If you have never been to Mali, here is a travel guide for the newbie. This map of Mali shows some of the most popular places in the country.
Map of Mali
Mali is a landlocked country in the western African region. It is the smallest country in Africa by area and has a population of about 12 million people. The country has a variety of landscapes, from highlands in the north to the Sahara Desert in the south. The Niger River forms Mali’s northern border and the Gambia River forms its southern border. Mali also shares a long coastline with Senegal to the west and Mauritania to the east.
Mali was formerly part of French West Africa. It became independent in 1960 and was ruled by a series of military dictatorships until 1991. A period of democratic rule followed, but political instability and violence continues to plague Mali. In 2012, an uprising led to the ouster of President Amadou Toumani Touré and a return to military rule. The current president is Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, who took office after elections in April 2014.
Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a per capita GDP of only $1,200. The economy is dominated by subsistence agriculture and livestock herding, with a small industrial sector limited to production of handicrafts.
Introduction
Mali is a landlocked country located in the western Africa region. The country’s total land area is approximately 10,533 square kilometers. Mali is bordered by Senegal to the north, Algeria to the east, Burkina Faso and Niger to the south, and Cote d’Ivoire to the west. The capital and largest city is Bamako. Mali’s population is more than 20 million people. The official languages of Mali are French and Arabic.
Mali was once part of the ancient Ghana Empire and later became a French colony in 1893. After independence in 1960, Mali experienced a period of political instability and military coups that led to increased violence and poverty in the 1990s. In 2002, a coup d’etat by military officers led to the establishment of a transitional government that included members from both the ruling party and opposition.
A new constitution was approved in 2007, ending presidential term limits and establishing a semi-presidential system with an executive president.The current president is Faure Gnassingbé Eyadema who took office in 2005. Mali ranks 168th out of 188 countries on the Human Development Index.
Map of Mali
Mali is a landlocked country located in the west African subregion. The north of Mali is bordered by Algeria and Libya, while the south borders Burkina Faso and Niger. The country has a total area of 111,030 square kilometers and a population of over 18 million people. The capital city is Bamako. Mali was formerly part of French Sudan and gained independence in 1960.
Where to Stay
Mali’s south is a land of vast sand dunes, lush rainforest, rolling hills and crystal-clear lakes. The north is a stark contrast, with wide open savannah plains fringed by the Sahara Desert.
The best places to stay in Mali vary depending on your budget and interests. From posh resorts in the luxury beach towns of Bamako or Ansongo to simple guesthouses in rural villages, there’s something for everyone in Mali.
Below are some of our favorite places to stay in Mali:
– Villa Balima: A luxurious villa overlooking the Koulikoro River Valley, Villa Balima offers stunning views and impeccable service at an affordable price.
– L’Hermitage du Lac: Luxurious guesthouses with wood burning fires situated right on the banks of the Niger River offer breathtaking views of Mali’s most beautiful lake.
– Maison Dabou: Located in the heart of Ansongo Village, this guesthouse is a great choice for budget travelers who want to be close to all the action but enjoy peace and quiet away from the noise of city life.
– La Terrasse: This bed and breakfast offers lovely gardens and comfortable accommodations just a few steps from the ocean’s edge.
Where to Eat
Mali has a wide variety of textures and flavors to its cuisine. From the spicy and sour dishes of the south to the sweet and salty stews of the north, Mali has something for everyone. Below is a list of some of Mali’s most popular restaurants:
– La Terrasse – This restaurant is located in Bamako, and it offers international cuisine such as Thai and European dishes.
– Le Cocotier – This restaurant is located in Yamoussoukro, and it offers traditional Malian dishes like couscous and lamb.
– L’Escale – This restaurant is located in Gao, and it offers international cuisine such as Thai and French dishes.
– Leambana – This restaurant is located in Sikasso, and it offers authentic Malian dishes like goat stew.
What to See and Do
One of the most popular African holiday destinations is Mali. With a diverse landscape and culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy when visiting this country. From the stunning mountain ranges to the bustling cities, here is a guide to what to see and do in Mali.
The capital city of Bamako is one of the most charming and welcoming cities in all of Africa. Here, you can find plenty of interesting sights and attractions, such as the Musée National du Mali, which houses an impressive collection of art dating back to ancient times. If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, be sure to check out the Keita Balafon Centre, where you can attend traditional music concerts.
If you’re interested in wildlife, then Malian safari parks are definitely worth checking out. For example, the Faidherbe Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, elephants and gorillas. Elsewhere in Bamako, you can visit the Botanic Garden or explore the markets on Ouagadougou Avenue.
Transportation
Mali is home to some of the most daunting roads in Africa, so it’s no surprise that getting around the country can be a real challenge. Fortunately, there are a number of safe and affordable ways to get around Mali:
-Buses: Themajority of Malian buses are inexpensive and reliable. They run frequently and cover most major routes. The best way to find out about schedules and fares is to visit the bus station in your destination town.
-Rideshare: If you want to travel long distances by car, consider using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. These companies will connect you with drivers who are willing to take you anywhere in Mali. Just make sure you have the addresses of the places you’d like to go before you get started.
-Taxi: Taxis are also an option for getting around Mali. They can be expensive, but they’re usually reliable. Just be sure to negotiate a fare before getting in the taxi, and don’t forget your driver’s name and phone number.
