Introducing Mali
About Mali
With a history blighted by political instability, it’s hardly surprising that Mali is missing from most people’s bucket lists. But as peace slowly returns to this dusty land, travellers are trickling back to unearth the country’s cultural treasures – of which there are many.
Though it’s hard to see how one of the most remote nations in the world, located deep within the Sahara Desert, ever became a centre of world learning, Timbuktu is not only a byword for long distances, but also an internationally recognised centre of knowledge: its libraries contain seminal notes on astronomy, mathematics and philosophy dating back to the 16th century.
Closely linked to Timbuktu by the Saharan trade in gold, salt and slaves, Dienne is known the world over for its adobe architecture, in particular the Grand Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mud-brick building in the world.
Bamako, Mali’s capital, may not have the cultural attractions of Timbuktu or Djenne, but it has a fascinating collection of architectural styles and an elegant location on the banks of the River Niger. What’s more, it is the centre of the country’s traditional music scene and Malians of all ethnicities throng to the nightclubs of Bamako to dance the night away to the sound of the kora, a lute-like instrument.
The most distinct of Mali’s people are the Dogon, whose secluded, cliff-side villages cling to sheer rock faces. Deliberately isolating themselves from the influences of neighbouring tribes they have developed a culture with no similarity in the region.
A land of faraway cities, intriguing civilisations and architecture like nowhere else on Earth, Mali’s position as a cultural juggernaut is well founded and its tentative steps towards stability have opened up an avenue of discovery for intrepid travellers.
Language, Culture & History
History of Mali
Once one of the great centres of Islamic culture and wealth, Mali owes much of its reputation to its situation as a major trading centre and to the tax that is levied on its trans-Saharan route. The Ghana Empire was the first to rise in the region, expanding throughout West Africa between the 8th and 11th centuries.
The second, the Mali Empire, reached its zenith in the early 14th century. After its decline, the territory became part of the Songhai Empire, which was brought to an end by a Moroccan invasion in 1591. With the decline of the trans-Saharan trading routes in salt, gold and slaves, the area enjoyed little strategic importance and was divided into small kingdoms for the next two centuries until the arrival of French colonists. Mali was absorbed into French West Africa in 1895. In 1960, together with what is now Senegal, it achieved independence as the Federation of Mali, although Senegal seceded after a few weeks.
The first president was Modibo Keita, who severed ties with France and developed strong links with the USSR. In 1968, a military coup overthrew Keita and the coup leader promised a return to civilian rule. This failed to materialise until in 1991, army officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Amadou Toumani Toure, assumed power.
In presidential elections later that year, the leader of the Alliance pour la Democratie au Mali (ADEMA), Alpha Oumar Konare, won and dominated Malian politics for the next 10 years. Konare secured re-election in 1997 but the political environment was far from peaceful during the period of ADEMA rule. The country was beset by strikes, student protests, as well as a revolving door of prime ministers, few of whom lasted more than a year.
In 2002, after a decade in the political wilderness, Toure returned to office. French approval quickly became evident when the bulk of Mali’s debt to France was cancelled within months of the election. Toure won elections again in 2007, and democratic institutions continue to strengthen despite a Tuareg rebellion and French military intervention in 2012.
Did you know?
- The 14th century emperor Mansa Musa gave away so much gold he caused the price to
- Gordon Laing is considered the first European to reach fabled Timbuktu. He was killed by Tuaregs before being able to claim the 10,000 francs in prize money from the French Societe de Geographie.
- The prime meridian runs through the city of
- 333 Muslim saints are buried in
Mali Culture
Religion in Mali
Majority Muslim, with indigenous and Christian minorities.
Social Conventions in Mali
Malians are hospitable people and will welcome visitors gracefully into their homes. Visitors must remember that this is a Muslim country and the religious customs and beliefs of the people should be respected. Modesty in dress, particularly for women, is essential.
Photography: This is no longer restricted, except for military subjects. However, interpretation of what is considered off limits tends to vary. Other subjects may be considered sensitive from a cultural or religious point of view and it is advisable to obtain permission before taking photographs in Mali.
Language in Mali
The official language is French. There are a number of local languages.
Geography & weather
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
Three main seasons which vary according to latitude. Rainy season runs between June and October, diminishing further north. The cooler season (October to February) is followed by extremely hot, dry weather until June.
