World Country Guide

Travel - Internal

Air
Some domestic flights are provided by Air Mali. Light aircraft can also be chartered from the Socit des Transports Ariens (STA).

Departure tax
CFAfr2500.

River
Between July and December, there are weekly services between Bamako and Gao via Timbuktu along the River Niger. However, because of drought in the Sahel desert, services are sometimes suspended. The journey is approximately 1300km (800 miles) and takes five or six days. Between December and March, travel is only possible between Mopti and Gao. Food is available on the boats and first-class cabins can be booked in advance. Motorised and non-motorised pirogues and pinasses (types of river boat) are available for hire between Timbuktu and Mopti. Since the completion of the Manantali Dam in 1988, work has continued to improve the navigability of the River Senegal.

Rail
There is a daily service from Bamako to Kayes, enroute to Dakar on the Senegal coast. There are two trains, one Malian and one Senegalese – the Senegalese train is far superior, with air conditioning and buffet car. The railway line is Mali’s most important method of transport, over and above the road link. There is also a daily service from Bamako to Koulikoro.

Road
Traffic drives on the right. Roads in Mali range from moderate to very bad. Particular care should be taken if driving in Bamako. The main road runs from Sikasso in the south to Bamako, and to Mopti and Gao. The roads from Bamako to Mopti, Douentza, Koutiala, Sikasso and Bougouni, along with a few other roads, are paved. Between Mopti and Gao, travel can be difficult during the rainy season (mid-June to mid-September) when the Niger, at its confluence with the Bani, splits into a network of channels, and floods its banks to form the marshlands of the Macina. Stops at customs and police checkpoints are frequent on major roads and driving is particularly hazardous after dark. Bus: Services run between the main towns. Documentation: International Driving Permit recommended, although not legally required. Insurance and a carnet de passage are also needed.

Note
Visitors are advised to keep to the main roads, otherwise they should travel in convoy. Caution should be exercised when travelling at night. Visitors should be aware of the recent violent incidents which have occurred in northern Mali and the Mauritanian border.

Urban
Taxi: Collective taxis in cities are very cheap. The taxis charge a standard fare regardless of the distance travelled. Tipping is not expected.