THESIGMA SCIENTIFIC RESEA XIRCH SOCIETYExpeditions

B ETCHART E XPEDITIONS Inc.

THESIGMA SCIENTIFIC RESEA XIRCH SOCIETYExpeditions B ETCHART E XPEDITIONS Inc. The Road toTo Timbuktu and the Rivers of West Africa SIGMA XI Expeditions Aboard the 34-Guest Yacht Callisto B E TCHART E XPEDITIONS Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 February 3 - 18, 2006

AAASTravels Sigma Xi Expeditions Betchart Expeditions Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

SIGMA XI Expeditions Betchart Expeditions Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

Guest Lecturer

The Honorable Harry A. Cahill is a senior career diplomat with over 35 years of State Department experience around the world. In West Africa he has served as Counselor of Embassy, Charge d’Affairs and USAID Director. Appointed to represent the U.S. at the United Nations by two Presidents, one of his key duties was liaison with Africa. He has also lectured on economic development throughout Africa for the U.S. government. In 2003 he was part of the Joint U.S. Forces Team that resolved the Liberia crisis. After retirement with protocol rank equivalent of major general, he has continued to work in the State Department, largely in political-military affairs. Since 1999, he has been an adviser to the U.S. Army, focusing on Iraq, the Balkans and Korea. He has served as president of an international foundation and producer of PBS television documentaries. A professor of international management at Pepperdine University, his book on China’ s industry played an important part in building China-US relations. During our trip he will speak on the history and current status of Mali, Senegal and , the regional development of West Africa, and the role of Africa in the world today.

THESIGMA SCIENTIFIC RESEA XIRCH SOCIETYExpeditions

B ETCHART E XPEDITIONS Inc.

THESIGMA SCIENTIFIC RESEA XIRCH SOCIETYExpeditions

B ETCHART E XPEDITIONS Inc.

Dear AAAS and Sigma Xi Members and Friends,

At the end of the Earth, dusty light hallows corridors of clay. Figures walk by in indigo robes and white turbans, smiling, laughing, singing, and praying. At the end of the Earth, musty tomes, centuries old, describe ancient his- tories—themselvesSIGMAXIExped butiti onsmysterious transcriptions of tales told to children, handed down to generation after gener-

ation. AndB E TCHAR a fantasticalT E XPEDITIONS temple Inc. rises up, studded and turreted with hand-sculpted mud, forged anew each year for the 17050last Mon thousandtebello Road, Cupert years.ino, CA 95014-5435

This is the road to Timbuktu—the legendary city poised at the edge of the Sahara, as far away as the imagination can peer. In the long centuries before Magellan, Timbuktu was the destination of camel caravans, bearing salt from the SaharaAAASTravels in exchange for gold, jewels, and precious ivory. It rose to prominence as a scholarly center of Arab Africa Sigmbeforea Xia Expelong ditioperiodns of decline, with the sand dunes inexorably closing in. Only in 1828 did the first European traveler return from Timbuktu. Almost nowhere else is a place so fabled and so prominent in history and Betchart Expeditions Inc. myth17050 also Mon tebellso isolatedo Road, Cupert inofrom, CA 95014-5435 the rest of the world.

Join us in February 2006 as we explore not only this most fabled of West African cities, but also the exotic sites en route and thereafter. Our journey takes us to the 19th-century French colonial town of Segou, the Grand Mosque of Djenne, and the bustling city of Mopti, known for its trade in carved wood sculptures and dramatically colored fabrics. Explore the Dogon region, where a complex animistic cosmology reigns, inspiring mask ceremonies, vibrant rock paintings,SIGMA XIandExped mysticalitions cliff dwellings. Unlike most pilgrimages to Timbuktu, a short flight will transport us to this mostBetcha legendaryrt Exped itiofons cities, Inc. bypassing a lengthy and arduous drive for your comfort and convenience. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 Sub-Saharan civilizations are only half the story of West Africa. And we will complete the picture. Join us aboard the 34-guest Callisto, an elegant private yacht hailed for its wonderful combination of superb cuisine, impeccable service and intimate ambience, for a dazzling cruise down the Casamance, Gambia, and Saloum rivers of Senegal and The Gambia. You will be surrounded by the extraordinary wildlife of the Casamance, Kiang West National Park, and Abuko Nature Preserve—a completely different experience of nature than in the well-trodden safari routes of Kenya and Tanzania. Kingfishers swoop, baboons howl, and warthogs rut and snuffle along the banks; marsh mongoose and roan antelopes dart through isolated expanses of woodland and grassland. An awe-inspiring display of bird life, with hundreds of species from carmine bee-eaters to yellow-billed storks and paradise flycatch- ers, will amaze champion and neophyte birdwatchers alike.

