Mali - Travel & Accommodation

Travel & Accommodation

Travel

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If you google “Travel to Mali” or similar, you are likely to see many warnings against travel to Mali (usually from western sites) due to “high kidnapping risks”, etc. While caution is advisable, the best precaution that you can take is to be accompanied and/or know your destination and host well.

There are multiple airports in Mali the biggest being Modibo Keita International Airport (Bamako), Gao International Airport, Kayes Airport, Mopti Airport, Timbuktu Airport.

The main airlines going to Bamako (IATA Code “BKO”), depending naturally where you are coming from, are Ethiopian Airlines, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, KLM, Asky Airlines (one of the best regional carriers) and Air France.

Visas: Most foreigners visiting Mali need a visa, and all need proof of yellow fever vaccination. One can apply for visas of various durations. Fees vary depending on your country of citizenship. You will require the following documents:

A valid passport
Two (2) recent passport size photographs (Please glue them on the application forms)
Two (2) completed application forms
A copy of the yellow fever certificate

For those entering Mali from a bordering country, short-term tourist visas can be purchased at the border. Be sure to photocopy the first three pages of your passport, including the page containing your visa, and keep the photocopies separate from your passport in case it should be lost or stolen.

Transportation: It is possible to rent a car or a four-by-four to get around Mali, though we recommend hiring a driver along with your vehicle. Outside of urban areas, roads are often unpaved or in poor condition.

A number of bus companies operate throughout Mali, most with hubs in Bamako. Buses traveling to small towns often do not run on set schedules, and they depart when they are full; make sure your schedule is flexible! Otherwise, buses to bigger cities are generally on time. Most roads in Mali are unpaved, so whether you are driving or being driven, be prepared for a bumpy ride.

It is also possible to travel by boat to and from cities along the Niger, Bani, and Sénégal rivers. The largest company running ferries up and down the Niger River between Bamako and Mopti is called COMANAV. You can catch the boats at various ports. This mode of transportation, while scenic, is extremely slow.

Mobile Phones: Even if you have an international plan on your mobile phone, making local calls or calls back home can be very expensive. If you plan on needing or using a phone while traveling, we’d recommend renting a SIM card or buying a prepaid mobile phone and adding minutes as needed.

Accommodation

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Bamako has a comprehensive representation of many international brands with more being added annually. As your 5-star options, you have a choice between Radisson Blu hotels (Bamako) at $150-$250. The Sheraton is also represented ($250-$350). The Onomo ($120-$150) provides slightly cheaper options with other local (but decent) options also providing great value for money ($70-$120).

The real challenge arises when leaving Bamako in order to head further inland. Local advice is recommended before embarking.