Difference between revisions of "Mali"

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=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
−
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">July 2013</span>'''
+
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">November 2016</span>'''
  
−
==Required Paperwork==
+
==Travel Visa for {{PAGENAME}}==
−
You need at least proof of ownership and a passport, usually in the same name. Some border crossings will ask for proof of insurance, but its unusual.<br />
+
The visa for Mali is extremely easy to obtain at virtually any bordering country.<br/>
−
If you do not have a [[Carnet de Passage]], you need minimum of <price cost="15000" currency="XAF" /> to buy a Lesė Pasé for 30 days
+
The Embassy in Nouakchott [[Mauritania]] is friendly, and the process is very easy. Expect to pay <price cost="6500" currency="MRO" /> for one month single entry. (Must be paid in Mauritanian Ougiyas)
  
−
==Process at border==
+
Coming from the South, get the visa in Brazzaville, [[Congo]] for <price cost="50" currency="USD" />
−
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
+
−
{{visa_country}} <br />
+
  
 +
==Required Paperwork==
 +
* Passport of registered owner.
 +
* [[Drivers license]] of registered owner.
 +
* Original [[vehicle registration]].
 +
* Proof of [[vehicle insurance]] - they might not ask for it, but it’s better to have it.
 +
* (OPTIONAL) [[Carnet de Passage]]
 +
(no copies are required)
 +
 +
==Process at border==
 
Mali  has one of the easiest borders in Africa. <br />
 
Mali  has one of the easiest borders in Africa. <br />
−
If you are at a main border you either get your [[Carnet de Passage]] stamped or buy a lesé psé, which cost normally <price cost="15000" currency="XAF" />. <br />
+
If you are at a main border you either get your [[Carnet de Passage]] stamped or buy a lesé pasé touristique. This allows your car to be in Mali for 30 days.<Br/>
−
This allows your car to be in Mali for 30 days and can be extended once, in Bamako. Usually free. <br />
+
−
If you have a visa your passport is stamped. If you don't, you have to buy a visa also for <price cost="15000" currency="XAF" />, but you have to get this confirmed in Bamako. <br />
+
−
Some border officials demand <price cost="1000" currency="XAF" /> or <price cost="2000" currency="XAF" /> for a stamp. This is not official. Refusing will delay things but eventually they will stamp.
+
  
 
==Cost of entry==
 
==Cost of entry==
−
''If you come with a valid [[Carnet de Passage]] entry should be free. If you have to buy a so called lesé pasé it will cost you <price cost="15000" currency="XAF" />''
+
With a valid [[Carnet de Passage]] entry should be free. <br/>
 +
If you don’t and get a lesé pasé touristique instead, they cost <price cost="5000" currency="XAF" />. Some borders will try to double that price late in the afternoon and on Sundays.
  
 
==Permitted length of stay==
 
==Permitted length of stay==
Line 29: Line 34:
  
 
==Extension of stay==
 
==Extension of stay==
−
To extend a Lesé Pasé you will need to visit the main custom office in Bamako BEFORE the document has expired. The office is a bit hard to find, it is in the grand marchee, i will post Gps point shortly. There is no need to bring your vehicle. Bring the Lesé Pasé, your car papers and your passport. Once you find the right guy, he should stamp it and you're done. There should be no charge. If you have entered on a [[Carnet de Passage]]and it is expiring, it might be easier to leave the country on the old [[Carnet de Passage]] and re-enter on the new since the paperwork needed to get this done are complicated.
+
To extend a Lesé Pasé you will need to visit the main custom office in Bamako BEFORE the document has expired. There is no need to bring your vehicle. Bring the Lesé Pasé, your car papers and your passport. The head of customs will stamp and extend it for one month, and he makes it clear he won’t do it again. <br/>
 +
To find the office, talk to the driver “Omar” from The Sleeping Camel, he knows exactly where to go, and the head of customs kind of knows him, so the process is painless and free.
  
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
−
''Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.'' <br />
+
No problem if you return before the Lesé Pasé expires. If it’s going to expire, explain yourself to the head of customs, and he’ll find a way to make it work for you. He’s very reasonable and it can be done. Leaving the vehicle at The Sleeping Camel worked well.
−
''Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.''
+
  
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
−
''Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.''
+
* Hand in your Lesé Pasé to Duane.
 +
* Get yourself stamped out at immigration.
 +
All should be free.
  
