A trip into Mali - Paul Dicks. Date of travel: Jul 2007
We arrived in Bamako and entered into the chaos, cars, trucks, motorbikes and people all trying to navigate the city streets in the middle of a rainstorm. We had heard that the Mission L'Catholique operated as a hostel and approached the gates. We met with the head sister and in our broken French managed to obtain a room for 4 nights at a very good price. They have a kitchen so you can self cater if you desire but I would recommend checking out the bar across the road, decent food at good prices. The street food is superb with brochettes (kebabs/sosaties) and chips, fried fish, fried plaintain chips, and fruit and veg everywhere. There is no shortage of offers of guides or assistance here but you are better off hitting the streets and doing things on your own, a couple of highlights include the not very scary voodoo musuem and the traditional craft market in the central city. Jewellery makers melt gold and silver on the footpath while woodcarvers work in the doorways. We left Bamako and headed for Djenne, the home of the famous mud mosque. We stayed at Chez Baba and spent an evening hanging out with the local kids playing football in the square. The mosque stands tall above this tiny town and the locals rely on the tourists for income so it can be a little overwhelming. We didn't make it to Timbuktoo this time but that gives us a reason to go back.

Mali overland - Jaja A.R. Uthman. Date of travel: Jan 2007
I drive every second year from Switzerland to Burkina Faso to the Fespaco (African Film Festival) via France, Morocco, Mauritania. Mali is the highlight of the travel, from the time you cross the frontier (Nioro) entering Mali the real travel begins. The road is nearly finished as of January '07, to Bamako. After Bamako we drive to Se'gou to look the panarama and the market. Though it is small but very interesting. There is a good camping also for sleeping with rooms for rent also. From there we go to Mopti, then to the Dogon region a very special place is Bankass, that's why they call it travel. One must go. Word and picture do no justice for what one will see and experience. With the people that's another story in itself they are what make this country so special. By the way next trip starts on 15 January '09 from Switzerland, hope you can make it . Jaja

The heavyweight of the region - Nigel Tompkins. Date of travel: Apr 2006
Although West Africa contains many gems, I'd have to say Mali hides the most. The country is massive although I was only able to explore the regions that followed closely along the Niger, I saw wonders unlike any in other country. Cruising up the Bani, a tributary of the Niger, was such a wonderful way to meet locals in the villages that dot along the banks. Although I didn't quite make it to Timbuktoo, the two days were absolute bliss and enjoyed in the great company of the very professional young guides I had picked up in Mopti. Djenne, however, is a standout. Not only for the famous Mosque, but the entire town is like nothing I have ever seen. Respiratory problems can be common due to the mudbrick structures and their dubious crumbling natures. I spent the night on the flat mud roof of a hotel listening to the Koran being sung throughout the warm night, palm trees swaying across a full moon. Dogon country was another highlight. Apparently Jacques Chirac has a house among the villages but I was not inclined to knock. Many visit Mali simply to see the Dogon and it really is a treat. The ways of life have not changed much for those who have stayed for generation along the beautiful escarpment. My guide, Abdouli, whom I had picked up in Bandiagara was perfect providing five star service, cold cokes and beer, and ensuring we were well fed. A blissfull few days in a magical place. Tour Operator: none