The 10 Best Treks in the World: Pays Dogon, Mali

For all you hikers, backpackers, mountain climbers, and adventure-seekers out there, mapsales.com gives you the 10 best treks in the world.  Today we look at the villages of Pays Dogon, Mali. 

Mali is a landlocked country in Western Africa.  During the Scramble for Africa in the 19^th century, Mali was conquered by the French.  But prior to the French invasion, Mali was part of one of the largest empires in Africa.  If you visit Mali, make sure to bring a guide that speaks French, as English speakers are hard to come by (although they are growing in number).  Here’s a Mali wall map. 

Mali may be classified as a developing country, but it is also home to 4 unique UNESCO World-Heritage sites.  Pays Dogon is one of these four sites.  Pays Dogon is a region in south-central Mali renowned for its numerous villages embedded into cliffs and mountainsides.  Some of these cliffs stand 500 meters high. 

The Dogon people have inhabited this region for nearly 1000 years and have developed their own religion, language, and culture.  Trekking this region gives you access to rare cultural experiences and breathtaking views, but it is strenuous.  Local villagers hike up mountain trails in sandals, often carrying heavy loads of clothing or food on their heads.  But they are experienced.  If you’re planning on hiking the mountain trails of Pays Dogon, bring good hiking shoes and plenty of supplies.  This trek can take anywhere from 2 to 10 days. 

If you’ve made this remarkable journey, or are planning to make it in the future, use a wall map to commemorate your achievement.  Trace your hiking path onto a wall map to see just how grand your accomplishment truly is.  Maps also make great mementos of vacations and travel destinations. 

Want to map a journey you’ve taken? Contact us!  mapsales.com carries over 200,000 wall maps…including national park and road wall maps! 

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