Things to Do in Mali

About Mali

The Niger River cuts through Mali, bringing life to a country built on the ruins of ancient empires. Timbuktu was once a center of Islamic scholarship—its manuscripts still survive in private collections and libraries across the city. The past is everywhere here. Bamako's markets sell textiles and metalwork while djembe drummers play on street corners. Mud-brick mosques, some dating back centuries, show what local builders could do with clay and water. The architecture is impressive. Malians will invite you for tea. This tradition of hospitality runs deep, as permanent as the baobab trees that grow across the savanna. You can't rush it. The Bandiagara Escarpment rises 500 meters above the plains. The Dogon people have lived in cliff-side villages here for centuries, preserving rituals and cosmology that anthropologists still study. Getting there takes effort. Seasonal floods transform the inland delta into temporary lakes and channels. The landscape changes completely. Fishermen and herders move with the water, following patterns their families have tracked for generations.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Bush taxis (Peugeot 504s) to Segou cost 3,000-5,000 CFA ($5.40-9) for 3 hours. Local transport in Bamako includes green buses at 125-250 CFA ($0.23-0.45) per ride. Motorcycle taxis charge 500-2,000 CFA ($0.90-3.60) for city trips. Car rental requires international license and costs 25,000-40,000 CFA ($45-72) daily. River boats on Niger cost 5,000-15,000 CFA ($9-27) depending on distance and class. Train to Dakar (when running) costs 15,000-35,000 CFA ($27-63). Airport taxis charge 5,000-8,000 CFA ($9-14.40) fixed rate. Walking during hot season is challenging - plan early morning or evening travel.

Money: West African CFA franc (XOF) used. ATMs at BCEAO and commercial banks but frequently empty. Euros exchange easily at 656 CFA per euro. Budget $35-55 daily. Credit cards work only at major hotels. Mobile money via Orange Money and Malitel popular for small transactions. Banking hours Monday-Friday 8am-12pm, 2:30-5pm. Tipping isn't expected but 500-1,000 CFA ($0.90-1.80) appreciated. Keep cash secure - petty crime exists. Market bargaining starts at 2-3x fair price. French currency preferred over USD for exchange.

Cultural Respect: French is official but Bambara widely spoken - learn 'I ni che' (hello). Islam is predominant - respect prayer times and Friday services. Greet with right hand only, lengthy inquiries about family are normal. Dress modestly especially in rural areas. Photography requires permission and often payment. Traditional music is UNESCO protected - griots are important cultural figures. Tea ceremony is social ritual taking hours. Avoid pointing with index finger. Gift-giving should be reciprocal. Traditional crafts like bogolan (mud cloth) are significant exports. Time moves slowly - patience essential.

Food Safety: Jollof rice with meat costs 1,500-3,000 CFA ($2.70-5.40) at local restaurants. Tiguadege na (peanut stew) costs 1,200-2,500 CFA ($2.16-4.50) and is the national dish. Attaya (green tea) ceremony costs 500-1,000 CFA ($0.90-1.80) and includes three rounds. Grilled fish along Niger River costs 2,000-4,000 CFA ($3.60-7.20). Millet beer (dolo) costs 300-600 CFA ($0.54-1.08). Street food like beignets cost 100-300 CFA ($0.18-0.54) each. Restaurant meals average 3,000-6,000 CFA ($5.40-10.80) per person. Bottled water essential - costs 300-500 CFA ($0.54-0.90). Fresh fruit juice costs 500-1,200 CFA ($0.90-2.16). Most eateries close during afternoon heat.

When to Visit

Mali's optimal travel season runs from November to February, when temperatures range from 20-32°C (68-90°F) and humidity drops significantly. This dry, cooler period offers perfect conditions for exploring Timbuktu, Dogon Country, and other outdoor attractions, though expect peak pricing with accommodations costing 30-40% more. March to May brings scorching heat (35-45°C/95-113°F) with minimal rainfall, making travel challenging but offering 20-25% lower prices and fewer crowds. The rainy season (June-October) transforms Mali's landscapes into lush green vistas, with temperatures of 25-35°C (77-95°F) and 200-1000mm of rainfall depending on location. While roads may become impassable and some attractions close, this period offers the lowest prices (40-50% discounts) and spectacular scenery. Key festivals include the Festival au Désert (January-February) celebrating Tuareg culture, and the Sanké Mon fishing festival (February) in Djenné. Adventure travelers and photographers might prefer the rainy season's dramatic skies and verdant landscapes, while cultural ensoiasts should visit during the dry season when festivals and outdoor markets thrive. Budget travelers will find excellent value during the hot pre-rainy season months of April-May.