Day-by-Day Itinerary
Settle into Mali's bustling capital and get oriented with the city's main landmarks and vibrant atmosphere.
Morning
Arrival and hotel check-in
Arrive at Modibo Keïta International Airport and transfer to your accommodation. Take time to rest and acclimate to the West African climate. Exchange currency and purchase a local SIM card if needed. Orient yourself with the neighborhood around your hotel and enjoy a welcome drink.
3-4 hours
$20-30
Arrange airport pickup through your hotel in advance for easier arrival
Lunch
A local restaurant near the city center serving traditional Malian dishes
Malian (try tigadèguèna or maafe)
Budget
Afternoon
Visit the National Museum
Explore Mali's premier cultural institution showcasing traditional masks, textiles, and artifacts from across the country's diverse ethnic groups. The museum provides excellent context for understanding Malian history from ancient empires to independence. The outdoor courtyard features traditional housing styles from different regions.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Evening
Sunset at Monument of Independence and dinner
Walk to the Monument of Independence for sunset views, then enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant with views of the
Niger River
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Bamako near the river (Mid-range hotel with air conditioning)
Central location provides easy access to major attractions and restaurants while offering comfort after your journey
Bamako can be hot and dusty; carry water and a scarf to cover your face when needed
Day 1 Budget: $85-110
Dive deeper into the capital's cultural offerings with visits to religious sites, markets, and museums.
Morning
Visit Grande Mosquée de
BamakoStart your day at
Bamako's Grand Mosque, an impressive modern structure that serves as the spiritual heart of the capital. While non-Muslims cannot enter during prayer times, the exterior architecture is striking and the surrounding area offers insight into daily religious life. The nearby market streets are excellent for observing local commerce.
1-2 hours
$5
Dress modestly and visit outside of prayer times; women should bring a headscarf
Lunch
A popular eatery in the Medina district serving grilled fish and rice
West African street food
Budget
Afternoon
Explore Musée de
Bamako and local markets
Visit the Musée de
Bamako to deepen your understanding of local history and culture. Afterward, wander through nearby artisan markets where craftspeople create traditional bogolan (mud cloth), jewelry, and wooden carvings. Practice your bargaining skills and support local artisans by purchasing authentic souvenirs.
3-4 hours
$10-20
Evening
Live music and dinner
Bamako is famous for its music scene; find a venue hosting live traditional or modern Malian music while enjoying local beer and grilled meat
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Bamako near the river (Same hotel as Day 1)
Staying in the same location saves time and allows you to settle in properly
Bring small denomination CFA francs for market purchases and tips
Day 2 Budget: $75-100
Experience Mali's natural side with visits to the national zoo and park areas.
Morning
Visit ZOO NATIONAL DU MALI
Spend the morning at Mali's National Zoo, home to native West African species including lions, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species. While modest by international standards, the zoo plays an important role in conservation education and offers a chance to see animals native to the Sahel region in a relatively natural setting.
2-3 hours
$5-8
Visit early morning when animals are most active and temperatures are cooler
Lunch
A garden restaurant with shaded seating serving international and local dishes
Mixed international and Malian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit Mali National Park
Explore Mali National Park, which offers walking trails through preserved natural landscapes typical of the region. The park provides a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and an opportunity to see local flora and smaller wildlife. Bring binoculars for bird watching, as the area hosts numerous species.
2-3 hours
$10-15
Evening
Relaxed evening at Place du Cinquantenaire
Visit Place du Cinquantenaire, a public square perfect for evening strolls, then enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant serving brochettes and fried plantains
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Bamako near the river (Same hotel as previous nights)
Final night in Bamako before heading to Djenné
Carry insect repellent for park visits, especially during the rainy season
Day 3 Budget: $70-95
Travel to the ancient trading city of Djenné, famous for its mud-brick architecture and Monday market.
Morning
Early departure for Djenné
Depart
Bamako early for the journey to Djenné, approximately 6-7 hours by road. The route passes through small villages and agricultural areas, offering glimpses of rural Malian life. The journey includes crossing the Bani River by ferry, a memorable experience in itself. Bring snacks and water for the journey.
