"Mali - Sand, people and water" Mali by Petit_Prince

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

It's about people...

Both Mali and Burkina Faso (see my page about this country) are among the poorest countries in the world. Don't expect amazing wildlife, not even spectacular landscapes.

So what is giving these countries their particular charm? There is only one answer: people. People in lively markets, people in the street of main cities or in the villages, thousands of children, people in the mysterious city of Timbuktu...

Deep human experience

A woman and her child at Mopti

... That is what makes a trip to Mali and Burkina Faso an unforgettable experience.

Poverty is there, no doubt. But there is a fantastic lesson to take out of people making their life and being happy with so little.

The Niger - Source of life

It is impossible to come back from Mali with the same mind about water, about such a treasure we waste in such a foolish way. The Niger is essential to Mali's life. Water is a treasure for all of us.

When you see how people lack water in Timbuktu and in general in the desert, when you drink boiling water because it's 45ºC and you have nothing else, when the greatest pleasure after one day trip is drinking cool water, something definitely changes in your mind.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Travel through time and distance - You may find yourself at the end of the trip
Cons:You must be very patient and tolerant and be ready to have hard time (Heat, Thirst, confronting to Poverty)
In a nutshell:Ready to pay the price and live a great human experience?

Last visit to Mali: Jul 2002
Intro Updated Feb 26, 2003
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Reviews (17)

Dogon Country - 2 Things to Do (15)

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Dogon woodcarving is famous worldwide - Mali

Dogon Country - 1 Things to Do (15)

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Niger, source of life - 3 Things to Do (15)

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Niger, source of life - 2 Things to Do (15)

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Favorites (1)
Of Sand and Water

Tourist Traps (1)
Bribes: Be ready to pay

Travelogues (3)

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Comments (27)

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cadzand Nov 25, 2004 at 11:58 AM

Wonderful flavours of Mali. Les photos traduisent bien les sentiments. Bravo !
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Ujamaflip Oct 11, 2004 at 11:36 AM

Hi Daniel, Wonderful pictures and interesting test, thanks. Charlie
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Alpha_Ghana Apr 23, 2004 at 9:52 AM

I see that you really understood Mali and Malains. Great pages!
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aminguell Jun 22, 2003 at 10:24 AM

Nice pictures from a wonderful country!
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unravelau Jun 14, 2003 at 7:41 PM

And some more wonderful photo's of the people, their land and activities.......... Thank you.
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Bonobo2005 May 26, 2003 at 6:14 AM

some countries don't need highlights to be loved!!!
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Sharrie May 24, 2003 at 4:38 AM

Excellent photography :-) They look familiar! U are a pro now ;-) Thanks for the gift!
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daddygila May 8, 2003 at 2:13 PM

Excellent page, pics, and commentary....Welcome aboard!!!!
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tini58de May 8, 2003 at 4:25 AM

You are so right about the fascination of that country! I fell in love with Mali right away! Wonderful pictures, Daniel!
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mardaska May 5, 2003 at 3:05 AM

Great pictures Daniel... I know some of them ;-)