Mali Quick Guide

Have you ever wanted to travel to the African nation of Mali? If you have, then there are several ways for you to get there. You can choose to fly to the country or spend a few days traveling around the country. Below are some suggestions for those who would like to travel to this African nation but do not have the luxury of time to spend in traveling around.

Before setting out, it is important to purchase travel insurance that covers trips to Africa or any other destination for that matter. A Mali travel guide can give you a brief overview of various travel insurance policies available in the market. You can also obtain more information about travel insurance from websites related to travel.

The capital city of Mali, Bambao is an excellent place to begin your journey in the west African country. This central African city is home to some of the finest hotels in the world. Some of the world class hotels in Bambao include the Le Prince Bou villas, the Royal Sonar Kone and the Royal Grand Sonar Kone. These four star hotels are perfect destinations for families and honeymooners alike.

While in Bambao, you can plan on visiting the national museum, the Bambao Aquarium, the National Archaeological Museum and the Ghana Bird House. You can also take a safari trip to the Zimani Hills and the Sahel Mountain. While in seminyak, you can visit the M'Goun camp and the Djalomoum site. If you are traveling to Ajanta and Tessaglia, you should not miss the historical city of Tamale.

You will be surprised at the variety of activities and sites that you can see in Mali during your next trip to the country. You can start your day by heading to the Djalomoum Archaeological Park to view the ancient cultural facts of the Mali culture. The National Museum in Bambao features a wide range of exhibits and artifacts, which include a 5000-year-old statue of a king and a baboon.

On your way back to sahel, you will pass through the towns of Tamale, Djalomoum, Bambao, and M'Goun. You can stay in one of the local hotels in these cities or even try a cheap hotel. There are many bamako inns, lodges, guest houses, bars and restaurants. These bamako inns offer a wide range of delicious cuisines and you can even try the traditional meals. You can enjoy a quiet dinner with your loved one at any of these bamako inns.

When you have finished your relaxing stay at one of the bamako bistros or an alfresco restaurant, it is time to move on to Timbuktu. You can go to Timbuktu by foot or take a boat ride to the famous Blue Nile River. Once there, you can enjoy shopping at the spice market or go for a horse safari. Another popular activity in Timbuktu is cycling; however, it is not possible to cover the whole city in a single cycle.

For those traveling from the United States, you will need to apply for a tourist visa in order to enter the country. Otherwise, you can simply follow the many backpackers who offer to take you to Malian bamboos (tourist visas). You can contact either the embassy or the local travel agency in order to find out about the requirements and process of getting a tourist visa once you are in Mali.

Once you have obtained a tourist visa, you can start touring Timbuktu and other places in the dogon country. The best time to visit Malian cities is during the rainy season, which generally starts in June and ends in September. This is the main season when the climate is at its best. It is the best time to plan an extended stay in any of the cities in Mali, especially if you are on a budget. You can stay at a traditional home-stay or even in a modern hotel.

When traveling to the Djenn Museums and other important historical sites in the dogon country, it is best to take a bus or minibus. This is because the buses and minibuses are less crowded. It is also less expensive to travel in a group. One of the must-visit sites in northern Mali is the Djenn Museums. You can start at the Djenn Ciske Museum in Djennur. Then traveling north you can stop by at the Sidi Aomar Uld Beidil Farkadley, which is the highest mountain peak in the dogon country.

For a longer exploration, you can take a safari on foot. There are several destinations that you can visit in the safari such as Djennur, Siby, and Gedi to name a few. So regardless of what you are planning to do in Malian safaris, keeping a safe area in mind such as the Djennur Safe Area, the Sidi Aomar Uld Beidil, and the Gedi Safe Area will ensure that your safari in Mali is a successful one.

What vaccinations do I need?

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Mali are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel?

Best time to visit?

October, November, December and January are the best time to visit Mali. This is the dry season, but the harmattan has yet to fully kick in, so it's the most pleasant time to travel. The harmattan wind blows down from the Sahara in January, February, March, April and May.

Do I need a Visa?

British citizens need a visa to enter Mali, available from the nearest Malian Embassy or Consulate. There is a Malian Honorary Consulate in London.

See which forms you may need for entry into Mali.

What currency do i need?

The official currency of Mali is the West African Cfa Franc (XAF). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Mali you can grab amazing West African Cfa Franc deals via Wise.com (GBP to XAF).

What about the wildlife?

Large herbivorous mammals include gazelles, antelopes, giraffes, and elephants. The main carnivores are lions, panthers, and hyenas. Crocodiles and hippopotamuses inhabit the rivers, and there are a wide variety of monkeys, snakes, and birds (including the ostrich).

What is the traditional food?

French food? Tiguadege Na is the national dish of Mali, and everyone eats it, or some version of it. I have provided you with two recipes for it, one with meat, and one vegetarian alternative. The okra bean soup is also very typical of the region of Africa and is delicious! Heat the oil in a sauce over high heat.

What Languages are spoken?

Mali is a multilingual country where French is the official language of the nation. You can learn some basic French before you travel to Mali and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip?

The currency in Mali is the West African Cfa Franc (A 10% tip is customary in restaurants and bars.).

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: 17
  • Ambulance: 15
  • Fire: 18
  • UK Embassy: +223 44 97 69 13

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is -1 hours

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