Required clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens are worn throughout most of the year, though warmer clothing is needed between November and February. Waterproofing is advised during the rainy season.
Geography
Mali is a landlocked republic, sharing borders with Mauritania, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Niger and Senegal. It is a vast land of flat plains fed by two major rivers, the Senegal on its western edge and the great River Niger. On its journey north the Niger converges with the River Bani, and forms a rich inland delta, the marshlands of the Macina, stretching for some 450km (280 miles) along the river’s length, in some places 200km (124 miles) wide. The central part of the country is arid grazing land, called the Sahel, which has suffered great drought.
At Timbuktu, the Niger reaches the desert and here it turns first to the east, then to the southeast at Bourem, where it heads for the ocean. In the desert, near the Algerian and Niger borders in the northeast, the Adrar des Iforas massif rises 800m (2,625ft). The north of the country is true desert except for the few oases along the ancient trans-Saharan camel routes. Tuaregs still live around these oases and camel routes. Further south live the Peulh cattle-raising nomads. The majority of the population lives in the savannah region in the south. The peoples of this region comprise Songhai, Malinke, Senoufou, Dogon and the Bambara (the largest ethnic group).
Business Opportunity
Doing Business in Mali
The forms of address are those of France, eg Monsieur le Directeur. Lightweight suit and tie are advised for only the smartest meetings. Otherwise, a light, open-neck shirt is worn. It is essential to be able to speak French for business purposes.
Office Hours
Mon-Thurs 0730-1230 and 1300-1600, Fri 0730-1230 and 1430-1730.
Economy
Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world with an average per capita annual income of about US$470 (2006), an unemployment rate of 14.6% and 64% below the poverty line (2001). The economy is almost entirely agricultural even though less than 2% of the land is cultivable. Livestock and subsistence crops such as millet, sorghum, maize and rice are raised for domestic consumption.
The main cash crop is cotton, of which Mali is one of Africa’s largest producers and exporters. The Malian cotton industry, upon which one-third of the population depend for their livelihood, is in serious difficulty because of exceptionally low world prices.
Mali is one of the largest gold producers in Africa. Marble, salt and phosphates are also being exploited; there are also known reserves of iron ore and uranium.
Much of the economy has been privatised and deregulated since 1997 under the supervision of the IMF with which Mali presently enjoys good relations. Mali has also been one of the main beneficiaries of the debt cancellation for the poorest countries, and it continues to rely on foreign aid and remittances from émigrés. Mali is a member of ECOWAS and various other West African multinational economic organisations. Information can be obtained from the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
GDP
US$5.8 billion (2006).
Main exports
Cotton, gold and livestock.
Main imports
Food, machinery and equipment, petroleum products, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and textiles.
Main trading partners
China, Thailand, France, Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire.
Keeping in Touch in Mali
Telephone
Outgoing international calls must be made via the international operator. These are expensive and collect calls cannot be made from Mali.
Mobile Phone
Roaming agreements exist with several international mobile phone companies. Coverage is limited to main towns.
Internet
There is an Internet cafe in Bamako. Some hotels offer access.
Media
Mali’s broadcast and print media are among the most free in Africa.
Post
International post is limited to main towns and the central post office. Airmail to Europe takes approximately two weeks.
Plan your trip
Here’s Journey
Flying to Mali
Airlines operating flights to Mali include Air France (www.airfrance.com) from Paris and Royal Air Maroc (www.royalairmaroc.com) from Casablanca. Both offer connections from the UK and USA.
Airport Guides
Bamako-Senou International Airport
Code BKO
Location
The airport is 15km (9 miles) from the city (journey time – 20 minutes). TelephoneAddress
Flight times
From London – 8 hours (including stopover); New York -16 hours (including stopover).
Departure tax
None.
Travelling to Mali by Rail
The Bamako-Dakar (Senegal) service is not currently running.
Driving to Mali
Getting to Mali by boat
Staying there
Hotels
Hotel accommodation is difficult to obtain and reservations for major international hotels should be booked prior to arrival. All reservations should be made well in advance. There are good hotels in Agadez, Ayorou, Maradi, Niamey, to Tapoa and Zinder. There are also ‘encampments’ in Agadez, Bonbon, Namaro and Tillaberi. Local hotels are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For further information, contact the National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses).
