Things to do in Bandiagara Escarpment
Discover the best attractions and experiences Bandiagara Escarpment has to offer
Historic Monuments
The Bandiagara Escarpment is famed for its monumental cliff architecture that has shaped Dogon history for centuries.
Cliffs of Bandiagara
A dramatic sandstone escarpment hosting ancient cliff-dwelling villages and breathtaking viewpoints.
Tellem cliff and cave sites
Ancient cave complexes along the escarpment that reveal early cliff-dwelling cultures.
Dogon cliff dwellings
Traditional homes carved into the cliff faces, still inhabited by Dogon communities.
Museums
Learn about Dogon history, art, and daily life through local displays and craft workshops.
Coming Soon!
We're currently working on adding museums recommendations for Bandiagara Escarpment. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Religious Monuments
Religious life is central to Dogon communities, with ceremonies tied to the changing seasons.
Dama ceremony sites
Sacred spaces where the annual masquerade honors ancestors and marks the cycle of life and renewal.
Dogon sacred granaries
Granaries integrated into village sanctuaries, reflecting ritual and agricultural rites.
National & Theme Parks
The region is renowned for its natural cliff scenery and cultural landscapes rather than formal parks.
Coming Soon!
We're currently working on adding national & theme parks recommendations for Bandiagara Escarpment. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Neighborhoods
Explore living Dogon settlements along the escarpment and in the gateway town of Bandiagara.
Bandiagara town
Gateway to the escarpment with local markets and guesthouses.
Dogon village clusters along the cliff
Traditional settlements perched on the cliff edge with craft workshops.
Douentza foothills access point
Starting point for day trips into the surrounding escarpment country.
Free Things to Do
Take in natural scenery and culture at your own pace with these low-cost options.
Hike along the Bandiagara Escarpment
Follow designated paths to overlook the cliff and villages.
Sunrise or sunset viewpoints
Watch dramatic light over the sandstone cliffs from vantage points.
Explore local markets
Stroll stalls for crafts, produce, and conversations with residents.
Gastronomy
Dogon-inspired cuisine features millet-based dishes and simple, hearty flavors.
Millet tô and local sauces
A staple millet porridge served with flavorful regionally sourced sauces.
Baobab juice
Refreshingly tangy beverage made from baobab fruit.
Grilled river fish with millet
Seasonal catches prepared simply with millet accompaniment.
Nightlife
Evening cultural experiences provide a window into Dogon tradition after the heat of the day.
Traditional drum circles
Evening rhythms and communal drumming in village spaces.
Dogon mask dances
Mask performances tied to seasonal ceremonies and storytelling.
Entertainment
Cultural performances showcase Dogon artistry and storytelling.
Dogon mask dances
Colorful masked dances performed during festive occasions.
Storytelling and elders' tales
Local elders share legends of the escarpment and ancestors.
Dama ceremony experiences
Occasional guided views of a Dama ceremony with community permission.
Sports
Active travelers can explore on foot and by light trekking routes.
Hiking the escarpment
Multi-hour treks with rewarding cliffside views.
Birdwatching along the cliff
Observe savannah birds and raptors in open habitats.
Off the Track
Delve deeper with community-based experiences that support local livelihoods.
Homestays with Dogon families
Overnight stays hosted by local families for authentic exchange.
Craft workshops
Learn Dogon carving, beadwork, or pottery with artisans.
Guided village visits
Learn daily life and traditional practices with a local guide.