When in Mali, tourists often head straight to the real Timbuktu. But why be cliche? This west African nation also offers the largest mud structure in the world (a mosque in Djenne), villages carved into cliffs in Dogon country with expansive views of the Niger river along the way.

D.C. resident Matthew Harder, who grew up in Congo but recently traveled through much of Mali, recommends flying through Paris or Morocco to the capital city of Bamako. There you can begin your trip by picking up anything from rugs to masks in one of its lively marketplaces, visiting a local museum on the history of West Africa and soaking up the atmosphere. You can then proceed by car to Mopti, starting point for exploring Dogon country. It's an eight hour drive through poorly maintained roads, so a rest stop in Segou may be in order, as well as a knowledgeable guide (Toguna Adventure Tours, for example, specializes in travel within Mali).

Once in Mopti a guide can show you the escarpments themselves and provide historical context on the Dogon people, who created these dwellings to escape centuries of persecution. The natural beauty is also a draw for hikers, bikers and those who like to enjoy the outdoors through a car window. Mopti is also the intersection point for the Bani and Niger rivers and offers boat tours that circle island fishing communities. Mali's tourism industry is very limited, but the relative stability of the country makes it an optimal place for exploring off-the-beaten path. One word of caution: temperatures in the spring and summer can reach 120 degrees (July and August are the cooler rainy seasons), so if your A/C is a must, take the season of your trip into consideration.

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