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NEWS RELEASE
Join the "Blue Men Of The Desert" for
Mali’s renowned Le Festival Au Desert
A unique event
inspired by the traditional gatherings of the Taureg
people of Mali provides the setting for one of the
most celebrated events in the world music calendar.
And the opportunity
to join the "blue men of the desert" as they
play host to musicians from their homeland, across
Africa and from around the world is on offer next
January through a 15-day itinerary from Silk Steps.
The trip has at its
centrepiece three days spent enjoying Le Festival
au Desert, while on either side is a chance to
experience and explore the fascinating land-locked
West African nation.
The festival
celebrates the rich artistic traditions of the Taureg
people, including song, dance, swordplay, camel racing
and the rich collections of work by local artisans.
But it is at night things get into full swing as the
desert oasis of Essakane is transformed by light and
sound to welcome the arrival of participating
musicians.
Transportation to
Essakane is by 4x4 and accommodation is in traditional
Taureg tents with hot meals prepared on site and basic
facilities in keeping with the desert location.
The trip begins in
the Mali capital Bamako on January 2 and features a
full programme that includes visits to the ancient
city of Djenne, the legendary Timbuktu and Mopti, with
its beautiful Sudanese-style mosques, fishing port and
local markets.
There will also be
visits to the Dogon villages along the Bandiagara
escarpment, to see the traditional mask dance of the
region, and the mosques, artisan cities and the homes
of former explorers in a country abundant in charm and
little touched by tourism.
The trip costs £2760
per person based on two people travelling. It includes
flights with Royal Air Maroc, transfers, accommodation
in a bed and breakfast basis, full-board in tents
during Le Festival au Desert, sunset sail on the
Niger, camel ride on the dunes, and the services of
local, English-speaking guides throughout.
For further details
contact Silk Steps on 01278 722460. Visit Silk Steps
online at www.silksteps.co.uk
-ends-
Issued on behalf of
Silk Steps by David Leck Associates. Press enquiries
to David Leck on 01322 528580/07710 326256.
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