−
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=
+
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
−
==Insurance requirements==
+
==Recommended books for Overlanding in {{PAGENAME}}==
−
''Yes or No if insurance is mandatory, and what kind is acceptable.''
+
{{guide_books_country}}
  
−
==Cost of insurance==
+
==Travel insurance for {{PAGENAME}}==
−
''State the price of insurance and a time period.''
+
{{Travel insurance country}}
  
−
==Where to purchase insurance==
+
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
−
''Describe where insurance can be purchased.''
+
Liability Insurance is required, and the police might ask repeatedly to see it. <br/>
 +
If you travel through more west African countries get a 'Carte Brun' which is valid in most west African countries at no extra cost.  
  
−
==Driving license==
+
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
−
''State the kind of driving licenses required. i.e. International Driving Permit.''
+
Expect to pay <price cost="10000" currency="XOF" /> to <price cost="20000" currency="XOF" /> per vehicle per month, depending on engine size and vehicle age (newer costs more)
  
 +
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
 +
Unknown within Mali.
 +
 +
==Driving license==
 +
Anything from your home country will be accepted.
 
==Driving side of road==
 
==Driving side of road==
 
Right. <br/>
 
Right. <br/>
Line 56: Line 69:
  
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
−
''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
+
You need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher. Better to have them to avoid bribery.
−
(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
+
 
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==
 
===General Road quality===
 
===General Road quality===
−
''Give a brief description of the general road quality. Mention if one way streets are common.''
+
The main highways are good pavement, without potholes, especially those recently built. <br/>
 +
Minor dirt roads are frequently horrible, especially in towns. Lots are impassable in the rainy season. <br/>
 +
Always watch out for potholes on sealed roads - they can be HUGE, and hitting them fast will be very, very bad.
  
 
===Road signs===
 
===Road signs===
−
''Briefly describe the overall quality & existence of road signs for directions and hazards.''
+
Not overly common, but on the highways they usually show the distance to the next major town.
  
 
===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
−
''List the frequency and approximate price of toll roads.''
+
The main paved highways are all toll roads, you will pay <price cost="500" currency="XOF" /> every few hundred kilometres
  
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
Line 74: Line 89:
 
So in short, if you feel the demand for money is unfair, refuse cooperation and be patient.  
 
So in short, if you feel the demand for money is unfair, refuse cooperation and be patient.  
 
Those in a in hurry will pay!
 
Those in a in hurry will pay!
 +
 +
See the [[bribery tips]] page for general advice.
  
 
==Checkpoints==
 
==Checkpoints==
−
Most major towns will have a checkpoint on the main access roads. So often you will be checked going in and going out. Mostly it takes form of a wave through or a cordial question or two. Where are you from, where are you going. Often the checkpoints will be combined police/military/custom. Its their job to stop and check you, so remain friendly and cordial, even if you have been asked the same questions two minutes before. The process should be quick and painless. Between major towns their are not many checkpoints.
+
Most major towns will have a checkpoint on the main access roads. So often you will be checked going in and going out. Mostly it takes form of a wave through or a cordial question or two. Where are you from, where are you going. Often the checkpoints will be combined police/military/custom. It’s their job to stop and check you, so remain friendly and cordial, even if you have been asked the same questions two minutes before. The process should be quick and painless. Between major towns their are not many checkpoints.
  
 
==Traveling with pets==
 
==Traveling with pets==
−
''List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.''
+
Unknown, but it can be done.
  
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
−
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">October 2012</span>'''<br />
+
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">November 2016</span>'''<br />
  
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
Line 93: Line 110:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Unleaded
 
| Unleaded
−
| <price cost="1.40" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost">[http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com]</ref>
+
| <price cost="674" currency="XOF" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Diesel
 
| Diesel
−
| <price cost="1.23" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost" />
+
| <price cost="582" currency="XOF" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
−
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+
All towns have stations, all stations always have gasoline and diesel. Both are also available in small containers on the side of the road. Quality is likely very bad when bought like that. <br/>
−
''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
+
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
−
''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
+
Seemed to be no problem with quality.
−
''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
+
  
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
==Driving at night==
 
==Driving at night==
−
''Driving at night should be avoided. With exception of perhaps the capital Bamako there is no road lightning elsewhere. Their are lots of goats, sheep, cows and mules that might be on the roads, specially in rural areas. These animals obviously do not carry lights and accidents are a big risk. Besides that there are huge speed bumps without warning, even in daytime. But at night they are more difficult o spot. So please, park for the night when getting dark.''
+
Driving at night should be avoided. With exception of perhaps the capital Bamako there is no road lightning elsewhere. Their are lots of goats, sheep, cows and mules that might be on the roads, specially in rural areas. These animals obviously do not carry lights and accidents are a big risk. Besides that there are huge speed bumps without warning, even in daytime. But at night they are more difficult o spot. So please, park for the night when getting dark.
  
