Money and payments
Cards and cash
All Ecobank ATMs in Mali take Mastercard and Visa card for cash withdrawal.
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Africa · Western AfricaOutline guideCountry in West Africa
Photo: Flickr user: upyernose Haverford https://www.flickr.com/people/upyernoz/, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Mali.
Cards and cash
All Ecobank ATMs in Mali take Mastercard and Visa card for cash withdrawal.
French
In a constitutional reform in 2023, French was demoted from its official language status, but it remains the lingua franca for communication between ethnic groups.
Mobile networks
Treat tap water with suspicion.
Although it is rarely enforced, you are required to have an international vaccination card showing immunization against yellow fever.
Covered in the guide
Greeting people is very important. You should get familiar with the greetings in French or, better, in Bambara. Vendors should be treated in a proper way, even when you buy just fruit or bread.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the booming capital and largest city by far, fastest growing city in Africa, with a good claim to be the music capital of West Africa.
small city on the Niger in the far east of the country, one time capital of the Songhai Empire, and home to the Tomb of Askia.
Mali's westernmost big city, by the border with Senegal, and best known for being the hottest continuously inhabited location in Africa.
a remote Tuareg city, with notoriety as a centre of the Tuareg rebel movement and for Al Qaeda activity.
a city across three islands in the middle of the Niger; gateway to Dogon Country.
Mali's third largest city and one-time capital of the Bamana Empire.
Mali's second largest city and one-time capital of the Kénédougou Empire.
the legendary Saharan city of gold, trans-Saharan trade, and Islamic scholarship is nowadays a (fairly commercialized) centre of Tuareg culture.
a sandstone plateau in the Sahara home to rock paintings, salt mines operated for centuries, and a surprising array of wildlife.
a trek through this landscape of scattered cliff-side villages is not to be missed by any Mali visitor. The famous Bandiagara Escarpment is a World Heritage Site
once a religious and commercial centre to rival Timbuktu, this small town of multi-storey mud buildings is quite a sight. It has declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Seeing Djenné from a rooftop offers an intriguing and unusual landscape, with its soft texture, rounded lines and melancholic colouring. It also features the largest mosque in the world made completely out of mud, which is restored every year by the community after the rainy season.
Places in Mali on the World Heritage List.
Timbuktu
Listed 1988
Tomb of Askia
Listed 2004
Bandiagara Escarpment
Listed 1989
Old Towns of Djenné
Listed 1988
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Kayes is a region in Mali named after the largest city within the region.
This province houses the capital, Bamako
Most of Mali's travel riches are concentrated in this region: unique rock formations at Hombori, the architecture of Djenné, and the unbelievable escarpment villages of Dogon Country
Segou is a region in Mali named after the largest city within the region.
Has become the most populated province, due to the spillover from the civil war on Côte d'Ivoire.
Public transport and paid services in Mali.
By boat
It is possible to travel around Mali by boat, however this is very seasonal. The most common option, only really possible in the wet season, is a barge to/from Timbuktu.
By train
Rail services in Mali are limited to a twice- or thrice-weekly train between Bamako and Kayes.
By taxi brousse
To get around one can take the "Taxi - Brousse", the bush taxis. They are the main connection between towns which aren't connected via bus.
By taxi
In any larger city, taxis will be plentiful and are usually an easy way for the tourist to get where they are going without trying to figure out the local public transport system (if one even exists).
By private car
A good option for a larger group or travellers who value comfort over economy is to rent a private car.
By plane
It is possible to travel across Mali by plane, as numerous companies have sprung up.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Mali.
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Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Bamako · International · BKO
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Bamako
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 31° | 35° | 38° | 40° | 40° | 37° | 32° | 30° | 31° | 34° | 34° | 32° |
| Avg. low | 14° | 17° | 21° | 25° | 27° | 25° | 23° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 18° | 15° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 0 | 0 | 6 | 19 | 33 | 98 | 183 | 249 | 142 | 36 | 1 | 0 |
| Humidity | 24% | 19% | 17% | 23% | 36% | 53% | 71% | 80% | 78% | 61% | 38% | 30% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$40
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$105
Per person, per day
Luxury
$260
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20 | $60 | $155 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $20 | $45 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $20 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $40 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 4 of 4Do not travel
Do not travelto Mali for any reason. Due to safety risks, family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Mali. Crime Violent crime is common throughout Mali. Crimes include kidnapping, assault, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking. Violent crime is a major concern in Bamako especially during local holidays and seasonal events. Roadblocks, including by armed groups, occur throughout the country. In cities, police checkpoints are possible, especially at night. Highways across the country often face attacks on government, civilian, and commercial targets. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mali. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorist and armed groups target foreigners to kidnap for ransom. Terrorists may attack without warning: Spots frequented by foreigners anywhere in the country Night clubs Hotels Restaurants Places of worship International diplomatic missions Local security forces and civilians Kidnapping The threat of kidnapping of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals by criminal or terrorist groups remains high throughout the region. Extortion and kidnapping for ransom are significant sources of financing for terrorist and criminal groups. Unrest Periodic street demonstrations occur throughout Mali. Although some are planned and peaceful, demonstrations can occur without notice and turn violent. The majority of these demonstrations are managed by security forces, but U.S. citizens should avoid street demonstrations. Always stay…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to the whole country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). FCDO advises against all travel to Mali FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Mali due to the unpredictable security conditions. If you’re in Mali, you should leave immediately by commercial flight if you judge it safe to do so. Do not try to leave Mali by overland routes to neighbouring countries as this is too dangerous. This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways. Terrorist group Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) has implemented blockades on key routes throughout Southern and Western Mali, including the capital city of Bamako. These blockades are targeting fuel trucks and are enforcing checkpoints for individuals attempting to pass through them. Attacks can occur at any time. There is a high threat of kidnapping and criminal activity across Mali, including in the capital, Bamako. If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government. For more detail see Fuel shortages and Terrorism in Mali in the Safety and security page. If you are a British national already in Mali, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. UK government support Support for British nationals is severely limited in Mali, especially outside Bamako. Do not rely on FCDO being able to help you to evacuate in an emergency. If you are in…
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