Bamako
Overview
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.
[Edit]History
The city was an important Islamic study centre until the 19th century. In 1883 it was conquered by French troops, and in 1908 it became the capital of French Sudan. The city has only a few paved main roads (goudrons), the rest of the city's roads are unpaved, and get dusty during the dry season (November to May) and muddy during the rainy season, offering breeding grounds to malaria-carrying mosquitoes. The roads are infested with donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens. Unemployment rates are high.
When to Go
[Edit]Transport
| » Getting There & Away |
General Health and Safety
Safety In Bamako you have a high chance of encountering the police. You should always at least carry a copy of your passport and visa. It is often not sufficient to just show your driving license and this might lead to a ride to the police office - if you're not prepared to bribe your way out. Notice that the police often stops taxis. Health If you go gradually (doni doni) you'll be able to drink Bamako's quite chemically tasting tap water. You shouldn't drink the little plastic bags with water or syrupped water as long as you don't drink tap water. Clinique Pasteur is an expensive tubab clinique. Normally they want to have you taking all possible tests. You first might want to consult a much cheaper normal clinique.
[Edit]Health & Safety
Accommodation
| » Hotels to Hostels |
Entertainment
[Edit]General Shopping
Prices are not fixed, and for many goods bargaining is expected. It seems however that prices for food are often the same for toubabs and local population. So beware, sometimes the first price mentioned is just right. On the market it might be a good idea to first ask a couple of times at different stands before actually buying something. Note there is (2005)only one ATM in Bamako to get cash on international visa (no master no cirrus) card and this ATM is much time out of order! Cash money on creditcard you become at several banks in bamako and one bank in Segou and Mopti. There is a cash maximum for round 200 euro on a visa/mastercard Its better to use two creditcards ( one visa and one mastercard) ! Euro's are widely accepted in (mid range and more) hotels.
[Edit]Sights
[Edit]Activities
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