Camping
Other accommodation
While you’re there
Things to see & do their
Attractions in Mali
Buy a camel at Ayorou market
Trawl the animal market in Ayourou, an ancient trading station located on an island in the Mali River, close to the Malian border. While in the region, use the town of Tillaberi as a jumping off point for reaching W National Park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for the endangered We. African giraffe, which clings on in the park.
Catch a tribal festival
Celebrate the end of the rainy season with the Peulh people, who mark the change in weather with a lively knees up. Alternatively, witness the Cure Soirée at Ingall, when nomads gather their cattle to go to new pastures. Not to be missed is the Wodaabe tribe’sgerewol, an annual courtship festival, the largest of which takes place at Ingall.
Discover Mali’s desert landscapes
Arrange an expedition through the mountains to relax at the springs at lgouloulef and Tafadek or the oasis town of Iferouane. Beyond, the Tenere Desert offers a charismatic landscape of dunes and open plains, while the Djado Plateau is rich in prehistoric rock painting and engraving.
Experience Zinder’s labyrinthine alleyways
The Old Town in Zinder, which was the capital of Mali until 1927, is a compact maze of alleyways, typical of a Hausa settlement. Near the centre is the adobe Sultan’s Palace, while the central market impresses with its sheer size alone. Artefacts in the small museum help to explain the history of the town.
Explore the Air Mountains
Within the Sahara Desert, the rugged Air Mountains rise steeply out of the desolate landscape to more than 1,800m (6,0000), and extend over some 85,000 sq km (32,000 sq miles). A region traditionally roamed by Tuareg nomads, it is home to a surprising array of wildlife, including hyena, baboon and desert specialists such as the fennec.
Go souvenir shopping in Maradi
Mali’s third largest city, Maradi is one of the country’s economic hubs. As a centre for Hausa culture, Maradi hosts an artisan market for handicraft purchases in the Solitan quarter, as well as the historically important Katsinawa Provincial Chiefs Palace and Dan Kasswa mosque which are well worth visiting.
Kick back in the capital, Niamey
Niamey is the country’s sprawling capital, situated on the east bank of the Mali River. The Small and Grand Markets are worth a visit, as is the Great Mosque, the National Museum (including botanical gardens and a zoo) and the Hippodrome, where home and camel races often take place.
Observe wildlife in W National Park
Named so because of the W-shaped meander in the River Mali, W National Park is the country’s most important conservation area. Spanning 10,000 sq km (4,000 sq miles) across three countries, its abundant wildlife including buffalos, elephants, lions, hyenas, jackals, baboons and giraffe. The birdlife is also prolific, with over 350 species
Identified.
Pay your respects to the King of Dosso
Royalists may want to swing by Dosso, seat of the Dosso Kingdom, which came to dominate the region before colonialism and continues to perform a ceremonial role. The city in southwest Mali is home to an exceptional palace, museum, and lively town square. Many festivals with parades and official ceremonies are celebrated here.
Sail the Mali River
Take a canoe for a sunset sail along the Mali River, one of Africa’s most important waterways and Mali’s lifeblood. Fishing for some of the 250 species in the river is possible throughout the year, the main season being from February to July.
Visit the ancient trading city of Agadez
Climbing the pyramidal minaret of the mud-brick Grand Mosque at sunset provides spectacular views of Agadez, the old Tuareg capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Still a caravan trading city, it has a thriving camel market, but also a lively handicraft trade. Beautiful silver and leatherwork can be bought all around the dry.
Tourist offices
Office National du Tourisme (National Tourist Office)
Address: BP 612, Avenue du President H Luebke, Niamey, Telephone: 732 447.
Nightlife & Shopping
Shopping in Mali
Markets in the main towns, notably Niamey and Agadez, sell a range of local artefacts. The Centre des Metiers d’Art de Mali, close to the National Museum, is worth visiting, as a wide range of local goods can be bought there. Courteous bargaining is expected and items include multicolored blankets, leather goods, engraved calabashes, silver jewellery, swords and knives.
Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1230 and 1500-1830, Sat 0800-1200.
Meals & Beverages
Although Mali has concentrated on improving its agricultural output, shortages of locally produced foodstuffs are common, owing to drought Traditional dishes tend to be less varied than in countries further south and are usually based around millet, rice or niebe, a type of bean that has become an important crop. Meals therefore centre on this plain yet filling staple, with flavour added by means of a vegetable or meat sauce.
