"Difficult, Wearying but Rewarding" Top 5 Page for this destination Mali by zrim

Mali Travel Guide: 1,002 reviews and 2,868 photos

festivities at a village celebration - Mali

Mali is the heart and soul of West Africa. West Africa is frightfully poor and underdeveloped. It is a challenge to successfully travel in a place like Mali. Travel to Mali is not to see the sights, rather it is the culture and the way of life that makes Mali a fascinating destination.

In these pages I will attempt to portray Mali honestly. That means there will be plenty of "warnings and dangers". This is not an attempt to disuade the curious adventurer from planning an excursion to Mali, but it is my hope to give a glimpse of the challenges that await. It would be folly to expect trouble-free, luxurious travel in Mali.

Even though Mali offers an abundance of pollution, bad roads, unbearable heat, poverty and the need for a host of vaccinations before even setting foot on Malian soil--it can be an experience of a lifetime. An open mind is essential. As is the willingness to get a little dirty, sweaty and nauseous. The cuisine is sure to disappoint. But the pageantry of africa is on full display and the easy smiles on the faces of Malians, young and old, is bound to steal your heart.

Last visit to Mali: Dec 2004
Intro Updated Dec 16, 2004
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Reviews (22)

a lazy evening on the Niger River - Mali

Dusk on the mighty Niger River Things to Do (4)

The Niger River's headwaters are in the country of Guinea and it empties into the Atlantic Ocean in Nigeria. But it also... more travel advice

UNESCO World Heritage Site--Dogon... Things to Do (4)

The Dogon people live on and around the huge Bandiagara Escarpment that stretches a hundred and twtenty-five miles... more travel advice

Pollution Warnings and Dangers (6)

In the capital city of Bamako the pollution is down right horrific. It is not much of an exageration to state that it is... more travel advice

Foosball Sports & Outdoors (1)

Like most places in the world outside of the U.S. Malians are mad about football (soccer). Everywhere you go you will... more travel advice

Tourist Traps (1)
Tombouctou (aka Timbuktu)
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Travelogues (2)

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Comments (39)

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Taamala Aug 20, 2008 at 8:12 AM

I've read your comments on your stay in Mali and find them rather negative. Not my experience at all. But I gues everyone has it's own truth. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
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blint Dec 27, 2007 at 9:31 AM

I am looking for info on mali and your page was a good intro. Thanks
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canuck68 Oct 19, 2007 at 7:43 PM

I just had a very fascinating trip to Mali thanks to your pages. I have only been to South Africa but I found the African children there just as you described them. Thanks for a most interesting read. Diane
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magdalena2007 Aug 20, 2007 at 11:46 AM

Amazing page -stunning photos
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Jenniflower Apr 12, 2007 at 1:50 PM

100% agreed re the kids behaviour. Africa's children are very different to 'developed' countries kids... far less spoilt and more well behaved. And happier too I find, even tho poorer. Rich in love!
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wadekorzan Dec 20, 2006 at 4:13 PM

Your writings about Mali make it truly come alive and give an honest insight to what one has to expect before going--thank you!
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iwys Sep 19, 2006 at 12:29 PM

Your intro and tips are beautifully honest. I'm planning a trip there next year.
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elpariente Jul 12, 2006 at 8:57 AM

Very good pages From this moment Mali is in my pending list "Gracias"
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evona Jul 7, 2006 at 12:58 PM

Very, very interesting page with wanderful pics and great infos. Great experience :)
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NEILHALLIDYA Apr 29, 2006 at 5:33 AM

Some really good photos here. Very good.