MALI
Mali, is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is the eighth-largest country in Africa, with an area of 1,240,000 sq km (770,500 sq mi). The country shares borders with Mauritania, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Niger, Ivory Coast, and Senegal. Its capital is Bamako. The economy of Mali is based on agriculture and mining.
MAIN CITIES
Bamako
Sikasso
Mopti
RELIONS
Islam 95%
Others 5%
POPULATION
20,240,494
LANGUAGES
French (official)
Bambara
Malinke
Others
ETHNIC GROUPS
Bambara 33.3%
Fulani 13.3%
Sarakole 9.8%,
Senufo 9.6%
Others 34%
CURRENCY
West African CFA franc
TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS IN MALI
GRAND MOSQUE OF DJENNE
The Grand Mosque of Djenné (Grande mosquée de Djenné) is a huge banco building that is considered by many architects to be one of the greatest achievements of the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style. The mosque can be found in the city of Djenné, Mali. It was built in 1907. It is one of the best attractions in West Africa.
BOUCLE DU BAOULE NATIONAL PARK
The Boucle du Baoulé National Park is a national park located in western Mali, Koulikoro Region, founded in 1982. The park is famous for its prehistoric rock art and tombs. It is part of the UNESCO “Boucle Du Baoule Biosphere Reserve”, along with Badinko Faunal Reserve, Fina Faunal Reserve, and Kongossambougou Faunal Reserve.
BANDIAGARA CLIFFS
The Bandiagara Cliff (Badiagara Escarpement) is located in the Dogon region, Mali. The sandstone cliff rises about 500 m (1640 ft) above the lower sandy flats to the south with a length of around 150 km (93.20mi). The Bandiagara cliff was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1989. Guided tours are offered by locals in the area.
ZOO NATIONAL DU MALI
The National Zoo of Mali is a beautiful park situated in Bamako, Mali, which hosts many animals such as lions, elephants, monkeys, turtles, ostrich, pelican, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of fish species. The zoo is well built and organized and all animals are easily accessible. A must go if you are visiting Mali.
BAMAKO GRAND MOSQUE
Bamako Grand Mosque is a mosque in the city of Bamako, Mali. It was built with funding from the Saudi Arabian government at the end of the 1970s. It can be found north of the Niger River near the central market (Grand Marche) and the Bamako Cathedral. Tourists are sometime allowed to visit it.
MOUNT HOMBORI
Mount Hombori (Hombori Tondo) is a mountain in Mopti Region, Mali. It is the highest point in Mali with an height of 1,153 m (3,782 ft). Mount Hombori has a rich biodiversity with 150 different species of plants and various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. It is an important archaeological site with caves that was occupied 2,000 years ago.
PARK NATIONAL DU MALI
The Parc national du Mali (National Park of Mali) is located in Bamako, Mali. It is a well maintained and clean park with quiet atmosphere for a nice or romantic walk. There is a great museum inside the park that is opened to the public. Picnics are also allowed there. Moreover, there are some restaurants inside the park. It is really worth a visit.
MUSEE NATIONAL DU MALI
The National Museum of Mali (Musée national du Mali) is an archaeological and anthropological museum opened since 1953, located in Bamako, the capital of Mali. It features permanent and temporary exhibits on the history of Mali, as well as items related with Mali’s various ethnic groups and culture such as musical instruments, dresses, and ritual objects.
BAMAKO ARTISAN MARKET
Bamako Artisan Market is located in Bamako, Mali. The market is occupied by multiple artisans creating crafts and accessories such as masks, wooden sculptures, purses, belts, shoes, and jewelry and more. It is the best place if you are looking to buy souvenirs but make sure you are accompanied by a local if possible as you can easily be over charged if you are a foreigner.
DANDAN WATERFALLS
Dandan waterfalls is located in Bamako. It is a beautiful 30 m (98 ft) waterfall which is falling down into a little basin. It is a nice spot for a picnic or to freshen up in this warm country. The area is not easily accessible but ounce you get there you can enjoy the beauty of the nature. it is definitely worth a visit.