Mali Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Mali.
Healthcare System
Mali's healthcare system is severely under-resourced with limited facilities, equipment, and trained medical personnel. Quality healthcare is available only in Bamako, and even there it falls well below international standards. Most of the country lacks adequate medical infrastructure.
Hospitals
In Bamako: Hôpital du Point G, Clinique Pasteur, and Clinique KENEYA offer the best available care. Private clinics are generally better than public hospitals but still limited. Payment is required upfront, usually in cash. Medical evacuation should be arranged for serious conditions.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies exist in Bamako and major towns but medication availability is inconsistent. Many medications are counterfeit or expired. Bring all necessary prescription medications with you, along with copies of prescriptions. Refrigeration for medications cannot be guaranteed.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage (minimum $250,000) is absolutely essential. Ensure your policy covers Mali specifically, as many exclude high-risk destinations. Evacuation to Europe can cost over $100,000.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive medical kit including antibiotics, antimalarials, and any prescription medications
- Carry sufficient supplies of all medications as refills are unreliable
- Ensure tetanus and other routine vaccinations are current before travel
- Have your insurance company's 24-hour emergency number readily available
- Consider registering with your embassy upon arrival for emergency assistance
- Avoid any medical procedures unless absolutely necessary; dental work should wait until returning home
- Bring oral rehydration salts as diarrheal illness is common
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Active terrorist groups operate throughout Mali, particularly in northern and central regions. Attacks target both military and civilian locations, including hotels, restaurants, and public spaces frequented by foreigners. Kidnapping of Westerners for ransom is a significant threat.
Kidnapping for ransom by terrorist and criminal groups is a serious threat, particularly for Western nationals. Several foreigners have been kidnapped and held for extended periods or killed.
Armed robbery, carjacking, and mugging occur, particularly in Bamako. Criminals may be armed and willing to use violence. Banditry is common on roads outside urban areas.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, markets, and public transportation. Thieves often work in groups to distract victims.
Road conditions are poor with potholes, lack of lighting, and inadequate signage. Driving standards are dangerous with frequent accidents. Roads outside cities may have checkpoints, banditry, and landmines in conflict areas.
Political protests and demonstrations occur, particularly in Bamako, and can turn violent with clashes between protesters and security forces. Military coups have occurred in recent years.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists offering guide services, tours, or help with logistics, then demand excessive payment, take tourists to overpriced shops for commissions, or abandon them in unsafe areas.
Criminals impersonate police or government officials, claim violations, and demand immediate fines or bribes. They may threaten arrest or confiscation of documents.
Taxi drivers, vendors, and service providers quote inflated prices to foreigners, sometimes 5-10 times the normal rate.
Street money changers offer better rates but use sleight of hand to short-change tourists, provide counterfeit bills, or work with accomplices who rob victims after the exchange.
Individuals approach tourists with stories of sick family members, needed school fees, or orphanages, requesting donations that never reach the intended recipients.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Security
- Register with your embassy immediately upon arrival and maintain regular contact
- Share detailed itinerary with family/friends and check in regularly
- Maintain a low profile; avoid discussing nationality, travel plans, or displaying wealth
- Keep photocopies of passport and important documents separate from originals
- Have emergency cash hidden in multiple locations
- Learn basic French phrases for emergencies
- Keep embassy contact numbers programmed in your phone and written down
- Consider satellite phone or communication device for areas with poor coverage
- Have evacuation plans and routes identified in advance
Accommodation Safety
- Stay only in hotels with 24-hour armed security guards
- Choose accommodations with secure perimeters and vehicle barriers
- Verify security measures before booking (blast walls, metal detectors, security protocols)
- Keep room doors and windows locked at all times
- Know emergency exits and evacuation routes
- Don't display room numbers publicly or discuss room details
- Use hotel safes for valuables and documents
- Be cautious of who you allow into your room
Transportation Safety
- Use only trusted, pre-arranged drivers; avoid random taxis
- Never travel after dark outside secure compounds
- Keep vehicle doors locked and windows up at all times
