Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons)
Location: Mali
Year of Inscription: 1989
Criteria: (v) be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
(vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
Overview: The Cliff of Bandiagara, also known as the Land of the Dogons, is a stunning geological formation and a traditional home of the Dogon people, located in Mali. The area encompasses a series of escarpments, plateaus, and valleys that stretch for over 150 kilometers. The landscape is characterized by its dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and isolated villages that cling to the cliff faces.
Prominent Features: The Cliff of Bandiagara is home to many important sites and structures, including:
Dogon Villages: The area is home to numerous traditional Dogon villages, each with its own unique customs, traditions, and architecture. Many of these villages are located on the cliffs, and some can only be accessed by foot.
Tellem Caves: The Tellem people, who lived in the area before the arrival of the Dogon people, built dwellings in the cliffs. These cave dwellings, some of which are several stories high, are a significant example of traditional African architecture.
Bandiagara Escarpment: The escarpment is a towering wall of rock that stretches for over 150 kilometers. The cliff face is dotted with villages and is home to some of the most stunning views in Africa.
Traditional Festivals: The Dogon people are known for their vibrant traditional festivals, which are held throughout the year. These festivals include mask dances, bull jumping ceremonies, and other celebrations that reflect the culture and traditions of the Dogon people.
History: The Cliff of Bandiagara has been inhabited by the Dogon people for over a millennium. The Dogon are known for their rich culture and unique architecture, which has been influenced by the surrounding landscape. The area has also been home to other ethnic groups, including the Tellem people, who built their homes in the cliffs.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the traditional Dogon villages, hike through the Bandiagara Escarpment, and attend traditional Dogon festivals. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, baboons, and eagles.
Fun Fact: The Dogon people are known for their traditional knowledge of astronomy and their belief in extraterrestrial life.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Cliff of Bandiagara.
How to Reach It: From Bamako, visitors can take a bus or taxi to reach the Cliff of Bandiagara. There are regular bus services from Bamako to Bandiagara, which takes approximately 12-14 hours. Private taxis and cars are also available for hire.
From Djenne it is roughly 3 hours
Within the Area: The Cliff of Bandiagara is a vast area, and it is best explored on foot or by hiring a local guide. There are also local taxis and minibusses available for getting around the area.
Where to Stay: There are a variety of accommodations available in the area, including traditional Dogon guesthouses, modern hotels, and budget options. Some popular options include the Hotel Auberge le Guemou, the Hotel Escarpement de Bandiagara, and the Hotel Campement La Falaise
Next Stop: Timbuktu
Year of Inscription: 1989
Criteria: (v) be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
(vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
Overview: The Cliff of Bandiagara, also known as the Land of the Dogons, is a stunning geological formation and a traditional home of the Dogon people, located in Mali. The area encompasses a series of escarpments, plateaus, and valleys that stretch for over 150 kilometers. The landscape is characterized by its dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and isolated villages that cling to the cliff faces.
Prominent Features: The Cliff of Bandiagara is home to many important sites and structures, including:
Dogon Villages: The area is home to numerous traditional Dogon villages, each with its own unique customs, traditions, and architecture. Many of these villages are located on the cliffs, and some can only be accessed by foot.
Tellem Caves: The Tellem people, who lived in the area before the arrival of the Dogon people, built dwellings in the cliffs. These cave dwellings, some of which are several stories high, are a significant example of traditional African architecture.
Bandiagara Escarpment: The escarpment is a towering wall of rock that stretches for over 150 kilometers. The cliff face is dotted with villages and is home to some of the most stunning views in Africa.
Traditional Festivals: The Dogon people are known for their vibrant traditional festivals, which are held throughout the year. These festivals include mask dances, bull jumping ceremonies, and other celebrations that reflect the culture and traditions of the Dogon people.
History: The Cliff of Bandiagara has been inhabited by the Dogon people for over a millennium. The Dogon are known for their rich culture and unique architecture, which has been influenced by the surrounding landscape. The area has also been home to other ethnic groups, including the Tellem people, who built their homes in the cliffs.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the traditional Dogon villages, hike through the Bandiagara Escarpment, and attend traditional Dogon festivals. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, baboons, and eagles.
Fun Fact: The Dogon people are known for their traditional knowledge of astronomy and their belief in extraterrestrial life.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Cliff of Bandiagara.
How to Reach It: From Bamako, visitors can take a bus or taxi to reach the Cliff of Bandiagara. There are regular bus services from Bamako to Bandiagara, which takes approximately 12-14 hours. Private taxis and cars are also available for hire.
From Djenne it is roughly 3 hours
Within the Area: The Cliff of Bandiagara is a vast area, and it is best explored on foot or by hiring a local guide. There are also local taxis and minibusses available for getting around the area.
Where to Stay: There are a variety of accommodations available in the area, including traditional Dogon guesthouses, modern hotels, and budget options. Some popular options include the Hotel Auberge le Guemou, the Hotel Escarpement de Bandiagara, and the Hotel Campement La Falaise
Next Stop: Timbuktu