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Mali travel guide

Mali offers an abundance of essentially African experiences – camel trek into the Sahel, visit a mud mosque, join the masses on a riverboat and listen to world-class musicians at the Festival of the Desert

There is more to Mali than the sand of the Sahara desert. Malian towns, such as Timbuktu and Djenné, have been important centres on the trans-Saharan trading routes for centuries, and the markets still flourish.

Mali’s lifeline is the Niger and most cities and villages are located close to the water. There is a boat that connects the settlements along the river, but the Niger only carries enough water for boats to pass for half of the year

The Festival of the Desert takes place 60km outside Timbuktu every year in January, and attracts world musicians. The Festival of the Niger in Ségou celebrates the culture along the river with some top musical acts playing every year.

Dogon Country offers travellers excellent trekking opportunities along the Bandiagara escarpment and insight into one of Mali’s indigenous cultures, while Africa’s northernmost elephant herd can be seen in the Réserve de Douentza.

Wanderlust recommends

1. Take the riverboat along the Niger and experience the people and towns along the way.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Stroll around the ancient trading city of Djenné, with its Moroccan-influenced architecture. The Grand Mosquée is the world’s largest mud building.
5. Feel like a Tuareg and venture into the desert on an overnight camel trek from Timbuktu, or explore the Sahara by 4WD.
6. Rub shoulders with the locals and experience Tuareg and Songhaï culture while drinking tea in Gao.
7. See the last remaining herd of elephants in the Sahel at the Réserve de Douentza.

Wanderlust tips

If you're planning to visit the Festival of the Desert in Essakane, note that tickets should be bought well in advance; travellers can choose between full board and bringing their own camping equipment. It does get very cold in the desert, so warm clothes are recommended.

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