Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso – at Loropeni – a family compound of Bambara people 2001 DSCN0498

Burkina Faso – Bobo Dioulasso – the Grand Mosque 2002 DSCN0459

Burkina Faso – outside Gaoua – basket weaving compound 2001 DSCN0549

Burkina Faso – Peaks of Sindou – near Banfora – Ron 2001 DSCN0477

Burkina Faso – Ouagadougou – cathedral _2002_DSCN0565

AF-02 This trip was to the heart of West Africa with Mali, Burkina Faso and Benin in 4WDs
Date of travel: Feb 27 – Mar 20, 2002

ITINERARY:
On Feb 27 by a rented car from Vista to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) and then by overnight plane to New York (where I visited the American Museum of Natural History in the Central Park). Another night flight to FRANCE where Mar 1 (sightseeing the center of Paris). It was followed by a flight to Bamako, MALI. From Mar 1 to Mar 8 we were in this country visiting: Timbuktu (flying there, having a Blue Man of the desert, a Tuareg, as the local guide and took a camel ride in the desert), flight to Mopti (where a boat ride on Niger River). From here we continued in 4WDs to Djenne (probably the most interesting city in Mali), then we spent some 3 days exploring the unforgettable Dogon Country. Last town visited in Mali was Segou. Then we crossed border to BURKINA FASO (used to be Upper Volta) where from Mar 8 to Mar 14 visiting: Bobo Dioulasso, Banfora, Gaoua, local villages and the capital Ouagadougou. On Mar 14 the third country BENIN (used to be Dahomey). This is a voodoo country, has fascinated villages and a royal history. We visited places like Natitingou, a royal town Abomey, Cotonou, Quidah and Lake Nokoue, where people live in villages on stilts. Late on Mar 19 overnight flight to Paris then New York and LAX and by rented car back to Vista, where Mar 20.

Travel office: Spector Travel of Boston

Who took part: Total of 7 people traveled in Mali, 6 in Burkina Faso and 4 in Benin. In addition an African guide was with us in all 3 countries. Two 4WDs and their drivers in the first two countries and only one in the third.