text Niger River Tours - Sail the Niger River in Mali, West Africa Saga Tours of Mali - West Africa Adventure Travel
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Sail the Niger River—
a soft-adventure experience in the heart of West Africa

Sail one of Africa's great waterways–the Niger River–all the way to the edge of the Sahara Desert and the legendary city of Timbuktu !

Every tour is private, scheduled on dates of your choice; there are no fixed-date, scheduled group departures.

Sailing tours :
11-days Niger Journey to Timbuktu 3 days sailing, 2 nights camping
11-days Mali Explorer tour 2 days sailing, 2 nights camping
12-days Mali Eco-Tour 1 day sailing, 1 night camping
14-days Mali Classic tour 1 day sailing; no camping
15-days Mali Adventure tour 3 days sailing, 2 nights camping


This is not a luxury cruise but rather an "armchair adventure" — you will discover the Niger delta landscape with its varied bird life along the shore, hippos in the river and rural villages with beautiful mosques. Your guide will be on-hand to explain all the sights you will see, and you will be able to briefly visit various village ports-of-call.

Sailing from Mopti to Timbuktu (or the reverse) is the usual itinerary; this generally takes three days of sailing, with two nights' camping on the river bank. Sailing can also begin in Segou, and terminate in Gao; this longer version would take nine sailing days, with additional days to visit Mopti and Timbuktu along the way.

NB: this soft adventure requires bush-camping along the river bank, as there are no hotels, no campgrounds.

Other sailing options include a full-day sailing excursion, or a sunset sail on the Niger River, if camping is not for you.

NB: camping is no frills, sleeping on a ground mattress in a small tent; there are no campgrounds, so no running water, no latrines. Camping in Mali is not recommended for inexperienced campers.


Overnight sailing excursions include:

  • private ground transportation from Bamako to Mopti
  • private pinnace with woven straw roof, latrine, outboard motor and crew
  • camp cook and meals while sailing
  • camping tents with ground mattresses; bring your sleeping bag
  • English-speaking guide



    • Beyond a sailing excursion, complete tour services include the above plus:

  • transfer to town upon arrival at Timbuktu's river port
  • hotel accommodations for remainder of tour
  • continuing services of your guide for remainder of tour
  • visits and touring as per your tour program (to be determined)
  • private ground transportation for the return to Bamako
  • all hotel taxes and local tourism taxes



    • Optional: airport transfer upon arrival/departure in Mali


    Join us for an unforgettable experience — sailing the Niger river through the heart of West Africa !