Things to see and do Mali

The visit of the mosque was forbidden to the public when the guide was updated. This mosque, built in 1325, is the oldest in the city. It was built by an Andalusian architect and poet, Es Saheli, on the orders of Kankou Moussa as he returned from his pilgrimage to Mecca.

André is one of the palestinian. its village is situated in the plein realm of the Wassoulou where the largest hunters and warriors of the Mandingue empire come from. During the evenings he can tell you the story of his ancestors. So, if you want to discover this part of Mali, André is the right guide. With an OTC in tourism and a diploma in hotels and tourism, André is first and foremost a true professional: Dogon country, Timbuktu, Segou… is also included in the programme of the circuits it organizes.

Mamoutou Coulibaly, said X-OR, has guided several prominent personalities, including a former French minister and a French international football. He is also involved in an NGO which allows the schooling of several hundred children in the village of Guana, next to the airport. In Bamako, X-OR often entrusts the reins to his trusted man, Loukman.

Kamadjan is the name of the great ancestor of Des. He was a great warrior of Soundjata Keita, the first emperor of the empire of Mali. According to legend, he would have pierced, with a punch, the mountain to prove his strength and courage. The ark is the main attraction of Siby. It's very nice to get there a picnic. The panorama of the valley is magnificent. At night, the spirits of the ancestors of Siby turn into lions and come skulk around the ark. This must not prevent you from camping in the surroundings, because these half-human lions are harmless (!).

This dam has made it possible to irrigate the dead delta, the former arms of the Niger, which are then dried through the construction of two canals, that of Massina and the Sahel. This allows irrigation of thousands of hectares from Markala by going to Mauritania. Thus, the rice fields move towards the desert at a loss of sight. From the dam, we have a wonderful view of them.

2 km southeast of Djenné, you can visit Djenné Djeno, the archaeological site of the old Djenné. Before visiting the museum, it is advisable to visit the museum, located in the cultural mission. It gathers a collection of beautiful pieces, mainly pottery and statuettes, updated as a result of archaeological excavations on the Djenné Djeno site. Although research continues, most of the site appears to have delivered its secret, thanks to the work of Susan and Roderick MacIntosh, between 1977 and 1981.

By demonstrating that Djenné Djeno was already a thriving city before the first Arab merchants were installed, they discovered the oldest known city in sub-Saharan Africa. The first occupation, highlighted by the traces of the wall in a circle around it, was dated, thanks to carbon 14, to 250 years BC According to the extracted elements, Djenné Djeno was already an important crossroads of trade around 800 BC and housed several thousand inhabitants. Its golden age would be in the th century.

The city occupies an essential place in river traffic and caravans from West Africa until the beginning of the th century. In the th century, trade eroded, to the benefit of Djenné. It was at that time that it suddenly abandoned. Several hypotheses have been established to try to explain this phenomenon. But for many, the site's desertion would have been programmed to appease the powerful Muslim elite, offended by the city's past pagan practices. If the two sites had to coexist at a time, the influence of Muslims probably forced the entire population to emigrate to Djenné, a devout city.

Built on a small hill on the edge of the Niger, the archaeological site is devoid of buildings. Foundations are even difficult to identify without the explanations of an excellent guide (the best, in this case, being the leader of the cultural mission). The remnants of pottery, over seven centuries old, on which we can still see geometric shapes and drawings, are impressive. They litter the soil at a loss of sight, so you cannot avoid walking on it. Curious feelings!

This famous Malian knows the méandres of Niger at the Fingertips. He organizes at the request of excursions with his (motor) canoe: Mopti, Lake Débo, Timbuktu, Gao… Throughout the journey you will taste the excellent cuisine prepared by his wife and sleep on the shores of the river.

It is the most spectacular waterfall in the region. The location is ideal for a day and a swim. From August to January only.

The aim of this centre is to accommodate Malian or international artists in residence and the organization of internships. Registration equipment is available.