 
==Vehicle parking==
 
==Vehicle parking==
−
''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
+
Vehicles seem safe enough on the street during the day, secure overnight parking is recommended in the cities, especially Bamako
−
''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
+
  
 
==Special driving considerations==
 
==Special driving considerations==
−
''A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).'' <br/>
+
As in all of West Africa, expect hazards on the road around every turn - animals, children, pot holes and speed bumps!
−
''List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.''
+
  
 
==Security advisories and information==
 
==Security advisories and information==
Line 125: Line 138:
  
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
−
As in most of west Africa, campsites are not very common but do exist. Most major cities have hotels with big parking lots and in most you are allowed to camp for a nominal fee. Of course the Hotel owner hopes you will eat and drink at their facilities.  There are a few campsites known. Some are no more then a fenced of piece of land, others will have some facilities but do not expect European or South African standards.  Some known campsites are Sleepy Camel in Bamako, Cool Camp in Manantali.''<br />
+
As in most of west Africa, campsites are not very common but do exist. Most major cities have hotels with big parking lots and in most you are allowed to camp for a nominal fee. Of course the Hotel owner hopes you will eat and drink at their facilities.  There are a few campsites known. Some are no more then a fenced of piece of land, others will have some facilities but do not expect European or South African standards.  Some known campsites are The Sleeping Camel in Bamako, Cool Camp in Manantali.<br />
−
You should be paying between <price cost="2000" currency="XAF" /> and <price cost="5000" currency="XAF" /> per person per day..'' <br />
+
You should be paying between <price cost="2000" currency="XAF" /> and <price cost="5000" currency="XAF" /> per person per day.. <br />
 
Wildcamping is a good option when there is no campsite near. Mali is a huge country with lots of uninhabited space and it should not be hard to find a quite place to park for the night. Wildcamping is safe, as long as you keep basic safety rules in the back of your mind. Currently, it might not be a good option to wildcamp east of the Segou-Sikasso line, due to the trouble in the far Northeast of Mali in the rest of the country there should be no trouble.
 
Wildcamping is a good option when there is no campsite near. Mali is a huge country with lots of uninhabited space and it should not be hard to find a quite place to park for the night. Wildcamping is safe, as long as you keep basic safety rules in the back of your mind. Currently, it might not be a good option to wildcamp east of the Segou-Sikasso line, due to the trouble in the far Northeast of Mali in the rest of the country there should be no trouble.
  
Line 133: Line 146:
  
 
==Drinking water==
 
==Drinking water==
−
''Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink.''
+
Probably best to filter or buy water.
−
''If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.''
+
  
 
=Navigation=
 
=Navigation=
 
==Paper maps==
 
==Paper maps==
−
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
+
Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 +
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
−
Tracks4Africa are the undisputed best GPS maps for Africa.<br/>
+
* [http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ Garmin Open Street Maps] has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
−
Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
+
* Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
−
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg>0986987662</al>
+
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
  
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
−
''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
+
* [http://ioverlander.com/ iOverlander] is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
  
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
−
''List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders''
+
* The Sleeping Camel (hotel/camping/restaurant in Bamako) - [http://thesleepingcamel.com/ http://thesleepingcamel.com/]
−
 
+
* Cool Camp Manantali (camping in Manantali) [http://www.coolcampmali.com http://www.coolcampmali.com]
−
==Travel Guide Books==
+
−
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
+
−
{{guide_books_country}}
+
−
 
+
  
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
{{vehicle_dealerships_country}}
 
{{vehicle_dealerships_country}}
 +
 
==Local Garages==
 
==Local Garages==
 
''Add known good mechanics here.''
 
''Add known good mechanics here.''

