I recently went on a 3-day tour in Timbuktu with Papillon Reizen. The tour was very well organized, and they are probably the only tour agency able to arrange this trip. They were also the only agency responsive to messages among the different ones I contacted. I highly recommend Papillon Reizen for anyone looking to explore Timbuktu.

This review is more so for Abdulaye (and Sedou) who were my main tour guides, who I both recommend highly - especially if you are wanting to see Timbuktu... I WOULD ONLY feel comfortable doing that with Abdulaye. He is from Timbuktu and has a lot of connections and knows when to go, where to go and has up-to-date information on safety issues there. I know for a fact that if it hadn't been for him I would NOT have been able to see it. So I am extremely grateful to him.

We had an great five-day trip through Mali with Papillon Reizen. Communication was consistent throughout the booking process and the itinerary was customized based on our interests. Unfortunately, our itinerary had to be changed a bit at the last minute due to security concerns, but it was good to know Papillon Reizen was aware of the latest conditions and wanted to ensure that we were kept safe. They provided alternatives and any cost differences. Our guide was Ibraham, who was fine. He did his job and provided background knowledge. He also quickly understood our interest in photography and supported good photo opportunities. He was less enthusiastic compared to other Papillon guides and we had to refer to our itinerary a few times because some smaller sights were missed, but overall he was fine. Unfortunately, I didn't get our driver's name, but he was fantastic and really seemed to enjoy himself. We had a great time interacting with him and he brought a very positive vibe to the trip. We also had a bit of an issue with the final payment as we owed more than expected due to money transfer fees on Papillon's end. It was surprising that this wasn't communicated earlier. Overall, I would definitely recommend Papillon Reizen. They know Mali especially well, but they also offer trips to other countries. We felt safe the entire time and really enjoyed seeing so much of beautiful Mali.

I cannot begin to say how highly I recommend Papillon Reizen. Mali is my first travel outside Europe since 2019 due to Covid , and the stars aligned to make this one of the very best guided trips of my life. The important thing to know about Mali is the situation is fluid and things change fast . You need someone on the ground who has full local intelligence and can help you to do things you want safely, and if things change , to be straight with you as to why you can’t. I thought Papillon Reizen did that very well and that is why I engaged them on the recommendation of other travellers I know and trust. However , they went beyond this- way beyond. Everything from fair and transparent pricing to understand my specific needs and catering to them and to providing the best guide, knowledgeable and with great humour, they did it all. On top of that, with hours to kill before our flight, they showed us the most incredible hospitality. I went to Mali , having engaged a good company and I left Mali with new friends. Thank you very much, Monique, Abdoulaye and Ibrahim!

We've just returned from nearly 3 weeks travelling through Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo & Benin. The tour company (specifically Monique) did a fantastic job putting together a great trip for us, which included the itinerary, guides, drivers, & lodging. Monique was prompt & helpful any time we had questions or needed assistance resolving any issues. I can definitely recommend this tour company without any reservations.

Just before the Corona crisis started making travel impossible for us, I spent almost two weeks in Burkina Faso. The main goal of this trip was the mask festival Festima, which only takes place every two years. The trip was organized by Monique from Papillon Reizen. They have previously organized trips for me in Mali and Benin. Again it was a great trip. We are accompanied by an excellent driver and an excellent guide Ibrahim. An absolute must! Photos, a travelogue and some video fragments were made of the trip, Papillon Reizen knows the details of the travel site.

Excellent experience. Trip very well organized. We felt safe all the time. Do not panic. The local people were very warm and hospitable. Mali is an amazing destination and it is worth visiting. You need to have a distance to what you can hear on TV news. Everything was great. The same applies to Burkina Faso. I would highly recommend Papillon Reizen.

