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 (shared minivans) are the primary intercity transport but can be crowded and unpredictable. Book seats in advance and carry water. For comfort, consider private car rentals with drivers, especially for reaching remote areas like Dogon Country.

Money: Mali uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are rarely accepted outside luxury hotels in Bamako. Bring euros or USD for exchange at banks or authorized dealers. Always carry cash and negotiate prices beforehand.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques. Ask permission before photographing people and expect to pay small fees. Use your right hand for greetings and eating. Remove shoes when entering homes or sacred spaces.

Food Safety: Stick to bottled or boiled water and avoid ice. Try local specialties like jollof rice and grilled fish at busy local restaurants where turnover is high. Avoid raw vegetables and street food unless freshly prepared before your eyes.

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.