Very basic but quiet - Bamako. and other Mali Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

This is a place that I have stayed every time I've been in Bamako, the abbott being a personal friend, although I have no religious leanings at all. This is not the more well known "mission des soeurs blanches" that is preferred by a younger bunch of people being more in the centre, but the one that is just on the south side of the river in Badalabougou. The rooms are very basic but well away from the bustle of the town and at 3000cfa among the cheapest rooms in town. As this is a working mission, there are a few basic rules to observe ie: Religious services can take place from 7 in the morning and through the day so a fair bit of decorum is required, no hairy chests on display, no bad language etc.

Unique Qualities: The general peace of the place. No-one is required to attend the services but may do if they want. More a gospel approach at times except Sundays !!!

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Theme: Other
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 00 223 222 25 57
Address: Mission Catholique de Badalabougou, rue 100, Badalabougou, Bamako.
Directions: Coming from the centre, cross the "Pont des Martyres" for 600 metres until first major crossroads. Turn right, walk up the incline and look for the signpost on your left before the next major crossing.

A couple of days spent here after the Dogon treks or days spent eating laterite dust(thats the red stuff that gets in everywhere)are well worth while. Run by a very friendly lebanese family, rooms are clean, a/c that works and a very good service at the restaurant . The rooms are in an annexe that lies in the street opposite and thus are away from the bustle of the main street.

Update from January 2009 - The Auberge now has a new annexe adding quite a few more bedrooms. Only a five minute walk from the reception/bar/restaurant.

Unique Qualities: One of the rare hotels in Mali that actually has HOT running water, and the big plus-a swimming pool that is kept spotless.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$20-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 00 223 32 01 45
Address: on the main street of Segou that leads down to the jetty.
Website: www.promali.org/aub-ind

A little bit further out than L'Auberge but nevertheless a fine place to stay. At roughly the same price as L'Auberge, the rooms are clean and quiet. Not as much hassle from the hawkers either.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$20-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 00 223 232 15 72
Address: BP 140 - Segou
Directions: At the top of the main street, 400 metres from the riverside.
Website: www.segou-hotel-djoliba.com

One of only two hotels in Sangha, the main town in Dogon country sitting on the edge of the escarpment. Very friendly staff, the director being the uncle of the owner of Tellem voyages in Bamako. Nice togu na in the grounds for that ever welcome cold Castel beer after a days hiking. When we stayed here in 1999 cost was 15000.00cfa per room and meals were 3000 cfa. Not that cheap but when you don't have much choice. There is the additional "Guides bureau" in the forecourt where you can make arrangements for any trips and treks and will give advice on the best spots to visit. Remember it is frowned upon to visit the villages without a guide, not only looking at it from the financial side of it, but also there are so many ways you can put your foot in it in the villages that it really needs a guide not only for counsel but to also smooth things over if anything goes wrong.
Update from our trip in January 2009. - The Guina campement has been extended and has now an extra 12 rooms. Cost is now 20.000 cfa per double room and a meal is 4.000 cfa.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$20-40  » Currency Converter
Directions: Lies on the hill above Ogol-bas.

Another one of those places you can't get away from!!! The personnel were friendly enough but there is the Radio Jamana throbbing constantly. Yep, this is the local radio station and they have rooms behind. A wedding party appeared from nowhere at 1 in the morning and kept going 'til 3. Sleep after was a waste of time.

At 9000 cfa for the double room we got done. Breakfast of brea, butter and jam was included though.


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Theme: Hostel
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 00 223 21 54 04 56
Address: BP Koulouba, Nioro du Sahel.
Directions: If you really want to stay here (there's not really a lot else) ask one of the kids in town to take you up as it is not easy at all.

A nice, quiet place away from the bustle of the town, although you'll need transport to go anywhere. Rooms are clean with mozzie nets and a small shower with cold water. W.C.'s are communal, but plenty of them.

A double room (2 single beds) cost 9000 cfa (13.5 euros).
No breakfast but can be had at the small place just across the road from the entrance.


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Theme: Hostel
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$20  » Currency Converter
Directions: Lies just off the main road into Segou. An unmarked road runs between a large open space (with football pitch) and the "Gendarmerie". Follow this for 400 metres and you'll see a sign for the mission.

A great stay to be had here. Mac is an American that was born to protestant missionnaries in Sangha. Each bedroom is named after an ethnic group and decorated in that style. He seems to be a very good cook as well, although he now has a Malian cook to help out. Every evening the menu changes from Mexican to American to Moroccan, never the same on the 7 days in a week costing 5.000 cfa (7.50 euros).

Double ventilated rooms are priced at 18.000 cfa (27.50 euros) with own WC and shower.
Dormitory rooms are at 7.000 cfa per bed.
Vehicles (3) can be accomodated inside the gates that are closed at 23.00h unless prior arrangements are made with staff.

Unique Qualities: The sumptuous breakfast is included in the price of the rooms.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 00 223 22 42 06 21
Address: Quartier Banguetaba, rue 124, porte 836, Sevaré
Directions: Arriving from Bamako, just at the Sevaré town limit take the first tarmac road on the left (very wide) follow this round a couple of curves to a roundabout where you'll see a sign for Mac's. At the roundabout you can actually see the place.
Other Contact: malimacs@yahoo.com