I would rate trekking in the Dogon as the very best thing I did in West Africa, and probably in the top five things I did in the whole of Africa. I cannot recommend it highly enough. The sights were amazing and the people were wonderfully friendly and welcoming…… my top tips! My favourite places … Continue reading Mali – Advice for trekking in the Dogon
Djenne a home of the world’s largest mud mosque, a famous Monday market and protected from the surrounding flood plains by a virgin sacrifice! What’s not to like! Djenne is famous for having the worlds largest mud mosque! It’s a lovely small town set in the middle of flood plains so depending on what time … Continue reading Mali – in the ancient town of Djenne
I got up early with the rain plopping gently on my face at five am. I hoped it would pour but it didn’t! The sky was dark and grey, the air heavy with humidity and not a breath of wind. I was so ready for the rain to come but it just wasn’t happening. We set … Continue reading Mali – Day 4 in the Dogon, Neni, Ibi, Koundou, Youga Na, Youga Dogorou, Youga Piri, Yendouma (28k, 38 degrees)/ Day 5 to Tiogou, Sanga (13k, 40 degrees)
I woke up at three a little bit chilly, and I didn’t have a blanket so I grabbed another mattress and chucked it on top of me and went back to sleep until five. After breakfast of mango jam, laughing cow and bread we wandered along the stunning rocky escarpment to Konshugo. This is a … Continue reading Mali – Day 3 in the Dogon, Konshugo, Dourou, Nombori, Idyeli Na, Komokani, Tereli, Amani, Ireli (31k, 44 Celsius)
The donkeys started braying at 4am and the cocks joined them soon after. I hadn’t slept brilliantly but at least I was cool and had no mozzie bites. It was blissfully cool this morning. I started packing up at 5 as breakfast was scheduled for 5.30, and we were supposed to hit the road by … Continue reading Mali – day 2 in the Dogon – Soninghe, Ende, Yabatalou, Doundjouro, Aindelou, Begnimato (30k, 42 Celsius)
After just one afternoon I was in love with Dogon country….where I was the first tourist in six years to visit one of the more remote villages! I can’t recommend a visit more highly! The Dogon is a world apart from Mali, even more traditional, and I suspect many customs haven’t changed in hundreds … Continue reading Mali – day 1 in the Dogon, Kani Kombole, Kani Bonjon, Koro and Djiguibombo (20k, 38 Celsius)
I am technically in Somalia – home of pirates. I had planned to go to the capital of Mogadishu, but doing so requires hiring four armed guards for lots of money to look after you. My husband sagely suggested that if they can be hired to protect you for $1000, then a motivated individual might pay … Continue reading Somaliland – Hanging out in Hargeisa
Sleeping in the airport Our flight to islamabad was two hours delayed – no explanation – or at least no explanation until we were on the plane and half way to Pakistan. Apparently Imran Khan’s protest machine (he recently lost his role as Prime Minister) had led to road closures all over the country. BA … Continue reading Hanging out in Hunza
The GR221 Dry Stone route is an emerging trail on the island of Mallorca, which is c. 140km long but with some sections which are better marked than others. I only have a three day weekend, so am walking the section from Valledemosa to Pollenca – about 60 km. Day 1 Valledemossa to Soller; 18km, … Continue reading Taking the high and dry route in Mallorca
Harar is considered by Ethiopian Muslims to be the fourth holiest city in the world (after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem), and the old city has 88 mosques within its walls (a mere few square kilometres). Apparently, there are almost as many bars as mosques in the old city, and one of the busiest chat … Continue reading Hanging with hyenas in Harar
