"Pinasse" Top 5 Page for this destination Mali Transportation Tip by grets

Motorised pirogues, called pinasses, are easily chartered in Mopti for the three day, two night journey to Timbuktu. Travelling by river is a much more authentic and interesting way to reach Timbaktu rather than flying. Not only do you get to see the timeless lanscape and way of life along the river, it makes you realise just how remote Timbuktu really is!

The birding is fantastic along the river - we saw 182 different species on our trip, and hippos are easy to see.

Our pinasse carried a crew of three including a very good cook. At night, while we were erecting our tents on the river bank, he was preparing freshly caught fish with couscous or chicken and rice, under very limited conditions. Very impressive.

The boat was surprisingly comfortable, with bench seats with back rests and a small table, ample storage for our bags and provisions (we bought numerous crates of soft drinks and beer in Mopti), as well as a 'toilet' in the back. A small compartment with a hole in the wooden seat right through to the river - the swirling water meant you got a free bidet at the same time! Our boat was positively luxurious - we had a door on our toilet - we passed a couple of other tourist pinasses where the little room was open to all the passing river craft! No modesty there!

Mode: AROUND
Type: Ship/Boat