Mali

Types of trips: Exploration, Adventure, Geography, Culture

Best known for: Salt Mines, Gold production

Why Go?: While the current political climate in Mali is rocky, it's a country of beauty & mixed culture that will mesmerise any visitor. The various ethnic groups and their traditions live amongst buildings arising from a sometimes harsh landscape & thrive in it - Mali will be both educational and memorable. 

Fact File

Population: 15,300,000

Capital: Bamako

Language(s): French

Landscape: As the country lies mostly within the Sahara desert, the majority of the land is sandy/rocky, with greener & more fertile lands to the south.

Climate/Seasons: The rainy season runs from June - September, but isn't consistent country-wide and some places often have droughts. The peak rainfall is between July and August with peak temperatures in April - June and September - October. 

When to Go: November through to January is the best period to visit Mali as it's cooler (but still pretty hot) and avoids the dusty winds of January - June. 

Reasons to Visit: Local cultures

How to Get There: Flying is the best route to Mali from the UK, but you may have to take some connecting flights!

Places to Go: National Museum of Mali, Centre de Recherches Historiques Ahmed Baba, Ethnological Museum

Famous People: Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Amadou et Mariam, 

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: La Dune Rose, Mount Hombori

History: Under French control for a period starting in the late 19th century, achieving independence in 1960 

Architecture: Great Mosque of Djenne, Segou Koro

Culture: Varied ethnic groups and cultures all coexisting in Mali, strong traditions

Sport: Football, Basketball, Wrestling

Events: Fetes des Masques, Festival-au-Desert

Watch Out For: You will need a visa to enter Mali, so make sure to sort this out in plenty of time! Also, at the time of writing there is some political unrest in the country - see the FCO page linked below for up to date information.

Medical Issues: Some vaccines and boosters are advised for travel to Mali - see this page for a general overview and always consult a doctor.