Mopti
Mali · 270 m
Description
Mopti is the port of the inland Niger delta, built on three islands joined by causeways where the Bani meets the Niger, and is often called the “Venice of Mali”. Its harbour is the busiest on the river, crowded with painted pinasses loading salt slabs brought down from the Sahara, dried fish, millet and passengers. The Sudanese-style Grande Mosquée rises over the old quarter of Komoguel. Mopti is the point where the river routes to Timbuktu begin and the road turns east into Dogon country, which makes it the hinge of any Malian journey.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 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
- Mopti river port & pinasses
- Grande Mosquée de Komoguel
- Saharan salt slab trade
- Niger delta pinasse trips
- Mopti fish market
- Komoguel old quarter
- Bozo fishing villages
- Sévaré craft workshops
- Inland Niger Delta birdlife
- Blanket and pottery market
Getting there
- Airports:
- MZI
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry