Bamako
Mali · 350 m
Description
Bamako is Mali's capital, spread along both banks of the Niger below a low escarpment and grown into one of the fastest expanding cities in Africa. The National Museum holds the country's finest collection of Dogon and Bambara sculpture, masks and textiles, set in gardens with reconstructions of the Djenné and Timbuktu mosques. The Grand Marché and the artisan quarter of the Maison des Artisans sell mudcloth, silver and leather. Bamako is above all a music city, the home of Malian blues, kora and the studios and clubs where much of West African music is recorded.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 4 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: November – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- National Museum of Mali
- Grand Marché & Marché Rose
- Malian music clubs & live kora
- Maison des Artisans
- Niger river banks & pirogues
- Point G escarpment viewpoint
- Bamako Grande Mosquée
- Muso Kunda women's museum
- Bogolan mudcloth workshops
- Bamako Zoo & botanical garden
- Monument de l'Indépendance
- Malian grilled capitaine & street food
- Siby cliffs & Kamandjan arch(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- BKO