6-7 hours
$40-60
Hire a private vehicle with driver or join a shared taxi; book through your hotel for reliability
Lunch
Stop at a roadside restaurant in Ségou for grilled chicken and rice
Malian roadside food
Budget
Afternoon
Arrival and orientation in Djenné
Arrive in Djenné in the afternoon and check into your accommodation. Take a walking tour of the old town to admire the distinctive Sudano-Sahelian architecture. The entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with hundreds of mud-brick houses creating a remarkably uniform architectural landscape.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Evening
Sunset views and dinner
Watch sunset from a rooftop terrace overlooking the town, then enjoy dinner at a local guesthouse serving traditional Malian cuisine
Where to Stay Tonight
Djenné old town (Traditional guesthouse with courtyard)
Staying in a traditional mud-brick house offers authentic cultural immersion
If you arrive on Sunday, you'll be perfectly positioned for Monday's famous market
Day 4 Budget: $90-120
Experience the iconic Great Mosque and, if it's Monday, the legendary weekly market that draws thousands.
Morning
Visit the Great Mosque of Djenne
Marvel at the Great Mosque of Djenne, the largest mud-brick building in the world and one of Africa's most iconic structures. Built in 1907, this masterpiece of Sudano-Sahelian architecture features distinctive wooden beams protruding from its walls. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the exterior is breathtaking and the surrounding square is perfect for photography.
1-2 hours
$5
Hire a local guide to explain the mosque's history and annual replastering ceremony
Lunch
A local eatery near the market serving rice with peanut sauce and vegetables
Traditional Malian
Budget
Afternoon
Explore Djenné's market and old town
If it's Monday, experience one of West Africa's most vibrant markets, where thousands gather to trade everything from vegetables to livestock. The market is a photographer's dream and cultural spectacle. On other days, explore the quieter streets, visit artisan workshops, and observe traditional crafts including pottery and weaving.
3-4 hours
$10-20
Evening
Traditional music performance
Arrange through your guesthouse to attend a traditional music performance featuring local instruments like the kora and ngoni
Where to Stay Tonight
Djenné old town (Same traditional guesthouse)
Another night allows full immersion in this unique town
Photography permits may be required for the mosque; respect requests not to photograph people without permission
Day 5 Budget: $65-90
Journey back to
Bamako with stops at interesting sites along the way.
Morning
Morning walk and departure
Take a final morning walk through Djenné's quiet streets, perhaps visiting a pottery workshop or purchasing last-minute crafts. Depart mid-morning for the return journey to
Bamako, allowing time to stop at points of interest along the way.
2 hours walking, 6-7 hours travel
$40-60
Lunch
Stop in Ségou for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the
Niger River
Malian with river fish specialties
Budget
Afternoon
Travel with cultural stops
Continue the journey back to
Bamako, stopping at villages or craft centers along the way. The town of San is known for its pottery, while other villages specialize in bogolan cloth. These stops break up the journey and provide shopping opportunities for authentic crafts.
4-5 hours
$10-20
Evening
Arrival and relaxation in
BamakoCheck into your
Bamako hotel, freshen up, and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a restaurant serving international cuisine
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Bamako (Comfortable mid-range hotel)
Return to familiar comforts before the next leg of your journey
Stock up on snacks and water before long journeys as roadside options can be limited
Day 6 Budget: $85-110
A lighter day to rest, do laundry, and prepare for the journey to northern Mali.
Morning
Leisurely breakfast and personal time
Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed morning. Take care of practical matters like laundry, restocking supplies, and confirming arrangements for your journey north. Visit a local supermarket or pharmacy to purchase any needed items for the more remote northern regions.
3-4 hours
$10-20
Lunch
Try a Lebanese or French restaurant popular with expats for a change of pace
International
Mid-range
Afternoon
Take a relaxing pirogue (traditional canoe) trip on the
Niger River. Observe daily life along the riverbanks, watch fishermen at work, and enjoy the cooling breeze. The river is the lifeblood of Mali, and this perspective offers unique insights into its importance.
2-3 hours
$20-30
Arrange through your hotel; late afternoon timing provides pleasant temperatures
Evening
Enjoy a special dinner at an upscale restaurant serving refined Malian cuisine, reflecting on your journey so far
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Bamako (Same hotel as previous night)
Familiar base for your final night before heading north
Confirm all northern travel arrangements twice; flexibility is important for travel in remote areas
Day 7 Budget: $80-105
Travel to Mopti, the Venice of Mali, where the
Niger and Bani rivers meet.
