Mali 2008

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I had wanted to revisit Africa for a long time, and West Africa was a region I had yet to explore.

It wasn't difficult to decide on Mali as my destination, with a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it has has been described as the jewel in West Africa's crown.

And it didn't disappoint. A mix of natural and historic beauty, colourful markets and people, scenic river journeys, some of the most friendly and welcoming people you could find, and a visit to the fabled desert town of Timbuktu made this one of the greatest African experiences I could have had.

From Bamako we drove to Djenne to see the famous Monday market and mosque, the largest mud structure in the world. From there we travelled by pinasse on the Bani river to Mopti, and then to Dogon Country where we spent three days walking from village to village along the escarpment. Following this was a visit to Timbuktu on the edge of the Sahara desert and then to 'Mali's Monument Valley' near the town of Hombori, before our long journey back to Bamako, stopping for a night in Segou.

Equipment
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS, Canon 70-200mm f/4L