Regrettably, it has taken me some time to write this review. However, the more I reflect on our travels through Mali, the more I truly appreciate our experience. I am fascinated by African culture, and as a result, have been fortunate enough to have traveled a lot in Africa. Mali has been on my 'watchlist' for a long time, with a particular focus on the Dogon people. Sadly the media paints a daunting picture of Mali, but my wife and I have traveled enough to know that what one reads vs what's happening on the ground is often quite different. Happily, this once again proved to be the case. Before traveling, I reached out to a couple of operators in Mali, however dealing with Monique from Papillon Reizen had us look no further. Monique is not only on the ball but has evidently arranged plenty of tours to the region. Her knowledge of the country, its people and connection to what was going on around her; was not only reassuring but resulted in us having one of the best travel experiences we've ever had. We only had two weeks leave, so opted to travel through the country by private vehicle, though many choose public transport. As far as accommodation was concerned, we weren't fussed. We did, however, request to spend a night here and there in places with electricity, so that we could charge our cameras, phones, etc. In hindsight, I am pleased that we did this, with much of our trip spent off the beaten track. Having our own vehicle allowed us to access some of the more remote areas, and meant that getting around was quicker. Not being tied to more upmarket accommodation resulted in us spending most evenings under the stars, sleeping in peoples homesteads or on their rooftops (common practice as its so warm at night). Despite what the media says, we felt incredibly safe; particularly in the remote areas. All of our hosts were incredibly hospitable, going well beyond any expectation — a truly humbling experience. Of our trip, our highlights were the Dogon and Koulikoro Regions and Djénne. Hiking along the top of the Bandiagara escarpment in the Dogon country and then eventually seeing it from the base was fascinating! The Dogon villages and old Tellem structures built into the rock is a true wonder of the world. We were fortunate enough to witness a Dogon Masked Dance, which left an impression that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough, and if I were to do it over, I would have likely spent the majority of our time here. Djénne is also well worth a night or two, with the Great Mosque being as impressive as it looks in the pictures. We were fortunate enough to have received permission to go inside, and the energy of the building is palpable. The thick walls block out the hustle and bustle of the town and replace it with a silence that the best recording studios would battle to replicate. I have yet to visit a building that left such an impression spiritually. In the Koulikoro Region, we stayed in a small village about half an hour away from Sibi. The landscape here is beautiful; the Dandan waterfalls, arch of Kamandjan and surrounding caves all being worth a visit. The people in these parts were also charming. It is less chaotic and not as hot in this part, so it made for a perfect place to wind down our adventure. There are two people I've yet to mention - saving the best till last. Our guide Djibril and driver Amadou. I can't remember the last time I met someone who left such an impression. Djibril was not only a wealth of information but is one of the kindest, most giving people I've ever met. He is the breadwinner of his family, using the money he makes to send his siblings to school, put a roof over their head and give back to his community. He worked around the clock to make sure that we had a successful trip, and even after we returned home continued to answer any questions that I had. I cannot recommend him highly enough as a person, guide and friend. Traveling with Amadou was also a pleasure. He is quiet, but the type of person you want him on your side. His driving was impeccable, and he always had an eye on the car and our belongings. He helped out wherever he could and proved to be a considerable asset behind the scenes. We owe much of the success of our trip to Amadou. He and Djibril were a great team, and when we return, we won't travel with anyone else. I hope that you decide to visit Mali. If you're reading this, I can assure you that it is as fascinating as you're imagining.

I cannot speak highly enough of Monique and her whole team at Papillon Reizen. Monique was fantastic every step of the way--from planning a completely customized, phenomenal itinerary, to explaining the current security situation, to advising on our trip while we were on it. All of our guides were excellent. In Bamako, we watched U20 Mali soccer team with our guide Djibril and some friends after he took us around the city. We also had a really nice visit with Boubacar Sedek, a calligrapher who I highly recommend meeting with to purchase his work but even if only to learn about his craft. In Ségou, we took a dugout canoe to a nearby fishing village and took lessons in playing balafon and n'goni; we also visited a mud-cloth workshop. Papou was a wonderful guide. Undoubtedly the highlights of our trip were our trek through Dogon country and Djenné. I know there are many stunning places in the world, but Dogon has to be near or at the top of the list. We spent 4 nights hiking between villages and sleeping on rooftops. It was hot (we traveled in June) but worth it. Our guide in the Dogon region, Mamadou (Man), was one of the kindest, most wonderful people we've encountered in our travels. Like Dogon, Djenné was an endlessly fascinating place; we spent two nights. We also spent a night in Mopti, which is also worth visiting. We’ve traveled to around 80 countries, including places like Afghanistan, Pakistan, DRC, and the Central African Republic. At the time of our visit, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about the security situation in Mali. We were totally safe in Mali; Papillon Reizen helped steer us clear of places that were unsafe and now we are so glad we didn’t listen to everyone who said we shouldn’t go, or the State Department travel warnings. The reality is much different on the ground. Lastly, I would be remiss not to single out our driver, Ibrahim. Ibrahim is quite simply one of the most wonderful people we’ve met traveling. When I had a fever mid-trip, Ibrahim literally sat by my bed with cold towels and brought me anything I needed. Of course, he’s a terrific driver and guide as well, but what a tremendously kind and caring person. Don’t hesitate to reach out for any questions you might have as you think about a trip with Papillon Reizen, but my advice would be not to hesitate--you will not be disappointed.

