Bamako

Mali

Safety rating
3.5/10
Best time to visit
The cooler dry season from November to February is the most bearable, before the searing heat of spring.
Population
2.9M

Overview

Mali's bustling capital sprawls along the Niger River, pulsing with the legendary music that made the country a global sound. Lively markets, riverside life and a vibrant arts scene give Bamako a warm, chaotic energy.

Top attractions

Visit the National Museum of Mali, the Grand Mosque, the bustling Grand Marché and the Niger riverfront.

Getting around

Green shared taxis (SOTRAMA minibuses) and motorbikes fill the streets; traffic over the Niger bridges is heavy.

Airports near Bamako

Bamako essentials