Planète Insolite has created an original 11-day circuit
combining two countries, Mali and Burkhina, to discover two very
special African peoples: the Dogons (Mali) and the Senoufos (Burkina).
A pinasse (a trip on a traditional pirogue) trip on the Niger river
will be our transition between the two cultures.
The Dogons settled in/retired to the spectacular cliffs of Bandiagara,
a hostile and remote site, nearly/about ten centuries ago. With unique
particularities and a powerful animist tradition, they are one of the
most fascinating peoples in Africa. They came to live in small villages
hanging off the side of the cliff in order to escape imperialist,
tribal and religious tensions. A region of uncommonly beautiful
landscapes, it is also ideally suited to being visited on foot, so as
to come as close as possible to all those beautifully sculpted granary
doors, incredible/wonderful... Togunas (communal meeting
rooms)…and to meet those exceptional farmers.
You will discover a great many mythical and magical places in the course of this unforgettable, timeless walk.
Our stay in Mali will end in Mopti, a busy and colourful river port, the starting point of our boat excursion to Djenné.
The Bobos, the Banforas and the land of the Senoufos.
The green region in Burkhina offers a contrast with the rest of a
mostly sahelien country: important precipitations, hills and thick
savanna forests.
The Bobo people (7% of the population) has lived there for a very long
time/since ancient times. There are numerous/several groups, among
which the Bobo-Fings and the Bobo-Bwabas. Society is based on lineage
and the Elder holds the power and wisdom.
The four social categories are:
- the farmers (most of the population)
- the artisans (whose crafts are related to the society's animist practices)
- the griot (musician and keeper of the oral tradition) (the shaman)
- the blacksmith
You will meet other tribes such as the Dioulas, renowned tradesmen, in
the colourful markets so characteristic of African life, as well as
Turkas, Gouins or Senoufos (animist farmers)...The Senoufos live in a
beautiful undulating region/beautiful valleys well suited to walking
excursions. Starting in Niansogoni, you will discover the villages
hidden by awe-inspiring cliffs/by the imposing cliffs at the foot of
Mount Tena Kourou (747m).
Finally, as with all our itineraries, you will contribute to a
development project related to the environment: in Burkhina we chose to
support the work of the association "Des Eléphants et des
Hommes".
;)
