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There is no real reason to come to Douentza. It isn't fun and there isn't anything to do or see, but it is probably the best way to see the real Africa.

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We went to Dogon country one of the nicest places I've ever visited. 

It was two nights of hiking, riding oxcarts, fording streams and scrambling over rocks in Dogon Country. It was a journey of extreme contrasts - sublime views and maddening insects, warm hospitality and unimaginable poverty.

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The Dogon homeland is beside the 200 kilometre Bandiagara cliff that sticks up from the desert in the centre of the country.
The Dogon travelled to this hot, dusty, remote area in the 15th century when they were Animists - who believe that the sun, the wind, trees and other natural objects have souls- and were losing battles with the larger Muslim community. Islam, however, still found them and these days the 250,000 Dogon are mostly Muslim or Christian with only a few Animists remaining.

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However, we took a trip from Segou to Niono and that was really worth it. Niono is dubbed the African Venice, I guess that is a bit of an exaggeration but it is nice to crosss the water in a pirogue. The mud walled mosque is the major sight in town. Some way the mosque in Djenne is even more impressive, well, we will have to see!

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Segou was a bit of a disappointment. As they like to say about movies: the book was a lot better.

reviewed by Toast

Le Dip is a splash for us, but it is a peaceful oasis and we needed this after the train...