Latest revision as of 04:24, 23 October 2017

West Africa > Mali Currency to display:

Visiting Mali[edit]

Mali is a big country. Recently there have been some problems in Mali and a lot of travelers have asked me : is Mali safe? My answer ( and I live there) is YES! That is, most of Mali is safe, but for a few areas in the very north east. All other areas are perfectly safe and very nice to visit. Mali has a very friendly and open population who will welcome you. There is a lot of space and nature in Mali, many adventurous tracks trough bush with the occasional local village. Yes it might be hot, it might be wet, depending on the season, but its always safe. If you want to know more about Mali contact me through my website http://www.coolcampmali.com]

Entering Mali with a Car or Motorbike[edit]

Correct as of: November 2016

Travel Visa for Mali[edit]

The visa for Mali is extremely easy to obtain at virtually any bordering country.
The Embassy in Nouakchott Mauritania is friendly, and the process is very easy. Expect to pay UM6,500.00 MRO for one month single entry. (Must be paid in Mauritanian Ougiyas)

Coming from the South, get the visa in Brazzaville, Congo for $50.00 USD

Required Paperwork[edit]

(no copies are required)

Process at border[edit]

Mali has one of the easiest borders in Africa.
If you are at a main border you either get your Carnet de Passage stamped or buy a lesé pasé touristique. This allows your car to be in Mali for 30 days.

Cost of entry[edit]

With a valid Carnet de Passage entry should be free.
If you don’t and get a lesé pasé touristique instead, they cost FCFA5,000.00 XAF. Some borders will try to double that price late in the afternoon and on Sundays.

Permitted length of stay[edit]

30 days.

Extension of stay[edit]

To extend a Lesé Pasé you will need to visit the main custom office in Bamako BEFORE the document has expired. There is no need to bring your vehicle. Bring the Lesé Pasé, your car papers and your passport. The head of customs will stamp and extend it for one month, and he makes it clear he won’t do it again.
To find the office, talk to the driver “Omar” from The Sleeping Camel, he knows exactly where to go, and the head of customs kind of knows him, so the process is painless and free.

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country[edit]

No problem if you return before the Lesé Pasé expires. If it’s going to expire, explain yourself to the head of customs, and he’ll find a way to make it work for you. He’s very reasonable and it can be done. Leaving the vehicle at The Sleeping Camel worked well.

Exiting with a vehicle[edit]

  • Hand in your Lesé Pasé to Duane.
  • Get yourself stamped out at immigration.

All should be free.

Driving in Mali[edit]

Recommended books for Overlanding in Mali[edit]

Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary (lonely P...
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary (lonely P...
by Lonely Planet
From $3.74 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon
Footprints Under The Window (hardy Boys, Book 12)
Footprints Under The Window (hardy Boys, Book 12)
by Franklin W. Dixon
From $3.00 on Amazon

Travel insurance for Mali[edit]

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements[edit]

Liability Insurance is required, and the police might ask repeatedly to see it.
If you travel through more west African countries get a 'Carte Brun' which is valid in most west African countries at no extra cost.

Cost of vehicle insurance[edit]

Expect to pay CFA10,000.00 XOF to CFA20,000.00 XOF per vehicle per month, depending on engine size and vehicle age (newer costs more)

Where to purchase vehicle insurance[edit]

Unknown within Mali.

Driving license[edit]

Anything from your home country will be accepted.

Driving side of road[edit]

Right.
RHD vehicles can be driven in Mali.

Mandatory items in vehicle[edit]

You need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher. Better to have them to avoid bribery.

Roads[edit]

General Road quality[edit]

The main highways are good pavement, without potholes, especially those recently built.
Minor dirt roads are frequently horrible, especially in towns. Lots are impassable in the rainy season.
Always watch out for potholes on sealed roads - they can be HUGE, and hitting them fast will be very, very bad.

Road signs[edit]

Not overly common, but on the highways they usually show the distance to the next major town.