Conclude in Dakar, the musical capital of West Africa, for a pilgrimage to Goree Island, creating a comprehensive educational experience in the natural and cultural history of this unbelievably varied region.

Please join us for this exciting, illuminating, and thoroughly awe-inspiring exploration of West Africa. We encour- age you to reserve soon, as spaces aboard the 17-cabin luxury yacht Callisto are extremely limited.

Sincerely,

Margaret M. Betchart President, Betchart Expeditions Inc. For AAAS Travels and Sigma Xi Expeditions

For reservations or more information, phone Carol Larsen at (800) 252-4910.

Front cover: Djenne’s famed Grand Mosque Left: Timbuktu street scene

Itinerary Monday, February 6 where handicrafts, including jewelry, Friday, February 3, 2006 SEGOU | DJENNE | MOPTI sculptures, and Dogon and Peul blan- USA In the morning, depart for Djenne, truly one kets are on display. (B, L, D) Depart the United States on a flight to of the great towns of West Africa. Wednesday, February 8 Bamako, Mali. Picturesquely situated on an island, Djenne has changed little since its heyday during the MOPTI | DOGON REGION Saturday, February 4 14th and 15th centuries when, like | MOPTI BAMAKO, MALI Timbuktu, it profited from the trans-Sahara Drive to the Dogon Region, which con- Arrive in the evening and transfer to the trade. See mud-brick houses and madrassa tains some of the most impressive sites Hotel Salam Bamako. (D) schools en route to the Grand Mosque, a in all of West Africa. Visit the Dogon wondrous, Gaudi-like example of Sahel-style villages, built along the cliffs of an Sunday, February 5 architecture and the largest mudbrick build- escarpment, where we can see their BAMAKO | SEGOU ing in the world. Its design dates from the elaborate art forms and unique architec- This morning, visit the National Museum, 11th century, and is repaired and rebuilt each ture. (B, L, D) housing one of the best ethnographic collec- year after the rainy season. Continue to Mopti and the Hotel Kanaga. (B, L, D) Thursday, February 9 tions in West Africa. After lunch, drive to MOPTI | TIMBUKTU | Segou. Built on the banks of the Niger River, Tuesday, February 7 BAMAKO Segou was the capital of the French adminis- MOPTI tration in the 19th century and retains an air Fly from Mopti to Timbuktu, once one of of its former colonial glory. Transfer to the Mopti, once the third largest city in Mali, the wealthiest cities of Islamic Africa and Hotel Independence for the night. (B, L, D) lies at the confluence of the Niger and Bani a center of Muslim scholarship. Tour the Rivers. After a walking tour of the city, city, visiting the Djingareyber and spend time at leisure exploring the markets,

