Day 2.

Baguettes and an omelette for breakfast with Mathias from Italy and Hussam from Pakistan, both Civil Engineers working in Dubai. We chatted about some of the current Dubai construction projects including the 1000+ meter tall Dubai Creek Tower (apparently on hold) and the 210-metre giant ferris wheel Dubai Eye (problems with the foundations causing it to lean).


Also at breakfast was Sanny who had arrived in the early morning hours on a Royal Air Maroc flight via Casablanca and Doha.

Just after 8am we packed our bags and loaded up the van for the journey to Ségou.


Today's drive would be for 235 kilometers on the main road to Ségou, the fourth-largest city in Mali and situated on the banks of the Niger River.


Snaking our way through the busy Bamako morning traffic.


Passing the 46 meter tall La Tour d'Afrique, designed as a giant baobab with foothills at the base and a cradle at top with Bamanan ideograms representing consultation, union and solidarity.


At a Shell Service Station on the outskirts of the city to buy some snacks and drinks.


And finally on the open road heading east. The road condition were surprisingly good and we managed to cruise at a decent speed.


Stopping at a café in Konobougou about halfway to Ségou.


And a strong double espresso for a shot of energy.