5-Day Family-Friendly Adventure Road Trip in Gao, Mali

Day 1: Gao Exploration

Gao, Mali

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Le Karite

Start your day with a traditional Malian breakfast including porridge and fresh fruit at this local favorite.
Walk down to Le Karite, just a 5-minute ride from your accommodation.
CFA2500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Gao Grand Mosque

Explore the impressive Gao Grand Mosque, known for its distinct architectural style and historical significance.
Head northwest for about 10 minutes to reach the mosque.
CFA0, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Ride along the Niger River

Enjoy a scenic motorcycle ride along the banks of the Niger River, taking in the lush landscapes and local wildlife.
Take the riverside road south for about 30 minutes.
CFA0, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Le Koran

Savor a delicious selection of Malian dishes including Tiguadege Na (beef with tomato sauce) for lunch.
Return to Gao and ride to the restaurant, about 20-minute ride.
CFA6000, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Relax at Parc National du Niger

Spend your afternoon unwinding at this national park with your family, admiring the beautiful flora and fauna.
A short 15-minute ride from the restaurant.
CFA2000, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Le Koran

Return to Le Koran for dinner, indulging in grilled fish and couscous while reflecting on your day.
Ride back, approximately 10 minutes.
CFA7000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Tombouctou

Tombouctou, Mali

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Le Karite

Enjoy a repeat of yesterday's breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead.
Return to Le Karite, 5-minute ride.
CFA2500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Motorcycle Ride to Tombouctou

Set off on a thrilling motorcycle ride to Tombouctou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a journey filled with stunning views.
Head north on Route 14 for approximately 3 hours.
CFA0, 3 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at La Maison du Sale

Upon arrival, have lunch at La Maison du Sale, trying their local specialties.
Find the restaurant along the main street in Tombouctou.
CFA6000, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Djinguereber Mosque

Take a guided tour of the famous Djinguereber Mosque, one of the oldest in West Africa, and learn about its rich history.
Just a short ride away, 5 minutes.
CFA2000, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Timbuktu Museum

Visit the Timbuktu Museum to discover captivating exhibits on the region's cultural heritage.
A leisurely 8-minute ride from the mosque.
CFA3000, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Maliba

Wrap up the day with a traditional Malian dinner featuring Maafe (peanut stew) at Restaurant Maliba.
Ride to the restaurant, approximately 10 minutes.
CFA7000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Douentza

Douentza, Mali

8:00 AM

Breakfast at La Maison du Sale

Fuel your day with pancakes and fresh juices at La Maison du Sale before departing Tombouctou.
Simple 5-minute ride to the restaurant.
CFA3000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Motorcycle Ride to Douentza

Hit the road for an exhilarating ride to Douentza, filled with scenic landscapes and opportunities for picturesque stops.
Head east on Route 16 for about 4 hours.
CFA0, 4 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Le Pont

Stop for lunch at Le Pont with their famous chicken yassa, a favorite among travelers.
Located just off the main route in Douentza.
CFA5000, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Local Markets

Explore Douentza's local markets where you can interact with friendly locals and find unique artisanal crafts.
A quick ride of about 10 minutes from the restaurant.
CFA0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at Hotel

Settle down and relax at your hotel, giving the family time to refresh after a day of traveling.
Return to your accommodation, approximately 5 minutes ride.
CFA0, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Le Pont

Enjoy a delightful dinner of grilled skewers and fresh salad at Le Pont.
Same location as lunch.
CFA6000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Day in Gao

Gao, Mali

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, including options like eggs and local breads.
On-site dining.
CFA4500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Tomb of Askia

Explore the historic Tomb of Askia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about its rich history.
A short ride, approximately 10 minutes southwest.
CFA2000, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Local Art Galleries

Visit local galleries featuring traditional Malian art, offering a unique look at the culture and history.
Ride back to the city center, about 10 minutes.
CFA0, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Pizzeria Andiamo

Take a break and enjoy a mix of Italian-influenced dishes, such as pizza and pasta.
5-minute ride downtown.
CFA6000, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Participate in a Cooking Class

Engage in a family-friendly cooking class where everyone can learn how to make local dishes together.
A short ride to the cooking venue, 10 minutes.
CFA8000, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Pizzeria Andiamo

Enjoy your culinary creations along with additional local dishes for dinner.
Return to the restaurant, approximately 10 minutes from the cooking class.
CFA8000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Return to Bamako

Bamako, Mali

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast at your hotel as you prepare for your journey home.
On-site dining.
CFA4500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Depart for Bamako

Hit the road early for the ride back to Bamako, filled with beautiful views all around.
Take Route 16 back for about a 9-hour ride.
CFA0, 9 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Le Restaurant de l'Hotel Azalaï

Finish your trip with a special farewell dinner at this upscale restaurant, enjoying a variety of Malian dishes.
Dine at your hotel in Bamako.
CFA10000, 2 hours
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