The Expedition

Once a great desert empire, Mali is a wellspring of West African culture, harboring fascinating spiritual traditions and a host of world-class musicians. Artisans craft everything from intricate wooden doors and carved silver jewelry to hand-painted textiles. In Mali's urban centers, western goods share space with local produce in the market stands, and merchants conduct brisk business on their cell phones. Everyday life in the villages of Dogon country, however, hasn't changed much in centuries. Through an On Assignment project of your choice — Photography, Culture & Arts, or Music & Dance — experience the exhilarating rhythms of Mali.

BAMAKO
2 days. A city where modern enterprise meets traditional ways of life and where tribes from all around the country merge and mingle, Bamako blooms with artistic talent and energy. During our orientation here, we'll learn about the country's history and culture, and get to know the rhythms of Malian life. Set out to Kouroukorokalé to visit pre-historic caves, and see the sacred hut of Kangaba. We'll form our exploration teams and start to experience the places we visit through the prism of photography, culture, or music.

SÉGOU
4 days. Famous for its pottery and lively markets, Ségou showcases the culture of the Bambara, Mali's largest ethnic group. Travel into cotton and calabash fields where farmers tend their crops with hand-made hoes. Explore the colonial quarters of old Ségou and the remains of the 18th-century Bambara kingdom. Pay a visit to a co-op of artisans who craft bogolan, a traditional "mud cloth" hand-painted with natural pigments. Float on a pinasse, or long wooden boat, to the riverside town of Kalabougou to watch artisans make pottery baked in bonfires. In your exploration teams, participate in drumming and dance workshops, apprentice with wood-carvers, or photograph the vivid color and motion of everyday life in Mali.

DJÉNNÉ, MOPTI, AND DOGON COUNTRY
6 days. Travel to Djénné, the oldest city in sub-Saharan Africa, and venture into the Great Mosque, the world's largest mud-brick structure and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Browse the bustling stalls at the famous Monday market. Continue to Mopti, the "Venice of Mali," located on three islands in the inland delta of the Niger River. Sail to fishing villages and watch as local fishermen cast their nets. Visit pottery and jewelry workshops. Then journey to Dogon country where clusters of thatched huts cling to cliff sides some 300 meters high — originally built in the 13th century to elude invading armies. Hike along the escarpment, and follow herders and their flocks to pasture. Step into the home of a hogon, or spiritual leader; attend an indigo-dying workshop; and explore mysteriously painted grottos. Experience age-old rituals, including traditional mask dances.

TIMBUKTU
4 days. Five hundred years ago, the sandy outpost of Timbuktu, perched at the edge of the Sahara, was a thriving economic and cultural center. Here we'll meet Tuaregs, nomads known as "the blue men of the desert," climb onto a camel's back, and ride into the Sahara. Settle into a Tuareg camp for the night, and sleep on handmade rugs. Return to Timbuktu to visit the houses of famous explorers who were drawn to this mystical city. See a mosque built by the medieval emperor Kankou Moussa, and examine 14th-century manuscripts at the Ahmed Baba Institute. In the evenings, sip tea under the stars with the locals as they play music and work on leather, bead, and bronze crafts.

BAMAKO
2 days. Back in the capital, view the archaeological exhibits at the National Museum. Visit the cultural space belonging to Mali's renowned singer Salif Keita. Spend time with children at an orphanage and partake in jam sessions with local artists. Peruse a market where craftspeople create innovative products out of recycled goods. Play soccer and basketball with local teenagers. We'll conclude our adventure by presenting our West African discoveries to the group.

National Geographic Expert

Photographer ESHA CHIOCCHIO began her career as a traveler, documenting the cultures of the world from Timbuktu to Vanuatu. Her photography is a mélange of journalism and documentary and fine art. She has photographed for numerous publications including National Geographic magazine, National Geographic Traveler , and Newsweek, and is a popular instructor for Santa Fe Photography Workshops. Esha served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali from 1997-1999. She will join the July 18 departure in and around Djénné, where she lived as a volunteer.