Toll roads[edit]

The main paved highways are all toll roads, you will pay CFA500.00 XOF every few hundred kilometres

Bribery in Mali[edit]

As in most African countries, bribery is present through all of society. Passing through you will undoubtedly encounter some forms of this. Tourist are seen as a good target since most Maliens consider any foreigner as rich. As a tourist you will mostly encounter this with police checks and or with government officials. Usually the bribes take the form of small payments to speed things up. The police, at road checks, will often ask for a 'cadeau'. A gift. Or they will ask for money to buy a coke or some food. Its up to you to choose whether you will accommodate but take in mind that giving will lead them asking the next tourist as well. Remember one thing, always remain cordial and friendly, even if the official might not be. A smile and a joke go way further then getting angry

More problematic are the police men who are searching for something to take your money. They will ask for your papers and once they have them, might invent some bogus violation to take your money. They prey on your patience and will assume you do not have the patience to play the waiting game. I avoid paying these bandits. Of course if I do violate the law, it's a different matter but if you are sure you did not run the red light, refuse any cooperation and demand the name and identification of the officer. I have had instances where it took me some hours to get my papers back. Nowadays I carry good copies which I hand over first. So in short, if you feel the demand for money is unfair, refuse cooperation and be patient. Those in a in hurry will pay!

See the bribery tips page for general advice.

Checkpoints[edit]

Most major towns will have a checkpoint on the main access roads. So often you will be checked going in and going out. Mostly it takes form of a wave through or a cordial question or two. Where are you from, where are you going. Often the checkpoints will be combined police/military/custom. It’s their job to stop and check you, so remain friendly and cordial, even if you have been asked the same questions two minutes before. The process should be quick and painless. Between major towns their are not many checkpoints.

Traveling with pets[edit]

Unknown, but it can be done.

Gas price in Mali and Diesel price in Mali[edit]

Last updated: November 2016

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded CFA674.00 XOF per Liter
Diesel CFA582.00 XOF per Liter

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency[edit]

All towns have stations, all stations always have gasoline and diesel. Both are also available in small containers on the side of the road. Quality is likely very bad when bought like that.

Gas and Diesel Quality[edit]

Seemed to be no problem with quality.

Safety and Security Considerations[edit]

Driving at night[edit]

Driving at night should be avoided. With exception of perhaps the capital Bamako there is no road lightning elsewhere. Their are lots of goats, sheep, cows and mules that might be on the roads, specially in rural areas. These animals obviously do not carry lights and accidents are a big risk. Besides that there are huge speed bumps without warning, even in daytime. But at night they are more difficult o spot. So please, park for the night when getting dark.

Vehicle parking[edit]

Vehicles seem safe enough on the street during the day, secure overnight parking is recommended in the cities, especially Bamako

Special driving considerations[edit]

As in all of West Africa, expect hazards on the road around every turn - animals, children, pot holes and speed bumps!

Security advisories and information[edit]

Camping in Mali[edit]

As in most of west Africa, campsites are not very common but do exist. Most major cities have hotels with big parking lots and in most you are allowed to camp for a nominal fee. Of course the Hotel owner hopes you will eat and drink at their facilities. There are a few campsites known. Some are no more then a fenced of piece of land, others will have some facilities but do not expect European or South African standards. Some known campsites are The Sleeping Camel in Bamako, Cool Camp in Manantali.
You should be paying between FCFA2,000.00 XAF and FCFA5,000.00 XAF per person per day..
Wildcamping is a good option when there is no campsite near. Mali is a huge country with lots of uninhabited space and it should not be hard to find a quite place to park for the night. Wildcamping is safe, as long as you keep basic safety rules in the back of your mind. Currently, it might not be a good option to wildcamp east of the Segou-Sikasso line, due to the trouble in the far Northeast of Mali in the rest of the country there should be no trouble.

Camping guide books[edit]

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water[edit]

Probably best to filter or buy water.

Navigation[edit]

Paper maps[edit]

Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Mali

Brittany
Brittany
by Reise Know-How Verlag
From $9.81 on Amazon
Nonfiction Reading And Writing Workshop Springboard: A...
Nonfiction Reading And Writing Workshop Springboard: A...
by National Geographic Learning
From $14.95 on Amazon
Mali 1:1,700,000 Travel Map (international Travel Maps)
Mali 1:1,700,000 Travel Map (international Travel Maps)
by ITM Canada
From $8.99 on Amazon
Lonely Planet Maldives (travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Maldives (travel Guide)
by Lonely Planet, Tom Masters
From $12.79 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Mali[edit]

  • Garmin Open Street Maps has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
  • Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
Gps Map Of Africa
Gps Map Of Africa
From $click on Amazon

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Mali[edit]

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Special Overland Travel interests[edit]

Vehicle Maintenance[edit]

Dealers[edit]

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages[edit]

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Mali[edit]

Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References[edit]

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.


Helpful External links[edit]

Add any helpful external links here.

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