Bamako (Mali)

Welcome to the city of crocodiles

In the south of Mali, Bamako is a capital full of life. Its name comes from the Bambara language, in which Bammakô means “the backwater ponds of crocodiles”. The crocodile is the symbol of the city: three crocodiles for three small rivers that crossed the town in the past. Bordered by the majestic Niger, Bamako has an important river port.

Let yourself be charmed by this atypical city, which, despite its fast urbanization, has retained a village soul. The visit begins with a symbolic place, the pink market. In a joyful hubbub, you will be captivated by its tumult and its wide variety of goods such as indigo fabrics, jewellery and traditional masks. Don’t miss the National Museum, one of the most beautiful archaeological and ethnological museums in Africa, which contains a rich collection of masks, tapestries and funeral objects.

In the city centre, the Grand Mosque proudly towers in the sky with its two futuristic minarets. Bamako is a city that lives intensely. You will be charmed by its history and the hospitality of its inhabitants. For a nature stopover, go further north to the Mali National Park. This calm and cool place will soothe you from the frenzy city.

You will find beautiful essences of trees, plants and flowers of the country. Beyond the capital’s treasures, Mali lies between sand dunes and wooded savannah and is crossed by Niger, which feeds its arid lands. Along the river, the hustle and bustle of the ports and markets will win your heart! Take advantage of your stay to visit the country’s emblematic places such as Djenné, the oldest city in West Africa, whose monumental mosque looks like a sand castle. In Mali, astonishment is everywhere, from the noisy and colourful market to the vast deserts.

• COUNTRY: Mali
• CURRENCY: CFA Franc
• LANGUAGE: French
• FLIGHT TIME: 4h10
• TIME DIFFERENCE: -1h