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.