- Vary routes and departure times to avoid predictability
- Avoid stopping in isolated areas or for apparent accidents (potential ambush)
- Keep fuel tank at least half full at all times
- Have emergency supplies in vehicle (water, first aid, phone charger)
- Do not travel outside Bamako without professional security assessment
Health Precautions
- Only drink bottled or boiled water; avoid ice
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food from reputable establishments
- Avoid raw vegetables, salads, and unpeeled fruits
- Practice strict hand hygiene; carry hand sanitizer
- Take antimalarial medication as prescribed
- Avoid contact with animals to prevent rabies exposure
- Get comprehensive vaccinations before travel (yellow fever required, hepatitis A/B, typhoid, meningitis recommended)
- Avoid swimming in freshwater (risk of schistosomiasis)
Communication
- Purchase local SIM card from reputable provider (Orange, Malitel)
- Keep phone charged and carry portable charger
- Have offline maps downloaded
- Be cautious about discussing sensitive topics on phones or in public
- Avoid using public WiFi for sensitive communications
- Keep list of emergency contacts accessible offline
- Learn key French phrases for emergencies and navigation
Money and Valuables
- Carry minimal cash; use hotel safes for excess
- Divide money between multiple secure locations
- Use ATMs only in secure locations during daylight hours, preferably inside banks
- Be discreet when handling money
- Keep expensive jewelry and watches at home
- Don't display cameras, phones, or electronics conspicuously
- Have emergency funds accessible through multiple means
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees (especially women)
- Ask permission before photographing people, religious sites, or government buildings
- Avoid photographing military installations, airports, or security forces
- Respect Islamic customs, especially during Ramadan
- Use right hand for eating and greeting
- Remove shoes when entering homes or mosques
- Be respectful during prayer times
- Learn basic greetings in French and Bambara
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Mali presents significant challenges for women travelers beyond the general security concerns. While Malian culture is generally respectful, women may face harassment, unwanted attention, and cultural restrictions. Women should not travel to Mali alone and should preferably travel with established organizations or as part of security-conscious groups. The combination of security threats and cultural factors requires extensive precautions.
- Avoid traveling alone; travel with reputable organizations or groups with security protocols
- Dress very conservatively: cover shoulders, chest, and legs below the knee at minimum
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) and mention your husband to deflect attention
- Avoid eye contact with men you don't know; this can be misinterpreted
- Don't go out after dark under any circumstances
- Be especially cautious in taxis; use only pre-arranged, trusted drivers
- Avoid isolated areas even during daylight
- Stay in hotels with strong security and female staff if possible
- Have male colleagues or contacts accompany you for meetings when possible
- Be prepared for more scrutiny and questions than male travelers
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations immediately
- Keep phone charged and emergency contacts readily accessible
- Consider hiring a local female guide or assistant for support and cultural navigation
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not explicitly criminalized under Mali's penal code, but same-sex relationships are not legally recognized and there are no anti-discrimination protections. Societal attitudes are highly conservative and intolerant.
- Do not disclose sexual orientation or gender identity publicly
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Be extremely discreet about relationships and personal life
- Do not seek out LGBTQ+ venues or communities as they are essentially non-existent and could be dangerous
- Be cautious about trusting local contacts with personal information
- Have cover stories prepared if questioned about marital status or relationships
- Monitor social media privacy settings; avoid LGBTQ+ content that could be traced to you
- Consider the risks carefully before traveling; this is not a safe destination for LGBTQ+ travelers
- Have embassy contact information readily available
- Consider using gender-neutral language when discussing partners
- Be aware that hotel staff may question unmarried couples sharing rooms
- Research your specific embassy's ability and willingness to assist LGBTQ+ citizens in distress
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with high-limit medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential for Mali and should be considered non-negotiable. Given the poor healthcare infrastructure, high security risks, and potential for medical emergencies requiring evacuation, traveling without proper insurance could result in catastrophic financial costs or inability to access life-saving care. Many standard policies exclude high-risk destinations, so verification of Mali coverage is critical.
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