An introduction to Mali
>> Tuesday 8 June 2010
With tourism becoming a top priority for the Malian government, the need to further develop this sector continues. With offers of breathtaking historical sites, culture, a wealth of history and an Airport located 20 minutes from the capital, Bamako, it is a one stop shop to a cultural experience.
The West African country also shares its borders with countries such as Niger, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Ivory Coast making for easy access for this interested in further travel across West Africa. The ideal time to visit Mali is from November to January and with three world heritage sights in Mali namely Timbuktu (the historic city), Djenne (home to the architectural specimen –that is the great mosque and other mud brick buildings) and Bandiagara (perfect for its beautiful landscapes). The official language is French with only a few people speaking English.
Markets
Mopti, the vibrant marketing hot spot of Mali, where people from all over Mali come to trade, then there’s Bamako, apart from the vibrancy of culture, history and artefacts(the capital) offering a number of shops with displays of local wares.
Timbuktu once the historical trading centre for salt and gold in the 13th century is also a well known historical trade route. The city not only has its historical wealth but also has local market that offers crafts for the tourists.
Djenne’s market is not just about crafts and artefacts but it’s the market for a array of items varying from food to clothes to crafts and it helps that the market is located close to the stunning specimen of the Mud brick Mosque .
Historical and Heritage Sites
Timbuktu, the renowned city in Mali is one of the most sort after sites as a tourist destination in Mali. The famous city offers fascinating architecture consisting of unique mud brick buildings and as well as its stance on being a city has been able to exist in the Sahara desert speaks volumes.
Mali also boasts of the the largest mud building in the world: The Great Mosque of Djenné first built in the 13th century, which has consequently been reconstructed ever since,The Mosque is easily one of the most beautiful and fascinating buildings in the West of Africa.
The Bandiagara Village in Mali is occupied by the Dogons people but history suggests that it was previously occupied by the Tellem people. Apart from the richness in cultural heritage you also have homes built into structures as well as the multitude of interesting artefacts.
Other places of interest of Mali include:
Musee National located in Bamako showcases the history of Mali with displays some archaeological artefacts, statues and other things of attraction.
Dyingerey Ber Mosque is believed to have been constructed in the 14th century and is one of the oldest mosques in the city of Timbuktu and with believed reconstructions it is unclear how much of the original building is still in existence.
Other activities
Fishing
The two largest rivers in West Africa, namely The Niger and The Senegal cross Mali allowing it a range of activities including fishing. Fishing and cruises along the Niger River is an activity of choice.
To get around you have the choice of the local taxis, private hire, buses, boat (with a provision from Guinea via the Senegal River) as well as trains but it is essential to check schedules.
For more Information on holidays to Mali:
see: Responsible Travel which currently has 16 holidays to Mali
see: West Africa Discovery
The West African country also shares its borders with countries such as Niger, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Ivory Coast making for easy access for this interested in further travel across West Africa. The ideal time to visit Mali is from November to January and with three world heritage sights in Mali namely Timbuktu (the historic city), Djenne (home to the architectural specimen –that is the great mosque and other mud brick buildings) and Bandiagara (perfect for its beautiful landscapes). The official language is French with only a few people speaking English.
Markets
Mopti, the vibrant marketing hot spot of Mali, where people from all over Mali come to trade, then there’s Bamako, apart from the vibrancy of culture, history and artefacts(the capital) offering a number of shops with displays of local wares.
Timbuktu once the historical trading centre for salt and gold in the 13th century is also a well known historical trade route. The city not only has its historical wealth but also has local market that offers crafts for the tourists.
Djenne’s market is not just about crafts and artefacts but it’s the market for a array of items varying from food to clothes to crafts and it helps that the market is located close to the stunning specimen of the Mud brick Mosque .
Historical and Heritage Sites
Timbuktu, the renowned city in Mali is one of the most sort after sites as a tourist destination in Mali. The famous city offers fascinating architecture consisting of unique mud brick buildings and as well as its stance on being a city has been able to exist in the Sahara desert speaks volumes.
Mali also boasts of the the largest mud building in the world: The Great Mosque of Djenné first built in the 13th century, which has consequently been reconstructed ever since,The Mosque is easily one of the most beautiful and fascinating buildings in the West of Africa.
The Bandiagara Village in Mali is occupied by the Dogons people but history suggests that it was previously occupied by the Tellem people. Apart from the richness in cultural heritage you also have homes built into structures as well as the multitude of interesting artefacts.
Other places of interest of Mali include:
Musee National located in Bamako showcases the history of Mali with displays some archaeological artefacts, statues and other things of attraction.
Dyingerey Ber Mosque is believed to have been constructed in the 14th century and is one of the oldest mosques in the city of Timbuktu and with believed reconstructions it is unclear how much of the original building is still in existence.
Other activities
Fishing
The two largest rivers in West Africa, namely The Niger and The Senegal cross Mali allowing it a range of activities including fishing. Fishing and cruises along the Niger River is an activity of choice.
To get around you have the choice of the local taxis, private hire, buses, boat (with a provision from Guinea via the Senegal River) as well as trains but it is essential to check schedules.
For more Information on holidays to Mali:
see: Responsible Travel which currently has 16 holidays to Mali
see: West Africa Discovery
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