Mali is a landlocked nation in West Africa, located south-west of Algeria. At 1,240,000 square kilometres (479,000 sq mi), Mali is the world’s 24th largest country and is comparable in size to South Africa or Peru. Most of the country lies in the southern Sahara, which produces a hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry seasons. The country extends south-west through the subtropical Sahel to the Sudanian savanna zone. Mali is mostly flat, rising to rolling northern plains covered by sand. The Adrar des Ifoghas lies in the north-east.
The country’s climate ranges from subtropical in the south to arid in the north. Most of the country receives negligible rainfall; droughts are frequent. Late June to early December is the rainy season. During this time, flooding of the Niger River is common. The nation has considerable natural resources, with gold, uranium, phosphates, kaolinite, salt and limestone being most widely exploited.
Admire the ‘Jewel of the Niger’, Djenné, with the world’s largest mud-brick building – the Grande Mosquée. This is one of the oldest trading towns along the Trans-Saharan caravan routes. About 5km (3 miles) away is Old Djenné, founded around 250BC, today it is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. See how Mopti is located at the confluence of the Bani and the Niger, built on three islands joined by dykes. There is another fine mosque here. The market in the town centre, Marché des Souvenirs, and the area surrounding the port are also worth visiting. Wonder at the ancient villages cut into the Cliffs of Bandiagara, people by the dogons, whose ancient beliefs have remained largely untouched by Islam. The spectacular villages have been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Rapidly developing, particularly in the main cities, tourists can find high standards of accommodation and cuisine on offer. Intriguing and colourful markets, vast desertscapes and ancient tombs and relics are all waiting to be discovered. Once an overseas territory of France, Mali gained independence in 1960, and today it is one of the most politically and socially stable countries in Africa.
Explore the capital Bamako, a modern town and the educational and cultural centre of Mali. the main places of interest are the markets, the botanical gardens, the Musée National, the zoo and the craft centre at the Maison des Artisans. Go to Timbuktu, where the magnificent camel caravans arrive every year from the salt mines to distribute their produce.
Timbuktu was the centre of a lucrative trade in sat and gold, straddling the Trans-Saharan caravan routes, as well as being a great centre of Islamic learning. Many beautiful mosques (Djingerebur, Sankore and Sidi Yahaya for example) and tombs. some dating back to the 14th century, remain. Another ancient city to wander round is Gao, which had its heyday in the 15th century. The mosque of Kankan Moussa, the tombs of the Askia Dynasty, and two excellent markets can be found here. Investigate other interesting towns such as San and Ségou, one of the largest cities in Mali known for its pottery, market and mosque.
Trek the Bandiagara escarpment in the Dogon country, with Bandiagara, Bankass and Mopti being the main starting points for trekking trips. Guides are available and recommended.
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