Morning
Departure for Mopti
Depart early for Mopti, approximately 7-8 hours by road. The journey passes through increasingly arid landscapes as you move north toward the Sahel zone. The route offers views of Dogon escarpments in the distance and passes through several market towns.
7-8 hours
$50-70
Hire a reliable vehicle and driver; shared taxis are cheaper but less comfortable for long distances
Lunch
Stop in a roadside town for grilled meat and bread
Simple Malian roadside fare
Budget
Afternoon
Arrival and exploration of Mopti
Arrive in Mopti and check into your accommodation. Take an evening walk through the port area where hundreds of pirogues dock. The confluence of the
Niger and Bani rivers creates a bustling waterfront with fish markets, boat builders, and traders. The atmosphere is vibrant and photogenic.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Evening
Sunset at the port and dinner
Watch sunset over the rivers from the port area, then enjoy fresh river fish at a local restaurant
Where to Stay Tonight
Mopti town center near the port (Mid-range hotel with river views)
Central location provides easy access to the port and markets
Mopti can be very hot; early morning and late afternoon are the best times for exploration
Day 8 Budget: $95-125
Explore Mopti's markets and take a boat trip to traditional fishing villages.
Morning
Mopti Grand Market and old town
Visit Mopti's bustling market, one of the region's most important trading centers. The market sells everything from dried fish to Tuareg jewelry, traditional medicines to colorful fabrics. Explore the old town's narrow streets lined with mud-brick buildings and observe traditional Fulani and Bozo architecture.
3-4 hours
$10-15
Lunch
A riverside restaurant specializing in capitaine (Nile perch) with rice
Malian river fish
Budget
Afternoon
Boat trip to fishing villages
Take a pirogue trip to nearby Bozo fishing villages built on stilts in the river. These communities have lived from fishing for generations, and their traditional lifestyle remains largely unchanged. Observe fishing techniques, boat building, and daily village life. The journey offers excellent photography opportunities.
3-4 hours
$30-40
Hire a boat and guide through your hotel or the port; negotiate price beforehand
Evening
Evening at leisure
Relax at your hotel or take an evening stroll along the waterfront, enjoying street food like fried plantains and bean cakes
Where to Stay Tonight
Mopti town center (Same hotel as previous night)
Convenient base for exploring the region
Bring sun protection and water for boat trips; the sun reflects intensely off the water
Day 9 Budget: $85-110
Day trip to the spectacular Dogon cliff villages, one of Mali's most remarkable cultural landscapes.
Morning
Journey to Dogon Country
Depart early for a day trip to Dogon Country, approximately 1.5 hours from Mopti. The Dogon people live in villages built into and beneath dramatic sandstone cliffs. Visit villages like Sangha or Banani to see traditional architecture, granaries, and meeting houses. Learn about Dogon cosmology, astronomy knowledge, and unique funeral traditions.
4-5 hours including travel
$60-80
Hire a knowledgeable guide who speaks Dogon languages; this is essential for meaningful cultural exchange
Lunch
Simple meal in a Dogon village guesthouse, typically millet-based dishes
Traditional Dogon
Budget
Afternoon
Cliff exploration and village visits
Hike along the base of the Bandiagara Escarpment, visiting additional villages and ancient cliff dwellings. The Dogon have inhabited these cliffs for over 600 years, and the landscape is both culturally and visually stunning. Observe traditional crafts including weaving and blacksmithing.
3-4 hours
$20-30
Evening
Return to Mopti
Return to Mopti in the evening, have dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant, and rest after a full day
Where to Stay Tonight
Mopti town center (Same hotel as previous nights)
Return to your established base
Wear sturdy shoes for cliff hiking and bring cash for village entry fees and craft purchases
Day 10 Budget: $110-145
Travel to the legendary city of
Timbuktu, once the intellectual capital of Africa.
Morning
Depart for
Timbuktu, either by 4WD vehicle (approximately 8-10 hours) or by air if available and security permits. The overland journey crosses increasingly desert-like terrain, passing through small Tuareg settlements. The landscape is stark and beautiful, with occasional acacia trees and nomadic herders.