Along the Casamance River

A typical Dogon village Senegalese sculptor at work Sankore mosques, both dating from the 15th meet with its chief and visit St. Joseph explore Banjul, including visits to the century. Walk through the city’s narrow School. Reboard the ship and spend the rest National Museum and the Albert Market. streets to see its distinctive architecture. In of the afternoon at sea. In the evening, Then, sail to Senegal’s Saloum River, whose the afternoon, fly to Bamako and spend the Callisto will enter the Gambia River. delta comprises the Saloum Delta National night at the Hotel Salam Bamako. (B, L, D) (B, L, D) Park. Formed by the convergence of the Saloum and Sine Rivers, it is an area of Friday, February 10 Monday, February 13 channels, lagoons, sand islands, and man- BAMAKO | DAKAR, SENEGAL GAMBIA RIVER, THE GAMBIA groves. (B, L, D) | EMBARKATION This morning, Callisto continues cruising Thursday, February 16 Fly to Dakar, the capital of Senegal. Upon upriver to call at the traditional village of arrival, embark on Callisto and sail in the , known for its batiks and dyed cloth, SALOUM RIVER | DAKAR evening. (B, L, D) characteristic houses and huts, and fortified This morning, continue exploring the trading station. Continue to Jufureh, which islands and channels and visit the village of Saturday, February 11 became famous in the 1970s after the publica- Fediout, whose houses are built of shells. CASAMANCE RIVER tion of ’s . Return to Callisto Spend the afternoon at sea cruising toward In the morning, Callisto enters Senegal’s and enjoy lunch aboard as the ship journeys Dakar. (B, L, D) upriver to Tendaba. (B, L, D) Casamance River, a maze of creeks and Friday, February 17 lagoons dotted with small islands. Anchor Tuesday, February 14 close to Karabane Island, an early trading DAKAR | DISEMBARKATION center near the mouth of the river. Land at KIANG WEST NATIONAL | GOREE ISLAND | DAKAR the village of Kachouane, where we are greet- PARK | BANJUL Disembark in Dakar and visit Goree Island, ed by local dancers. After exploring the vil- Explore the Kiang West National Park, where a UNESCO World Heritage site. Return to lage, drive to Cap Skirring and the Hotel La mangroves, creeks, and mudflats alternate Dakar and visit the IFAN Museum, then Paillote for lunch and a swimming opportuni- with dry woodland and grassland. Look for shop at the Marche Soumbedioune, a craft ty. After lunch, board local boats to explore baboons, colobus monkeys, warthogs, marsh market with the best variety of artisan work- the traditional village of Ourong. Spend the mongoose, and roan antelopes, as well as manship. Transfer to the Hotel Sofitel night aboard anchored near Karabane Island. some of the 250 bird species that inhabit the Teranga for dinner and accommodations (B, L, D) park. In the afternoon, cruise downriver to until your evening flight. (B, L, D) Banjul, the capital of The Gambia. (B, L, D) Sunday, February 12 Saturday, February 18 CASAMANCE RIVER Wednesday, February 15 USA In the morning, explore the village of BANJUL | SALOUM RIVER, Arrive in the United States. Elinkine and then drive to nearby M’Lomp, SENEGAL known for its two-story banco architecture, a Tour the Abuko Nature Reserve, a small rare example of African tribal house design. area that boasts a tropical riverine woodland In addition to touring the village, we will also and a wide variety of bird life. Alternatively,

Program Inclusions

• Two nights in Bamako at the Hotel Salam Bamako; one night in Segou at the Hotel Independence; three nights in Mopti at the Hotel Kanaga; day rooms in Dakar at the Hotel Sofitel Teranga • Seven-night cruise aboard the 34-guest yacht Callisto, including welcome and farewell cock- tail receptions • All meals throughout the trip, both on land and aboard Callisto • House wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner aboard ship • Flights in West Africa: from Mopti to Timbuktu, from Timbuktu to Bamako, and from Bamako to Dakar • Complete program of tours and excursions • Educational program of lectures by accompany- The 34-Guest Yacht Callisto ing study leaders • Professional Travel Dynamics International The finest, most memorable voyages take spacious lounge; a dining room in which all tour staff • Complete pre-departure materials place aboard a luxurious private yacht, where guests are accommodated at a single open seat- • Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the one is part of a small, select, sociable commu- ing; two broad decks for sunbathing and dining al designated program dates nity. Cabins resemble guest rooms in a fine fresco; a library with computer access; and a swim- • Port dues and embarkation taxes home—beautifully furnished, comfortably ming platform at the yacht’s stern. Callisto flies • Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers arranged, and complete with the amenities the Greek flag, is served by a crew of 18, and is NOT INCLUDED: Airfare (other than the flights that one would expect from a thoughtful host. equipped with the latest navigational instru- in West Africa listed above); visas; passports; luggage, The yacht’s public areas, whether indoors or ments, including satellite communication sys- cancellation, and accident insurance; meals, soft out on deck, are warm, inviting places where tems. Callisto also offers e-mail service. drinks, and alcoholic beverages other than those friends meet for conversation and refresh- Join us aboard Callisto and discover for yourself specified above; personal expenses such as laundry, ments, or to spend a pleasant hour with a telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail service; and gratu- the pleasure of exploring the world from a good book. The cuisine is superb, and the private yacht. ities to shipboard personnel service is considerate and congenial. A Private Yacht Experience Odysseus Circle— This is the exceptional experience that you Your Passport to Savings will enjoy aboard Callisto, a private ocean- People who voyage with Travel Dynamics going yacht that is the fulfillment of a trav- International share the same passion for discov- eler’s dream. Callisto is furnished with rich ery as the mythological adventurer Odysseus. fabrics, handsome woodwork, gleaming We believe you are more than our guest—you brass, rare antiques, and fine works of art. are also our partner in our quest for discovery The guest list is limited to no more than and learning. To thank you for choosing to trav- 34—a group large enough to bring together el with us, we invite you to share in the benefits an interesting mix of travelers, but small Typical Cabin Marble-appointed cabin bathroom of our rewards club, Odysseus Circle: an innova- enough to foster a genuine spirit of cama- tive, straightforward program that is exactly raderie. what you would want it to be—rewarding— An Uncommon Itinerary with no membership fees or cumbersome In addition to all the other pleasures of restrictions. Earn Nautical Miles per distance Callisto, her guests enjoy an advantage that sailed on each voyage, and redeem them for eludes travelers aboard larger vessels: because phenomenal savings on future journeys with Callisto is a yacht, she can visit those Travel Dynamics International: unspoiled islets, pristine beaches, and inti- Nautical mate coves and harbors that have been famil- Circle Level Savings iar to fishermen and other sailors of small Miles craft for thousands of years, but which are Lounge Bronze 4,750 15% inaccessible to large commercial cruise liners. Silver 6,750 25% Elegant Facilities, Gold 8,750 50% the Latest Technology Platinum 10,750 75% Callisto was designed with the comfort of her Odysseus 12,000 FREE TRIP guests in mind. All 17 cabins are exterior with Membership is as easy as a phone call. large windows (portholes on Daphne Deck) Details will be sent to you upon registration. that look out on the sea; they are air-condi- tioned and feature generous storage space, a ON THIS VOYAGE YOU WILL EARN telephone, two-channel radio, TV/VCR, refrigerator, and a marble bathroom with 450 shower. The yacht’s public areas include a NAUTICAL MILES Sun Deck Dining Room

