelings!

Hosted by Amadou Anagaly Dolo, this agency is a real reference. She is specialist in Dogon country.

We strongly recommend this agency. Whatever circuit (organized or à la carte), you will not have a bad surprise. The team led by Issa Ballo is very professional. The 4 x 4 are in very good condition.

The market takes place every Monday in front of the mosque. It is very colourful and brings together all the merchants in the region. On Sunday evening and on Monday morning, multitudes of canoes, carts and trucks are tributary to Djenné. The stalls then filled millet, rice, dried fish, kola nuts, dairy products, salt bars, fabrics and loincloths. Part of the market is reserved for fulani shepherds selling their livestock. For the day of the fair, the peuhl women have beautiful gold jewelry, silver and amber. This is the best time to take them in photo, wearing loincloths and colourful boubous, touching and wearing gigantic earrings and rings in the nose. We really advise visitors to find themselves in Djenné that day, even though, in the high season, the number of tourists nights a little with the usual charm. In this context, it is advisable to arrive one day or two before, to be sure to find a room.

It is located in the west of the city. This cemetery dates from the French occupation of 1893. It is not of particular interest.

He is also known as the Moroccan well. This well was built by one of the Moroccan sovereigns of the city in the th century, as a gift to his favorite wife who did not accept to draw water with the other concubines. There are many legends about it. It would be a refuge for a protective genius in the city and would fill water when the city is under threat. It would also make it possible to communicate directly with Fez or to predict the future. Finally, water on Thursdays and Fridays would help to treat a large number of diseases.

During the construction of the city, the presence of the evil in the places was that any built house would drop immediately. . was studied then. The latter came to the conclusion that, in order to avoid evil, a vierge young virgin girl had to be sacrificed, otherwise the prosperity of the city could not be assured. The spell named the young Djénépo Tapama to be living in.

This is where the Islamic conqueror El Hadj Omar Tall disappeared in 1864.

The market is held every Thursday. It is the place of meetings of the peoples of the region, and a good opportunity to find beautiful things.

Built in 1933 by the Djenné masons under the direction of an administration clerk, this mosque has the same aspect as that of Djenné. Its renovation was funded by Prince Aga Khan IV.

The port is the busiest place in the city. The isolation of the northern regions makes the inland waterway very popular from Mopti, where water levels permit navigation throughout the year. The harbour is always crowded with canoes and pinasses. One of its parts is occupied by a repair and repair site for canoes. Around it is daily a market for dried or smoked fish. You can also observe the unloading of pinasses from Taoudéni mines, loaded with salt bars.

This small village on the road to Douentza is about 30 km after the ferry.

You can stop at the Ténéré camp for breakfast (see chapter «Tombouctou»).

Village on the cliff of Gandamia. A jewel of the th century songhai culture, this village is renowned for its thirty-three natural sources and the abundance of game in the forest of Inani. Very difficult to access.

Good agency. It offers various excursions in Dogon country and can organise solidarity trips. Circuit rates vary according to the number of days and people. For a circuit in motor pinasse, count 400 000 FCFA to link Timbuktu (3 days), 700 000 FCFA for Gao (7 days). This price includes fuel, meals and tents for the night. As for the rental of vehicles, prices are between CFAF 30 000 and CFAF 60 000.

This excellent guide from the village of Endé carried out visits with journalists and reporters. Circuit from Mopti or Bamako, on foot, by car or in 4 x 4 Dogon.

He is called Jacques Chirac, because he is the leader of the guides and loves politics. Honest, he knows very well the city and its history, but it is a little more expensive than others. If you are several, do not hesitate to negotiate.

We strongly recommend this specialist guide on Djenné. Moctar is a true knowledge well, it can also organize circuits off the beaten tracks (Markala, Macina, Saro, Say…).

We recommend this guide that can also greet you in your family. 2 500 CFA per night on the roof and 3 000 FCFA in a ventilated chamber.

This guide can be found at the hotel du Repos du Dogon.