"Difficult, Wearying but Rewarding" a Mali Travel Page by zrim

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.