Any Travels

Mali, the largest country in West Africa, is bordered by seven other states: Algeria lies to the north and northeast, Niger to the east, Burkina Faso to the southeast and, with the Ivory Coast, to the south. On the west are Senegal and Mauritania.

Mali is shaped a bit like a butterfly, leaning to the northwest, with a much smaller left than right wing. The larger northwestern region of the country, which extends into the Sahara, is almost entirely arid desert or semidesert. In the central region, known as the Sahel, life follows the Niger River's annual flood cycle, with high water between August and November. In the southwestern area, rainfall and rivers are more plentiful, and this region is marginally more lush than the rest of the country. Mali's single most important geographic feature is undoubtedly the great Niger River, which traverses both the Sahel and the southeastern section of the country. The Niger, like the Nile, is both a critical source of sustenance and a major transportation artery--and in this latter capacity it is an excellent venue for boat travel.

Although most of Mali experiences only negligible rainfall, the 'rainy' season in the south extends from June through September.

Mali is a fascinating country to explore. With its old cities along the Niger river and its well documented history, it gives you an unique insight in pre-colonial African civilization. Gao , Djenne , with its famous mosque, Segou , Mopti and Timbuktu all are very exciting travel destinations.

Dogon Country is possibly even more exciting to explore. The way the Dogon people have survived over the centuries in this barren land teaches us all a lesson.

Mali is also famous among the traveler community for its laidback atmosphere, its easy going people, Those thnings make a trip to Mali worth your while.

Bamako
Bamako is the lively capital of Mali. It doesn't have major sights like Djenne or Mopti but it is a very pleasant city, with good markets, friendly people and a laid back atmosphere. Worth a couple of days. The museum is well worth a visit, with a nice collection of masks, terracottas and an excellent collection of textiles. Bamako is also the place to arrange things for further travel. You can get your visa here and you can arrange trips with small travel agencies.

Culture
The largest tribe in Mali is the Bambara, who occupy many of the civil servant positions, but it is the Dogons and the Tuareg who practice a more traditional way of life. The Tuareg, or 'blue men of the desert' (named for their indigo robes and turbans) are an ancient nomadic tribe still eking out a desert existence. They are a proud race of people, famous for their fighting abilities and artwork, now staring urbanisation and resettlement in the face. Drought and government policy are threatening their traditional way of life but Tuaregs and their camel-caravans still appear unexpectedly on the horizon before melting into the desert again. The Dogons are incredibly industrious farmers living on the edges of a long narrow escarpment in the inland delta. Their homeland, the Pays Dogon, has been designated a World Heritage site because of its cultural significance. The Dogon are also famous for their artistic abilities and elaborate masks.

In all, there are thirty-two languages listed for Mali, but French is the official language and a large part of the population uses Bambara as its mother tongue, and as secondary language it is employed to communicate nationwide.

Relegion: Muslim (Malikite) 95%, Ethnic religionist 4.2%, Christians: <1%.

Mali is home to some of the most beautiful, and successful, contemporary music in Africa. The traditional music of Mali is based on the songs of the jalis (or griots), a distinct caste in the social structure since the days of the Mali Empire.

A range of traditional instruments are used including the Kamal Ngoni (a type of 6-string guitar), the Djembe (deerhide drum) with modern keybords, electric guitars, flute, strings and rattles.

The choice of instrument for the jalis is the kora, a harp-lute string instrument with 21 strings stretched over a long neck of rosewood and plucked with the thumb and index finger of each hand.

Mali's most famous musician, Salif Keita, is an ambassador for griot music.

The food in Mali is similar to that found in Senegal. On the menu can be found poulet yassa (grilled chicken in chilli sauce), riz yollof (vegetables or meat cooked in a sauce of oil and tomato) and couscous. Along the Niger fish dishes are popular and include Nile perch (or capitaine) either fried or grilled or, in more imaginative moments, stewed or baked.

amazing
mali is an awesome country with a great culture man!...nobody cares about your business you feel me...you shoulg go and rent a donkey and go around the city you will see fine stuff right there...