Full day
$100-150 (road) or $200-300 (air)
Security situation must be carefully assessed; travel is typically only possible with military escort or by air
Lunch
Packed lunch or stop in a small town along the route
Simple travel food
Budget
Afternoon
Arrive in
Timbuktu, the legendary city that once served as a major center of Islamic scholarship and trans-Saharan trade. Check into your accommodation and take a short orientation walk. The reality of
Timbuktu may surprise visitors expecting more grandeur, but its historical significance is immense.
2-3 hours
$10-15
Evening
Sunset in the desert
Watch sunset over the Sahara from the edge of town, then enjoy a simple dinner at your hotel or guesthouse
Where to Stay Tonight
Timbuktu town center (Simple guesthouse or hotel)
Limited options in this remote city; comfort is basic but adequate
Timbuktu requires special permits and security considerations; ensure all arrangements are made through reputable operators
Day 11 Budget: $140-200
Discover the ancient mosques, libraries, and desert culture of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Morning
Historic mosques and manuscripts
Visit
Timbuktu's three great mosques: Djinguereber, Sankore, and Sidi Yahia, all built in the 14th-15th centuries. Tour one of the private libraries housing ancient manuscripts on subjects from astronomy to medicine, representing Africa's rich intellectual heritage. These fragile documents survived centuries in the desert.
3-4 hours
$20-30
Hire a knowledgeable local guide to access libraries and understand the historical context
Lunch
A simple restaurant serving rice with sauce and meat
Basic Malian fare
Budget
Afternoon
Tuareg culture and desert exploration
Visit a Tuareg family to learn about nomadic desert culture, including traditional crafts like leather working and silver jewelry making. Take a short camel ride into the surrounding dunes for a taste of Saharan life. The Tuareg, known as the 'blue people' for their indigo-dyed clothing, have deep knowledge of desert survival.
3-4 hours
$30-50
Evening
Traditional music and tea ceremony
Participate in a traditional three-glass tea ceremony while listening to Tuareg guitar music under the stars
Where to Stay Tonight
Timbuktu town center (Same guesthouse as previous night)
Maintain your established base
The sand is extremely fine and gets everywhere; protect cameras and electronics
Day 12 Budget: $90-130
Begin the journey back to
Bamako, reflecting on your desert experiences.
Morning
Take a final morning walk through
Timbuktu's sandy streets, perhaps purchasing Tuareg crafts or salt tablets brought by camel caravan from the Sahara. Depart for the return journey to
Bamako, either by air or beginning the overland journey back through Mopti.
Variable depending on transport
$100-300
Flight schedules can be irregular; confirm multiple times
Lunch
In-flight meal or packed lunch for road journey
Simple travel food
Budget
Afternoon
Travel day
Continue traveling toward
Bamako. If flying, you'll arrive in the afternoon and can check into your hotel and rest. If traveling overland, you'll likely reach Mopti or another midpoint town for an overnight stop before continuing to
Bamako the next day.
Full day
$50-80
Evening
Arrival and relaxation
Check into your
Bamako hotel, shower off the desert dust, and enjoy a celebratory dinner at a nice restaurant
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Bamako (Comfortable hotel with good amenities)
Return to comfort after remote travel
Keep some CFA francs aside for final souvenirs and tips
Day 13 Budget: $120-180
Last-minute shopping and cultural experiences before your departure from Mali.
Morning
Souvenir shopping and final sights
Visit
Bamako's artisan markets for last-minute shopping. Look for authentic bogolan cloth, Dogon sculptures, Tuareg jewelry, and traditional musical instruments. If time permits, revisit a favorite spot or explore a neighborhood you missed earlier. Take final photos and soak in the atmosphere.
3-4 hours
$30-100 depending on purchases
Lunch
A farewell meal at one of
Bamako's better restaurants
Refined Malian or international
Mid-range
Afternoon
Departure preparations
Return to your hotel to pack and prepare for departure. Depending on your flight time, you may have opportunity for a final walk along the
Niger River or a last cup of sweet tea. Transfer to the airport, allowing extra time for check-in procedures.
Variable
$20-30
Arrange airport transfer through your hotel
Evening
International departure
Depart
Bamako with memories of Mali's incredible cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and dramatic landscapes
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (Departure day)
End of journey
Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours early for international flights; procedures can be slow
Day 14 Budget: $70-120