Document checklist for Mali

• Visa (if applicable)
• Valid passport
• Return or onward ticket
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

Essential Mali travel information

Currency – The West African CFA franc (XOF) is accepted as a legal tender in Mali. XOF 618 is around the same as $1.

Daily budget for 1 person – XOF 16,076 ($26).

Languages – French is the official language

Socket type – Types C and E, 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Time zone – Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Top 3 biggest cities – Bamako, Ségou, and Sikasso.

Top 3 landmarks/monuments – Tomb of Askia, the National Museum of Bamako, and the Grand Mosque of Djenné

Visa information for Mali

Mali does not provide arrival visas. Therefore, a travel visa must be secured in advance to prevent additional costs and unpleasant surprises at the border.

Typical costs and budget for Mali

Daily spending – XOF 16,076 ($26) per person.

Meals – about XOF 4,409 ($7.20) for one day

Transport – local transportation may cost up to XOF 1,815 ($2.97) daily.

Hotel – In Mali, a hotel room typically costs a couple $14,645 ($24).

The typical cost of a weeklong trip for two persons to Mali is XOF 224,137 ($366).

Transport and best ways to travel around Mali

Two times every week, several domestic flights connect Bamako with Timbuktu, making stops at Mopti or Kayes along the way. In addition, passenger boats stop in Mopti and Korioume on their way from Koulikoro to Gao, which takes at least six days.

Taxis may be booked for short trips, and buses connect the major cities. However, an automobile with a driver is the safest alternative.

Safety in Mali

There are several security issues in the Republic of Mali. Kidnapping, terrorism, and other crimes are more prevalent here. There are numerous security and defense units deployed all around the nation. If you must travel to Mali, here are some helpful tips to keep you safe:

• Avoid keeping all your possessions in one area, and refrain from publicly showing off your pricey jewelry or gear.
• To be informed about potential threats, keep an eye on local media and be familiar with local authorities’ phone numbers.
• Avoid going out alone at night, particularly if you’re a woman.
• Watch out for theft and fraud.
• Avoid purchasing illicit substances, always abide by the law where you are, and pay attention to police and security instructions in the event of terrorist attacks or natural catastrophes.

Weather in Mali

Travel to Mali is recommended between October and January, just after the rainy season. This is because Mali experiences hot weather all year round, with average highs of 35°C.

Must do and see in Mali

The Mali city of Bamako is home to the National Museum of Bamako, an anthropological and archaeological museum. The expansive, secure garden has reconstructions of Mali’s most significant structures.

The Great Mosque of Djenné: Its distinctive design has been central to Mali’s religious and cultural life.

The Cliffs of Bandiagara is a sandstone range that stretches more than 200 kilometers from southern to northeastern Mali. It is a premier geological, archaeological, and anthropological site.

Typical Mali food to try

La Capitaine Sangha is one of Mali’s well-known dishes. Nile perch fish is used to produce the meal, and it is served with rice, fried bananas, and spicy chili sauce.

Poulet Yassa is a comforting dish from West Africa cooked with chicken and eaten over white rice. Onion-lemon vinegar and caramelized onions are used to marinade the chicken.

Labadja is a dish that is typically served at celebrations like Eid. Cooked rice is combined with ground beef in this dish. During this celebration, the flesh of the sacrificed animals is used to make this delectable delicacy.

Vaccine information for Mali

Before making travel plans, it’s critical to understand what standard vaccinations and COVID-19 precautions are needed to visit Mali. For entry into the nation, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required.