Mali Travel tips

In many ways, little has changed since Mali's days as the site of great empires. Travelers willing to brave the heat and dust will find that they have entered an impressive civilization, where life today is much as it always has been. Mali has more archaeological sites than any other African country except Egypt - it is a poor country with an extremely rich heritage. Mali, however, is more than ancient artifacts. It contains within its borders the transition between the tropics of West Africa and the arid northern region. The culture mix makes for a colorful population, while the geographical variety accounts for the country's beauty. Given the diversity, Mali would be the destination we'd choose if we could make only one stop in West Africa.

Trekking:
A good area for trekking is the Bandiagara escarpment in the Dogon country, with Bandiagara, Bankass and Mopti being the main starting points for trekking trips. Guides are available and recommended; travelers should check that guides have an official identification card.