Mali

Dogon Country
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its natural beauty and cultural significance. Its amazing landscapes, fascinating culture and welcoming people make it the jewel of West Africa.

Djenne
Located on an isle in the River Bani, the town is nicknamed the Capital of Mud, due to its mud-culture, which has Djenne listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the mud-built structures and the Great Mosque, the world’s largest mud-built structure.

Niger River
Enjoy the tranquility of the river as loaded pinasses (river boats) arrive from and depart to the northern regions of the country. Wonder  colourful markets and authentic villages along the river banks.

Mopti
Known as the Venice of Mali for its location at the meeting point of the River Bani and the River Niger.

Timbuktu
Synonymous with the ends of the earth, this West African city is located on the Sahara and was a center of religion and scholarship for centuries.

Some of the best months for travelling are from October to February, but it is still hot. The wet season (June to October) can offer cooler temperatures, and travelling in July avoids the heaviest rains of August.

Currency West African CFA Franc

Language Although Mali has over 80 different ethnic languages, the official language is French. There are also 13 ‘national languages’ – of which Bambara is the most widely spoken.

Weather Mali has a hot, dry climate most of the year. The dry season (Nov to June) offers lower humidity and high temperatures. From Nov to Jan the alize wind offers some cool relief bringing temperatures averaging 25 degrees C, whereas from March to June the harmattan winds can raise the heat to around 40 degrees C, creating dusty whirlwinds in their wake. The wet season, from June to October, brings heavy rain and thunderstorms. Temperatures drop in August, the month with most rain.

Social customs & quirks A lot of importance is placed on greetings in Mali, including questions about both parties’ families, neighbours and acquaintances. Friends will look each other in the eyes but when speaking with elders, religious leaders or a boss, it is more polite to look down and away. Pointing at people is considered rude, whereas burping is considered a compliment to the host! As with many traditional cultures, marriage is the norm and single people will need a good excuse! Mali has a rich history of multi-culturism, with a range of belief systems including Muslim, Christian, Peulh, Maures, Bamanan and Animist. Enquiring about the history, culture and traditions of the locals you meet will always be welcomed and can result in fascinating conversations. Being punctual is not considered necessary in Mali, leading to the often quoted problem of the country running on West African International Time (W.A.I.T).

Festivals & events Mali is blessed with a dazzling array of fascinating festivals. February brings the Desert Festival in Timbuktu, featuring international musicians performing alongside talented Tuareg musicans. Also in February, Mopti is host to the Daimwari Festival with puppetry, masks, dance troupes and pirogue races. Colourful drum circle dances are the highlight of the Daoula-Ba Festival in the village of Soh each March, then April brings the famed Dogon Mask Festival. The entire population of Djenne gather each April/May to re-plaster their Mosque with mud, ending with a huge feat, dancing and drumming.

Health* There are no compulsory health requirements on entering Mali.