Mali

Welcome to Mali

Capital of Mali: Bamako
Population of Mali: 14.5 million - 23rd in Africa
Size of Mali: 1,240,192 km2 - 8th in Africa
Languages in Mali: French (official language) and Bambara, as well as numerous indigenous languages

Lively, cultured, and colorful Mali allows visitors to get familiar with African traditions and witness contemporary African art and lifestyles. Ancient empires built cities along the Niger River, leaving behind them knowledge, beliefs, and traditions, even as the architecture crumbled. Today, the country's world-renowned musical heritage has become central to tourism in Mali, with live performances of ngoni and kora music a highlight for many tourists exploring this west African nation.

Highlights

Take the riverboat along the Niger and experience the people and towns along the way.
Visit Dogon country along the 150km Bandiagara escarpment – there are over 30 settlements along the cliffs, and treks last between a few days to three weeks.
Take part in the Festival of the Niger, which is held in Ségou every January. It’s just as impressive as its rival in the desert, but easier to get to.
Stroll around the ancient trading city of Djenné, with its Moroccan-influenced architecture. The Grand Mosquée is the world’s largest mud building.
Feel like a Tuareg and venture into the desert on an overnight camel trek from Timbuktu, or explore the Sahara by 4WD.
Rub shoulders with the locals and experience Tuareg and Songhaï culture while drinking tea in Gao.
See the last remaining herd of elephants in the Sahel at the Réserve de Douentza.