Tourism in Mali is focused primarily on its cultural sites, which sets it apart from other African countries with large tourism sector known for their natural features.
Mali is the most endowed in World Heritage sites in Africa. The mosques Djingary Ber and Sankore in Timbuktu, The mosque of Djenne, Dogon Country, the Tomb of Askia in Gao and Jaaral and Degal in Diafarabe and Dialloube were all recognized by the international community through inclusion in UNESCO World Heritage.
These prestigious cultural sites added to beautiful landscapes, vibrant and colorful neighborhoods and villages and the central Niger Delta with its earthen architecture and its Ramsar sites that host each year thousands of water birds, the Sahara desert whose beauty, in some places, the excitement grows as you travel across the country.
By its geographical position, its history and culture, Mali is a tourism and crafts-oriented country. However, the greatest wealth in Mali’s tourism industry is Malians themselves. Their hospitality, warmness and openness to all visitors in other words, the diatiguiya makes each visit to Mali a memorable one. Diatiguiya is not only defined by the extra attention paid to the visitor, but also the quality of sharing and listening.
Mali has a rich cultural background and the country celebrates various Festivals throughout the year in different regions: cultural festivals, music festivals, religious festivals, during which discussion forums are organized with the participation of foreigners from all continents.
The sub-sector of tourism (hotels, restaurants) is booming.
Accommodations: ( List of Hotels) :
Bamako Hotel l’Amitié – Bamako, Bamako, Mali
Phone: +223 21-4395
Fax: +223 21-4385
Grand Hotel
l-Bamako
Phone: +223 222-2492
Fax: +223 222-2601
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Bamako, the capital city is the melting pot of the various ethnic groups of the country. Shady, pleasant and welcoming, Bamako is one of the most traditional African capitals.
Sights:
-National Museum: Collection of tools, masks statues, as well as lithographic material from the -prehistoric cave of point G.
-Women’s Museum-Muso Kounda: art and handicrafts by women
-La maison des artisans: Handicrafts center
-Scenic view from Koulouba
-Zoo and surrounding 17 hectares
-Prehistoric caves
-Marche Rose
-Boucle du Baoule National Park
-Bafing Faunal Reserve
Capital of the first administrative region, Kayes was also the capital of the French Sudan during the colonial era. Located on the Senegal River and bordered by the Tambaoura mountains, Kayes still has many European style buildings and Boulevards.
In Kayes, one can visit the Fort of Medine, the Baoulé National Park, the Bafing Fauna reserve; bask in numerous lakes and waterfalls
Capital of the ancient kingdom of Kenedougou, Sikasso is the economic heart of the country, thanks to the cotton and other agricultural production. It’s the only region that stays green year around. Lush landscapes and historical sites are not to be missed.
Capital of the former Bambara kingdom, Segou is the second largest city and the fourth administrative region of Mali. The city of the Balanzan trees (Acacia Albida) has well preserved its Sudanese colonial architecture. It is also known for its pottery and cloth markets
Mopti, » the Malian Venice » is the capital of the fifth region. This island has one of the busiest port on the Niger River, It is the region of tourism ‘ par excellence’.
The region is a melting pot, made up of various ethnic groups which live in harmony with one another. Common languages of the area include Fulani, Bambara, Dogon, Songhoi and Bozo.
Some exciting sites are:
– Musée des perles
– Grande Mosquée : religious building
– Marché
Djenné, the oldest known city in sub-Saharan Africa is situated on the floodlands of the Niger and Bani rivers.
The city is the jewel of the Niger River, and is home to the World’s largest mudbrick mosque design by the famous architect Ibn Batouta. The mosque is refinished annually during a city-wide celebration in April.
While in Djenné, one should visit the vibrant Monday market, the wells of Nana Wangara built by the Moroccans in the 16th century, the Grande Mosquee, and the old town.
The Dogon are best known for their mythology, their mask dances, wooden sculpture and their architecture.
Located in the Mopti region, the Dogon country offers spectacular cliffs, breathtaking views, vast plains and mystical cosmology. The scenic Dogon villages are built on the sides of the cliffs.
The well-preserved culture and villages of the Dogon people is a must-see for any visitor to Mali.
Is a wonderful city in the northern part of Mali. This city has a great historical significance because it was founded back in the 12th century. Also known as the ‘mysterious city’ Timbuktu is the capital of the sixth administrative region of Mali. In the year 1988 it was given the honor of a world heritage site.
Long a legendary destination for adventurers, Timbuktu was finally reached on April 20, 1828 by the French explorer Rene Caillé who said: ‘When I entered this mysterious city…. I was overwhelmed by an indescribable feeling of satisfaction. I had never felt such a feeling in my life and my joy was extreme.”
Timbuktu continues to entice travelers from across the world, who come, eager to uncover its mysteries and discover its cultural heritage. Among others:
-The Ahmed Baba Center: an institute for higher Islamic studies with a collection of many books from the 14th century.
-Family libraries: containing precious manuscripts handed down over generations. Timbuktu is home of the largest and oldest ancient manuscript collection
-Sankoré University is housed within the Sankoré mosque, and is one of the oldest universities in the world. Sankoré was founded in 989 by the chief judge of Timbuktu, and became a significant seat of learning in the Muslim world, particularly under the reign of Mansa Musa and then the Askia Dynasty (1493-1591). Students came from around the world, and in the 12th century Sankoré had an attendance of 25,000 students (in a city of only 100,000 people).
The University was known for its high standards and admission requirements. While its achievements in higher education are important to Islamic civilization, they are perhaps even more important as a source of pride to humanity.
-Djinguereber Mosque: built in clay, the mosque Djinguereber is one of three major mosques in Timbuktu built between the twelfth and fifteenth century, then the most opulent of the city.
-The old city: The city’s ancient monuments take you back to its glorious past. The mosques, a fusion of Berber, Andalusian and Egyptian architecture, are masterpieces made almost entirely of mud brick
-The Azalaï caravans: watch passing camel caravans arriving from the northern salt mines of taoudenit
– The lake Horo wetland, a natural reserve.
Gao was the capital of the powerful Songhai empire in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Gao lies 1,200 km northeast of Bamako and was the last Malian port before Niger.
The Tuaregs and Songhai inhabitants of Gao are known for their gourmet, their hospitality and famous Touareg jewelry.
Kidal is pure Sahara, with its chains of beautiful mountains. The “blue men” of the desert, the dance of the camels, the rich handicrafts of the Touareg people and the 12th century cave paintings of tadamaket all add to the charm of this mysterious place. People live there from livestock and handicrafts production.
For more info: Office Malien du Tourisme: www.omatho.com