Mali

As one of the centerpieces of West Africa, landlocked Mali has a compelling history and some legendary sites. The name Timbuktu evokes images of grand wealth at the ends of the earth. Once an extremely prosperous trading center, Timbuktu had lost most of its glory by the time European explorers reached it in the 19^th century. Though the modern city itself is not spectacular the journey is worth it for the architecture and history. Above all, the chance to say that you visited Timbuktu is something. The Grand Mosque of Djenne is a masterpiece of architecture as the world’s largest mud brick building, capable of holding 5,000 people. The old cities of Djenne are also a compelling sight, with nearly 2,000 old homes still remaining. To reach both Djenne and Timbuktu, you can take a trip up the grand Niger River, along which most of Mali’s population lives. For a more cultural trip, you can hire a guide and visit the Dogon country along the Bandiagara escarpment. The Dogon have managed to maintain their culture and way of life. You can visit their villages to see this as long as proper respect is maintained.

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Last edited Aug 31, 07 12:54 AM.

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1. The Dogon Country

(3 reviews)

Mopti, Mopti Region, Mali

Dogon Country is one of the main reasons that tourists travel to Mali and the hikes through here are amazing. Most people do a 3-5 day hike but you can walk for longer or shorter periods if you wish. Before the Dogon..

2. Great Mosque of Djenné

(3 reviews)

Djenne, Mali

First built in the 13th century but created in its current form in 1907, the Great Mosque of Djenné is the largest mud brick or adobe building in the world, and is considered by architects to be one of the greatest..

3. La Dune Rose

(1 reviews)

Gao, Gao Region, Mali

La Dune Rose, or 'the Pink Dune' is located directly across the Niger from Gao and can be clearly seen from the city. It is heralded as Gao's premier tourist attraction and can be reached by pirogue which is easily..

4. Djenne Monday Market

(1 reviews)

Djenne, Mali

The Monday market in Djenne is a large, bustling locals market that attracts people from all over the region Because it is a locals market and sells little of interest to tourists it is relatively hassle free. You..

5. Fish Market

(1 reviews)

Mopti, Mopti Region, Mali

The fish market in Mopti is a bustling place which is, strangely enough, full of fish! Fresh fish, dried fish, salted fish, you name it, if it's fishy it's here! There are also sections of the markets you can watch..

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1. Toryalai's Tip on Bambara Maounde

Bambara Maounde, Mali

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.

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2. Toryalai's Tip on Mopti

Mopti, Mopti Region, Mali

Mopti is perhaps one of Mali's most colorful cities since it's a major trading post for "pinasses", the huge merchant dugout boats, and also a hub for weavers and pottery. I would not stay in Mopti - much better off in Sevare nearby; suggest Mac's refuge.

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3. Toryalai's Tip on Sevare

Sevare, Mali

Sevare is THE place to stay if you are visiting Mopti/Djenne or on your way north to Gao or Tombouctou. Mac's refuge offers all the comforts that a traveler could desire, and Peace-Corps-Baba has lots of timeless wares to share.

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4. Toryalai's Tip on Bandiagara

Bandiagara, Mali

Bandiagara is one of two main hubss for people wanting to visit dogon country. Lots of guides but the best ones come from Pere Vespirene's monastary. Mac's refuge in sevare is a great place to start since he grew up in Dogon country and can help you to avoid bad guide experiences.

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5. Toryalai's Tip on Kayes

Kayes, Kayes Region, Mali

Kayes is the border town on the train route between Mali and Senegal. The highlight in this region are the "Chutes du Felou". Beautifully carved rock formations with the river flowing through them. One of the undisclosed wonders of the world in my book. Do watch out for swimming in the river though. The logs on the sides are "Caimans".

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6. Toryalai's Tip on Bankas

Bankas, Mali

Bankass is the mass transit door to dogon country. Lots of "faux-guides" and schemes to cheat you out of a good travel experience. Much better to approach dogon country through Bandiagara, or better yet, through Mac's refuge in Sevare.

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7. Chad's Tip on Bamako

Bamako, Bamako District, Mali

Americans, be warned that in Mali, outside of Bamako, it is difficult to exchange the dollar for the local CFA currency. The euro is almost a necessity!

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8. Julien's Tip on Timbuktu

Timbuktu, Tombouctou Region, Mali

You absolutely have to taste the special meal of timbuktu... hard to find but just ask people... it's a wonderful kind of fufu with the twelve spices of timbuktu. Mmmmh !

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9. Jan's Tip on Bandiagara

Bandiagara, Mali

If you want to explore Dogon country (Mali) try to arrange a guide as close to the villages as possible. Don't be fooled by the hagglers in Mopti. But, please, stay polite! You need at least three days to see something, don't go for less.

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10. Julien's Tip on Mopti

Mopti, Mopti Region, Mali

try to sleep on the roofs of traditional old houses..., avoid guides there... and jump in the boat to timbuktu

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Losi M.

Photography, Culture, Outdoors

Orazio P.

Mali

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