We book a customized trip from Bamako to Djenne via Segou and back. We contact the company directly by mail and the 3-day-tour was tailor-made for us. We were very pleased with the guide, the driver and the entire organisation. With a group of only 2 individuals, the guide could address all our requests. The tour gives us a good understanding for the country and the peoble. Thank you to the whole team of Papillon Reizen!!! Irene and Alexander from Germany, Tour from the 23rd to the 25th of December

I travelled for around 12 days with Papillon / Ibrahim, coordinated by Monique. We went to Bamako, Djenne, Mopti, Sikasso, and Ségou. Along the way, we hiked in Manding country, and visited many villages. I was supposed to be in Dogon country for a two-day hike, but this had to be diverted to Sikasso instead because of safety issues at this time. Nonetheless, the trip was extremely well structured. Communication with Monique was easy and responsive. Ibrahim was a kind, attentive and knowledgeable guide. Hotels were fine, and I chose to travel using a mixture of bus and car, all coordinated with Monique. Mali is a beautiful country and it was a joy to see its culture, expressiveness and extreme spirituality. The places I visited are safe, and I can only hope that the whole country opens up for tourism again one day.

We crossed the African continent from west to east and visited 8 countries. We travelled for nearly 20 days through Mali and Burkina Faso with Papillon Reizen. This by far was the best part of our journey and the most memorable. We were given true local experiences and incredible care provided by our guide. Their knowledge and experience in this region is absolutely incredible.

After coming from Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania and Senegal my last country was Mali. In view of the "do not visit at all" warnings from western goverments I did some research and found not many people were traveling to Mali. But I found Papillon Reizen on the Internet, made enquiries about the places I wished to see (Djenne, Mopti and the Dogon Region mainly) and after corresponding with Monique at PR an 8 day iternary was made up. I went to Bamako and met my English speaking guide Mamadou and the next morning we headed off by bus to Djenne. A long journey but even that was fun and interesting due to the many stops along the way. We made it to Djenne in the afternoon in time for the Monday Market and had a good walk around before I had a meal with 2 ladies who were also on a different PR tour. Next morning I had another walk around Djenne including a visit to the mud mosque. A local guide gave me plenty of information on the sights. We then went to Mopti and stayed the night there. A walk around the town and a visit to the womens Market plus a boat trip on the Niger included. We travelled to the Dogon Region then where I had 3 days trekking along the escarpment. Stopping for meals and sleeping in villages along the way. Then it was a stop at Sevare, and onto Segou where I stayed at a homestay next door to Monique's home-she was busy with the Segou festival so we only met for a short while. I had another boat trip on the Niger there and a tour of the old part of the town.. The next day it was the bus journey back to Bamako and my flight back to Europe late that night. It was a fantastic 8 days, well organised and my guide Mamadou was good company. He is from Dogon so knew everyone along the way. Everywhere we went he knew people and the whole trip was conducted in an atmosphere of friendship and many greetings. Forget the rubbish your goverments tell you, trust the people on the ground. It is only in the North that there is danger and even if you wanted to go to these places, no guide would take you! The people in Djenne and Mopti asked why the tourists weren't coming. I could only explain they had bad information. The bonus for the traveller who does go is you have the fantastic country almost to yourself. Most journeys were made by public buses which was great for mixing with the local people. Next time I'd like to have a longer trek in Dogon, maybe see a mask dance if lucky enough.

My partner and I just returned from a two week trip to Mali, with the first 10 days organized with Papillion. I have the utmost respect for Monique and Ibrahim who operate with integrity and professionalism. Planning the trip was efficient, we had an exceptionally lovely guide (Djibril Kassogue) and driver (Ali), and overall it was an amazing experience. We visited Segou, Djenne, Mopti and trekked for 6 days in Dogon country. It was a good time to travel as there is little tourism at the moment. I would urge you if you're considering a trip to contact Monique!

Burkina Faso has suffered enormously through the exaggerated and unnecessary travel advisories imposed by western governments. Far better to ignore these and listen to the folks on the ground. Monique Teggelove at Papillon Reizen is extremely knowledgeable and was very reassuring. The fourteen day trip out of Ouagadougou, first by bus west through Bobo Dioulasso and Banfora, and on to Niasogoni, and then trekking eastwards through Senoufou country, was phenomenal. It was a privilege to walk with the extremely knowledgeable Sinaly and Alassan, under the watchful eye of the overall trip's guide, Ibrahim, through a part of the world that all too rarely now sees any kind of foreigner, and to enjoy the wonderful welcome from people we met in the fields and stayed with in the villages. While the daily mileage isn't for the fainthearted, particularly given the region's higher than usual temperatures, it was a treat to see some wonderful scenery - not least the old escarpment-sheltered village of Niansogoni, the Sindou Peaks, the Moussono Peaks, the Domes de Fabedougou, Tengrela Lake and the Karfiguela Falls. Our luggage was taken between villages by the lively and resourceful Abu, and we were fabulously catered for by the ever-smiling Danis. I could not recommend this trip too highly.