Spices such as saffron, nutmeg and cinnamon have been introduced into the cuisine after centuries of trade with Arab North Africa, while dishes with a French twist are also common due to France’s 19th century colonisation.
Specialties
Shinkafa: Dense balls of pounded rice served with meat and vegetable stews. Tattabara: Flame-grilled flattened whole pigeon.
Deguidegui: Tomato stew often served with a mix of spaghetti and macaroni known as maka.
Brochettes: Chunks of beef or mutton placed on a skewer and cooked over an open fire. Most commonly found in Hausa country and the nomadic regions of the north. Laban: A branded frozen yogurt drink especially popular in the hotter months. Dodo: Deep-fried slices of plantain.
Palm nut soup: A typical West African dish is ever there was one.
Salaat: Often beginning a meal, colourful salads are made from seasonal vegetables such as lettuce and tomatoes.
Fours: Small balls of ground and slightly fermented millet crushed with milk, sugar and spices.
Ogbano: Also called the bush mango, the tree produces flavour-filled fruit and nuts. Tea: Ubiquitous drink in Mali, it quenches the thirst of millions of residents daily.
Things to know
Alcohol is available, but there are restrictions because of Muslim beliefs and traditions.
Tipping
Expected for most services, usually 10%. Most hotels add a 10 to 15% service charge.
Drinking age
18
Currently Unavailable
Before you go
Visa & Passport
| Other EU | Passport required Yes |
Return ticket required | Visa Required Yes |
| Yes | |||
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Passports
A passport valid for six months is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
All travellers require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Visas
Visas for Mali are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for Mali.
Types and Cost
Single-entry visa: £190; multiple-entry visa: £220 (three months) or £260 (six months). The fee for US nationals is US$131, regardless of the length of stay.
Validity
Single-entry visa: one month; multiple-entry visa: three or six months. US nationals are also eligible for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years.
Application to
Consulate (or consular section at embassy). UK residents can apply to the honorary consulate in London.
Working days
Allow 10 days for visa processing.
Our visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing,
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Embassy of the Republic of Mali in the USA
Telephone: (202) 332 2249.
Website: http://www.maliembassy.us
Address: , 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, Opening times:
Embassy of the Republic of Mali in Belgium
Healthcare
Health Care
The two main hospitals are in Niamey and Zinder. Only the main centres have reasonable medical facilities, but even these are poor. Personal medicines should be brought in as these can be difficult or impossible to obtain in Mali. Full health insurance is essential and should include cover for emergency repatriation.
Food and Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well cocked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Vaccinations against tuberculosis, cholera and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water.
Holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays in Mali
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Easter Monday
13 April 2020
Concord Day
24 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May 2020
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
24 May 2020
Tabaski (Feast of Sacrifice)
31 July 2020 to 01 August 2020
Independence Day
03 August 2020
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
29 October 2020
Note: Celebrated 5 days later for Shia.
Republic Day
18 December 2020
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
Duty free & Currency
Currency and Money
Currency information
CFA (Communaute FinanciereAfricaine)Franc (XOF; symbol CFA) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of CFA10,000, 5,000, 2,500, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of CFA500, 250, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Mali is part of the French Monetary Area.
Only currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de (‘Quest (Bank of West African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is not The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.
Credit cards
Mali has a cash-based society with no ATMs. Diners Club and MasterCard are accepted on a very limited basis.
ATM
Mali has a cash-based society with no ATMs.
Travellers cheques
Accepted by banks, as well as some hotels, restaurants, shops and airline offices. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0730-1100 and 1530-1730.
Currency restrictions
The import of local and foreign currency is unrestricted. Export of local currency is limited to X0F25,000. The export of foreign currency is unlimited.
Currency exchange
Currency can be exchanged at the airport as well as at main banks and hotels.
Mali duty free
Overview
The following items may be imported into Mali without incurring customs duty:
- 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
- 1 bottle of spirits and 1 bottle of wine.
- 500m1 of eau de toilette and 250m1 of perfume.
Banned Imports
Pornography is prohibited. You must obtain a licence to import sporting guns.
Banned Exports
Digging up or attempting to export ancient artefacts is prohibited.