Deck BTEX 6805 Registration #910

Plan SUN DECK LIBRARY BRIDGE Phoebe Deck Please make check payable to and mail with registration coupon to: Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account LOUNGE DINING SUN DECK BAR ROOM 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014 Cleo Deck Enclosed is my check or credit card no. for $ ______($1,000 per

PLATFORM 11 9 7 5 3* 1* SWIM person) as a deposit to hold ___ place(s) on The Road to

10 8 6 4* 2* Timbuktu. RECEPTION Leto Deck I understand that final payment is due ninety (90) days prior to 19 17 15 departure. Credit card may be used only for initial deposit.

16 14 12 J AmEx J Discover J Visa J MasterCard * Cabin with full or queen-size bed Daphne Deck No.______Length: 170 feet | Beam:27.8 feet | Draft: 10.8 feet | Gross Tonnage: 499 | Exp.______Main Engines: Mannheim 2x840 H.P | Rebuilt/Renovated:2000 | Flag: Greece PLEASE SELECT CABIN CATEGORY IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE: Cruise and Land Rates | per person, double occupancy A B C D Category Description Rate $9,895 D Outside cabins on Daphne Deck with portholes J Twin Beds J Double Bed C Outside cabins on Daphne Deck with portholes $10,295 J Single Occupancy J Share (cannot be guaranteed) $10,895 B Outside cabins on Leto Deck with picture window Membership: J Sigma Xi J AAAS A Outside cabins on Leto Deck with two picture windows $11,295 General Information MR./MRS./MS. FIRST LAST AGE

