Bandiagara
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Bandiagara

Bandiagara

Dusty Dogon country gateway where travellers arrange guides for treks along the sandstone escarpment

Bandiagara is the gateway to the Bandiagara Escarpment, a 200-kilometre sandstone cliff that shelters the Dogon villages. The town itself is dusty and functional, but it is where most travellers arrange guides and supplies before heading out on multi-day treks along the escarpment.

Because the region is remote and transport is infrequent, few tourists make it here. Those who do find that the Dogon culture, with its elaborate mask ceremonies, hypnotic dances, and cliff-face architecture, has changed remarkably little over the centuries. Arrange your guide and provisions in town, then head for the escarpment. The Monday market is worth timing a visit around if you have flexibility.

Note that the security situation across Mali's Sahel region has been unstable since 2012. Check current travel advisories before planning a trip.

Guide

Getting There

Bush taxis and minibuses run to and from Mopti. The trip takes about one and a half to two hours and costs around 2000 CFA. Travel is easiest on Mondays and Fridays, which are market days, when there is more traffic on the road.

Guide

Things to Do

Bandiagara itself is a functional market town — you're here to organise a trek, not to sightsee. The Bandiagara Escarpment is the reason for the journey: a 200-kilometre sandstone cliff sheltering cliff-face villages, granaries, and the sacred burial sites of the Tellem people who preceded the Dogon. Arrange your guide in town the day before you want to leave — reputable local agencies operate near the market. The Monday market draws traders and farmers from across the region and is worth timing a visit around if you are flexible on dates.

Guide

When to Go

The best time to trek the Bandiagara Escarpment is October to February, when the harmattan has cleared (or not yet arrived in force) and temperatures are manageable. The hottest months — March through May — can be brutal on the exposed plateau, with temperatures reaching 40°C or above. The rainy season (June to September) makes some paths difficult and may interrupt transport.

Note that the security situation in Mali has deteriorated significantly since 2012, and travel to the Dogon Country has been affected by armed group activity in parts of the Sahel. Check your government's current travel advisories before planning a visit. The situation changes; some periods have been safer than others.