Mali Destination Guide Overview of Mali Mali, one of the poorest countries in the world, is rich in wonder, offering some of Africa's most fascinating cultural sites and scenery. The landlocked Republic is the largest country in West Africa, surrounded by seven other states and crisscrossed by the great Niger River. The country's best-known city is the fabled Timbuktu, home to one of the oldest universities in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Timbuktu is well worth a visit to explore the birthplace of advanced mathematics and astronomy. In ancient times this city was the powerful centre of Mali's Mandinka Empire. Mali's empire lost power in the 16th century as the trans-Saharan caravan trading routes were replaced by European sea traders. Imperial power in Mali was substituted by French colonialism and ultimately, in 1960, independence, which has failed to bring prosperity. The Niger River is now the centre of industry and commerce, vital for the livelihood of a nation whose majority are poor farmers and fishermen. Mali is a perfect holiday destination for travelers looking for an 'off the beaten track' experience. From camel treks through desert landscapes, to hikes along the Bandiagara Escarpment where the Dogon people have carved their homes from the mountain, Mali offers many unique sensations. Visit the medieval city of Djenne to marvel at the exquisite mosque, the largest mud building in the world and centre of the country's predominant Islamic faith. Master the skill of bartering in the Bamako City Centre Market or explore some of the capital's worthwhile museums. Many visitors opt for the lively town of Mopti, built on three islands, where the river market that brings in goods from along the Niger bursts with music, arts, and crafts. The name Timbuktu has long been colloquially used in English to denote remoteness. However, a trip to Mali today is certainly not a dead end, but rather an intriguing journey of discovery. Key Facts Language: French is the official language in Mali, but Bambara is spoken by 80 percent of the population. Numerous other African languages are also spoken. Outside the bigger towns few people speak French, and hardly anyone speaks English. Passport/Visa: Most foreign passengers require a visa to enter Mali, and sometimes these visas can be gained on arrival. Visitors are encouraged to contact their nearest Malian embassy or consulate to confirm their visa/entry requirements. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Mali for all travellers arriving from an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: The official currency in Mali is the West African CFA Franc (XOF), which is divided into 100 centimes. The CFA franc is tied to the Euro. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks in Bamako. The Euro is the easiest currency to exchange. Some major credit cards, most reliably Visa, are accepted in some hotels and restaurants in the capital, but credit cards in general are not widely used in Mali. Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are most commonly of the round, two-pin variety. Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Page 1/8 Mali Destination Guide Travel to Mali Climate in Mali Mali's climate is hot and dry in the northern Sahara zone, north of the Niger River, and hot and humid in the subtropical south of the country. Rainfall varies throughout the country, varying from a virtual absence of rain in the desert north to a rainy season lasting for about five months from June to October in the south. The middle section of the country experiences rainfall between June and August. The dry season is from November to May, with cooler temperatures between November and February that becomes cold at night in the north. The most uncomfortable time to visit is from April to June, with extreme heat, and in December when the hot, dry Harmattan wind blows. Temperatures average 86°F (30°C). Health Notes when travelling to Mali All visitors to Mali are required to have a vaccination certificate for yellow fever. It is also recommended that precautions against meningitis (particularly if travelling between February and April), malaria, and cholera be taken. Bottled water is available and recommended, if not available, be sure that water is boiled and avoid ice in drinks. Food should be thoroughly cooked. Medical facilities are limited, especially outside of Bamako, and basic medicines might not be available. Travellers are advised to bring a personal supply of medicines with them. Comprehensive medical insurance is essential; serious medical problems will require air evacuation outside of the country. Safety Notes when travelling to Mali Tourists should avoid travelling to the provinces of Timbuktu (Tombouctou), Gao, Kidal and Mopti, as well as parts of Kayes, Segou and Koulikoro, as there has been an increasing number of inter and intra-communal security incidents. Bandits and smugglers pose a risk along Mali's northern borders, particularly after dark. Customs in Mali Mali is a Muslim country and visitors should respect the local culture by dressing modestly (especially women) and asking people before taking their photographs. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking, and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Homosexuality is frowned upon. Generally direct eye contact is considered rude. Aim for indirect eye contact. Duty Free in Mali There is free import of 1,000 cigarettes or 250 cigars or 2kg of tobacco, 2 bottles of alcohol, and perfume for personal use. Sporting guns are allowed as long as authorisation from the Customs Department in Bamako is acquired within 24 hours of arrival. Doing Business in Mali French is the principal language of business in Mali. Business is conducted somewhat formally, but due to the heat, lightweight suits are worn for important meetings and more casual attire for regular meetings. One should use the French titles of Monsieur and Madame when meeting and greeting. Women, in particular should dress conservatively. Business hours are usually from 7.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday; 7.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 5.30pm on Fridays to allow for mosque. Communication in Mali The international dialling code for Mali is +223. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Some hotels offer internet access and roaming agreements exist with several international mobile phone companies. Tipping in Mali Tipping is not required in Mali, but is an expression of respect as well as for rewarding good service. Passport/Visa Note Most foreign passengers require a visa to enter Mali, and sometimes these visas can be gained on arrival. Visitors are encouraged to contact their nearest Malian embassy or consulate to confirm their visa/entry requirements. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Mali for all travellers arriving from an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its verytravel nature agents much ofand the officialinformation sources. in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibilityEntry for any Requirementsloss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Page 2/8 Mali Destination Guide Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mali. A visa is required. Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mali. A visa is required. Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mali. A visa is required. Entry requirements for Australians: Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mali. A visa is required. Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mali. A visa is required. Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mali. A visa is required. Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mali. A visa is required. Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd.