Mali Travel Guide

Bambara Maounde is on the route between Douenza and Tombouktou.  The last time I was here in 1994, the north of Mali had only been officially open (rebel problems) for about two weeks.  I had put together a caravan to take my second love to Tombouktou.  The chief of the village gave us a hearty welcome, insisted that we park our camels in his courtyard while we attempted to shop for whatever was available in the godforsaken place.  When we returned, the chief, whom I then realized was tucked away in a den with at least another dozen robed rebel leaders, rifles/AK's/Swords against the wall, grew angry.  Suddenly, our beasts had soiled his courtyard and we were to pay.  He wanted 200 thousand CFA, which I didn't have.  I had 100 thousand, which were reserved for the man leading our caravan;  I gave the caravan leader the money in front of the chief, and said "If you want to steal, take it from one of your own".  He was furious and we were chased from the village without even being allowed to refill our water.  We drank from muddy wells until we made it to tombouctou 3 days later.  Stay out of Bambara Maounde - there is nothing bambara about those people.

If you are travelling form Ivory Coast to Mali you will have to change bus in Manankoro (customs, etc). Here some tips for your stay there:

First thing: get your ticket for the rest of the journey to Mali immediately! just follow the others and ask people where the ticket seller is sitting. they usually know better then you...

Talk with the 'apprentis' (young people working for the bus company and travelling on the back or top of the bus) and they will help you through all the formalities. Additionally, you'll probably have to sleep there - somewhere. Again, ask the apprentis if you can sleep in the bus with them. As it can get cold overnight, you need a sheet or warm clothes. You are not allowed to take any luggage down from the bus, so think of it before you leave in the Ivory Coast.

You can eat stew at the 'restoroute' for 500 FCFA or so, just follow the crowd.

The history of the place is kind of mysterious. It is not clear what's the real meaning/origin of the name of the city. it is believed that it was created by the Tuareg around the 11th century, and over the years became a major center of trade and learning until was ransacked by the Morokkans in 1591.
If you go there, visit the market, take a camel ride, go to the swordsmiths and buy a proper Tuareg sword. Walking around the city you'll see the houses where the first European travelers stayed.
You can get there either by plane or by sailing on the Niger (from Bamako or Mopti). I recommend sailing. It takes 2-3 days, you get to sleep on the river banks, you get to see zebus and hyppos. It's quite nice