With Sudanese architectural style, the pink market was, before it burned in 1993, the main tourist attraction in Bamako. Traders relocated to the market ruins and it is now being rebuilt in its original style. It is still the economic lung of the capital. This is where we come from business, as the Malian traders like to remind us. It is very pleasant to stroll along the stalls of this vast souk. Above all, we need to go for fabrics. Designers can make basin boubous, shirts and trousers for a small amount.

At an hour's walk, somewhat tiring, from Siby, the cave is a haven of freshness. A clear and clear source of water flows throughout the year. There is also a beautiful view of the valley.

This deep river passes through a hilly region, making it more attractive than the river Niger. The canoe traversed at sunset is particularly beautiful.

Come to the limit of the Khasso district, stay along the river. You're going over a little marigot. From there, follow the magnificent path that winds in the middle of the vegetable crops and runs along the river. After a little half an hour, you will discover a superb bathing place: a beautiful beach wet in a crystal clear water.

All information about the new National Park of Mali. Admission fees. 

The agency of Mohamed Sacko (more known under the name of Kevin) organizes circuits on Mopti, Timbuktu and Dogon country. Many possible formulas: 4 x 4, bike, ATV, with or without guide… In Segou, the agency offers a pinasse rental service. Possibility also to rent tourist vehicles.

In Mali, we say that we do not come here by chance. Moreover, few Sénoufo know the caves of Missirikoro («old mosque», in bambara). 12 km south-west of Sikasso, the rocks are 50 metres high. Rocks resemble a mosque and Arabic scriptures are carved on the wall of one of the caves. The soil is covered with a fine sand, which would have mystical properties and even therapeutic properties. Caves serve as a place of worship and animists come to make sacrifices. Inside, you may have the opportunity to see an old man in the middle of a few gourds, pretending to ignore the world around him. Don't photograph it, don't importunez it. It is one of the mysteries of this cave and nobody here speaks to him. We must therefore respect his silence. The ascent, which is barefoot due to the sanctity of the places, is not difficult. Large chains are planned on the steepest walls. At the top, the panorama is superb. We recommend this visit. Take a little tip for the guide which, even if it doesn't give you any explanations, will lead you inside the cave and allow you to take pictures.

4 km from Medina Fort lies the falls of Felou. The road between the fort and the falls is beautiful. It runs along the river Senegal and crosses Medina village. Falls are less spectacular than the Chutes falls, but the place is still very pleasant. On the outskirts of the falls is a stele in tribute to the first French colony of Mali. The falls are famous also for their «giant pots», large stone bowls polished by the torrents. Take care of the siphons if you want to swim. Drownings have already taken place.

The fort, located 12 km from Kayes, was built in 1855 by Faidherbe to protect Medina's city against the attacks of the Toucouleur troops of El Hadj Omar Tall, who increasingly threatened French interests in the region. In 1857, the latter attacked the princes of Khasso refugees in the strong and allies of the French. The siege lasts three months until the arrival of Faidherbe, which releases the fort and breaks the troops of the Muslim conquerors. The fort also sheltered part of the French treasure (gold reserves) during the Second World War to remove it from the German occupier. Today, the various parts of the fort can be rebuilt: the residence, the prison, the officers'mess, the lingerie, the school… The monument to the dead, high on order of General Faidherbe, Governor of Senegal, the train station, the slave market, the French cemetery and the watch tower are located outside the fort. The tombstone of the young Mary Duranton lies in the fortress of the fortress. Today, restoration works in Medina Fort attempt to revive a collective memory.

Nearby Korioumé, the port of Timbuktu is a family of hippos. It is the only place where we can observe them from afar. Finally, if you are lucky…

This magnificent dune plunges into the waters of the river. The site is accessible by canoe. There are also beautiful beaches in the surrounding area. The best time to go is the sunset. Take an hour to get there. Plan between CFAF 20 000 and CFAF 25 000.

A small museum featuring the habitat, costumes and tradionnels objects of the Tuareg and the Songhai peoples. See if you have some time.