Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Bamako (BKO): 15 km from the city.

• Full list of airports in Mali with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

There is a limited air service in Mali, with some domestic flights and chartered light aircraft.

Visitors can travel along the River Niger between Bamako and Gao (via Timbuktu) using a weekly boat service that takes approximately five or six days. However, due to the drought in the Sahel desert, travel is only offered between July and December, with services provided between Mopti and Gao from December to March. Motorised and non-motorised pinasses and pirogues (river boats) are available for hire between Mopti and Timbuktu.

The railway line is Mali's most important method of transport, over and above the road link. There is a daily service from Bamako to Koulikoro, and also from Bamako to Kayes. There are two trains: one Senegalese and one Malian, with the Senegalese train being far superior, with air conditioning and buffet car.

The roads in Mali range from moderate to very bad, with only those from Bamako to Bougouni, Douentza, Mopti, Koutiala and Sikasso being paved. Travel between Mopti and Gao can be difficult from mid-June to mid-September (the rainy season), when the Niger floods its banks to form the marshlands of the Macina. Visitors are advised to keep to the main roads, or travel in convoy if this is not possible. Stops at police and customs checkpoints are frequent on major roads and driving is particularly hazardous after dark; there have been a number of violent incidents in northern Mali and the Mauritanian border.

There are bus services that run between the main towns, and cheap, collective taxis are available within the cities. Tipping is not expected.