Payment Schedule: A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour. Final MR./MRS./MS. FIRST LAST AGE payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations & Refunds: All cancellations of confirmed reservations are subject to a $300 per person administrative fee. Additionally, passengers are subject to any cancellation fees assessed by the purvey- ADDRESS ors of services, including airlines or hotels used in the itinerary. Cancellations received within 90 days or less of departure are subject to 100% cancellation penalties. Requests for cancellations must be made in writing. No refunds will be made for any part of this program in which you choose not to participate. CITY/STATE/ZIP Service fees may apply to deviations and are non-refundable. Insurance: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. TELEPHONE (DAY) (EVENING) Itinerary: The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of Travel Dynamics International. Responsibility: Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitute the sole, E-MAIL legally enforceable agreements between the passenger and Travel Dynamics International, Betchart Expeditions Inc., the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and Sigma Xi. Each participant must sign below: I/We have read the The passenger is also advised to review his/her separate ticket passage contract with the vessel’s owner/operator, which will constitute the sole, legally enforceable terms of carriage for this tour and is “General Information” section and agree to its terms. available on request from Travel Dynamics International. Travel Dynamics International, Betchart Expeditions Inc., AAAS, and Sigma Xi act solely as agents for the passenger with respect to all trans- portation, hotel and other tour arrangements. In that capacity, we exercise all reasonable care possible to ensure the passenger’s safety and satisfaction, but, we neither assume nor bear any responsibility or SIGNATURE DATE liability for any injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity arising in connection with the services of any ship, airplane, train, automobile, motor coach, carriage or other conveyance, or the actions of any third-party, involved in carrying the passenger or in affecting these tours. We are not responsible for damages, additional expenses, or any other losses due to cancellation, delay or other SIGNATURE DATE changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, civil disturbances, acts or threats of ter- rorism, travel warnings or bans, termination or suspension of war risks or other carrier insurance, quar- antine, acts of God or other causes beyond our control. All such losses must be borne by the passenger, and tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. In the event of cancellation, delay or rescheduling mandated by any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall have the option of accepting in lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour(s) as may be offered by us, or else, receiving a refund of as much of such advance tour expenditures as we are able SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of singles are avail- to recover on the passenger’s behalf from carriers, third-party tour vendors, etc., but, we shall not have able in Categories B & C for an additional charge of $3,695. any obligation or liability to the passenger beyond the foregoing. We reserve the right to make alter- ations to the tour’s itinerary and to substitute hotels or ships if this is required. We reserve the right to cancel, delay, or reschedule any tour prior to departure, and, so long as this is not due to any of the afore- said causes beyond our control, the passenger shall be entitled to a full refund of all monies paid to that point if he/she so desires. No refund shall be made for any unused portion of any tour. By forwarding AIRFARE: Airfare (other than the group flights from Mopti to their deposit(s), the passenger certifies that he/she and/or their dependents, minors or others covered Timbuktu, Timbuktu to Bamako, and Bamako to Dakar) is not thereby do not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that could create a hazard for them or other passengers. We reserve the right to decline to accept or to decline to retain any person as included in the cost of the program. Please call Valerie Wilson a member of any tour should such person’s health, condition or actions adversely affect or threaten the Travel, Inc. (VWTI), the agency handling air arrangements for welfare or safety of other passengers or impede the tour. Baggage or valuables brought on the tour shall be transported, handled or stored at the passenger’s risk entirely, and, we shall bear no liability or respon- this program, for competitive airfares to Bamako, Mali, returning sibility for any damage or other loss thereto. Resolution of any disputes arising hereunder shall be affect- from Dakar, Senegal, in your selected class of service. To reach ed exclusively in the state or federal courts presiding in the City of New York, pursuant to applicable New York law. VWTI, kindly call toll-free 877-711-9896 or 212-592-1340 for Rates: Tour costs are based upon current airfares, tariffs, and currency values. While we do everything reservation and ticketing information, and please have your pro- possible to maintain the listed prices, they are subject to change. gram tour code handy for reference: 6805. Ship’s Registry: Greece CST #204 3599-40 TDI CST #203 6304-40 BEI

THESIGMA SCIENTIFIC RESEA XIRCH SOCIETYExpeditions

B ETCHART E XPEDITIONS Inc.

THESIGMA SCIENTIFIC RESEA XIRCH SOCIETYExpeditions

B ETCHART E XPEDITIONS Inc.

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage SIGMA XI Expeditions PAID Staten Island, NY Permit No. 169 B E TCHART E XPEDITIONS Inc. 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

Discover AAASTravels the Road to Sigma Xi Expeditions Timbuktu and Betchart Expeditions Inc. the Rivers of 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435 West Africa

February 3-18, 2006

SIGMA XI Expeditions Betchart Expeditions Inc. 17050 Montebello Road,For Cupert reservationsino, CA 95014-5435 or information, please contact Carol Larsen at (800) 252-4910 or via email at [email protected]. BTEX 6805 #910

Traditional Senegalese village