Festival au Desert, anyone been?

[syncroand101]

Hi All,

I am going through various ideas for another next trip, ever since hearing about the Festival au Desert in Mali (http://www.festival-au-desert.org/), I have wanted to go...

I am wondering if anyone has been, or heard any feedback from others. My worry being that what might have started as a small well thought project might have turned into something purely commerical - I notice companies are doing package deals for overseas flying visitors. At €115 a ticket, it does seem quite expensive..

Cheers

Jake

[MotoEdde]

I was in Mali last year at the time and had anticipated going but when I got near there I turned around.
Its become a tourist trap and if you want to see the cultural music event of Mali, try going to the Segou music festival...much calmer and more enjoyable atmosphere...
If you choose to go, bring plenty of CFA as you're stuck in the middle of nowhere and will be paying about 3Euro for bottled water, etc. Not to mention paying for toilets, etc...

[roamingyak]

The same thoughts as MotoEddie. I was there, meet quite a few of the musicians in Bamako beforehand, was very short of money but wanted to go, but the more I heard the more expensive it seemed (I think it was about 125 euro for a ticket, plus another 125 euro for sleeping in a tent with others and basic meals?).

So I pulled out from going as I really was very broke - but I think it's well worth going to (especially if Tinariwen : Home are playing!) but be really prepared food/drink wise, and bring plenty of cash and be self sufficient in getting there and back.

I meet quite a few people afterwards that had been there - petty theft was quite common so mind your valuables - a locked tent will be cut into etc

That all said, I'd happily go with my landy if I have enough dosh next time - Malian music is great - it's well worth hanging out in Bamako the week before and the week after as many musicians will jam at a few of the great open air bars that they have.

Le Cactus out on the River Niger seems to be a favourite hang out before the musicians make there way up to Timbukto, and a couple of Mali's most famous musicians live with spitting distance.

Random thoughts after slogging home in the UK rain tonight - winter in Mali sounds nice again! ;-)

(actually, just looked at the updated website - only 3 ticket options, and the cheapest includes all food and some water, but still take your own). Transport to and from the site has always been a pain so nice they offer that option as well - I'd advise getting the earliest 4x4 possible ;-)

[manfredschweda]

well we slept in the LandRover, still heard of friends getting in for next to noth. in 2007 just showing up. Tourists need take 4 planes to get there, then spend a week ... If you have more time, there is more options/but no guarantees

Be equiped is advisable

the music and the rest is def. worth going
still this was the biggest thing for me so-far
pics and story here and following pages

This Fab Trek - my big world journey: Festival au desert, Mali, Essakane, Tombouctou/Timbuktu, Baba Salah, Tiris.

so is Segou, here and following pages

This Fab Trek - my big world journey: Festival sur le Niger, Segou, Mali.

There is anotherone
Paris Bamako
LES PARIS BAMAKO
Think they want to put the dates forward next year
Manfred, Casablanca

[syncroand101]

Thanks for the response chaps. Mixed response - but thats a good thing. It sounds like it may have become as commercial as I had expected. It sounds like, if your prepared for that it might be worth a lookin - especially just to be in the area at the time of the event. To be fair, if you compare it to a weekend out on the s in London - its well worthwhile.

For us, I envisage it acting as the bottom of the loop on a short-medium trip. It would only end up being a part of the whole thing - and its always good to have a mix, that way you can appreciate the different experiences!

We'd be going in Syncro Campers, so would be sleeping aboard vehicle, various security features already added - others to be added for piece of mind...

Maybe see some of you down there - or at least on the road...Time to start saving and planning!