Mali Dos and Don'ts

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!

Veel regenbuien in zomer maar die gaan snel voorbij en de zon schijnt al terug.

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.

While in Segou, the center of the Bambara region, check out the vegetable market and the houses that instead of using wood to hold together their mud facades, use cow horns.

Take as little as you can when hiking through Dogon Country as it will significantly increase your enjoyment of the hike.  That said it can get quite cool at night (especially in the wet season) so you may want to carry something warm.  You also may want to bring a torch, something waterproof (especially in the wet season) and some kola nuts if you want to befriend the locals!