Dogon Country is one of the highlights of West Africa. The Bandiagara Escarpment, a 200-kilometre sandstone cliff running through the heart of this region, shelters a string of villages built into the rock face by the Dogon people over centuries. Their culture, with its elaborate mask dances, animist ceremonies, and distinctive mud-brick architecture, has survived here largely because the terrain kept the outside world at bay.
The main reason to come is to hike from village to village along the escarpment, sleeping in basic guesthouses and getting to know Dogon life at walking pace. You will need a local guide, and you should plan at least two days to get beyond the most visited spots. One-day treks are possible but barely scratch the surface.
Bandiagara is the most common starting point, a dusty town with transport connections to Mopti. Sanga, 40 km to the northeast, sits right on the escarpment and offers shorter loop hikes. Bankas at the southern end is quieter and has more relaxed guides. Djiguibombo, reachable from Bandiagara, gives access to the villages of Ende, Teli, and Kani Kombole.
If you get the chance, try the local millet beer, served from a shared gourd. It is strong and the hygiene is rustic, but it is part of the experience. Ask before taking photographs of people.
