Outline

In recent years, travelers to Mali come mostly to see the three World Heritage sites, Timbuktu, Djenne and Bandiagara. However, there exist numerous other tourism resources relating to the diverse cultures of the empires and kingdoms that have flourished over the centuries. National projects currently being pursued in Mali seek to open up and develop tourism resources, so as to allow new as well as existing forms of tourism. In terms of tourism development, which heads the Malian government's list of priorities, ecotourism combined with conventional tourism, and a policy of utilizing the festivals held in various regions as tourism resources, are projected to contribute to an increase in visitor numbers.

Steps are being taken in various parts of Mali to set up a pleasant environment geared towards tourism. In addition to several hundred hotels and tourism operators, there have been increases in the number of car rental companies, hospitals accepting foreigners, insurance organizations, and financial institutions handling foreign exchange. Airports, roads and railways linking these areas are also under expansion. Active steps are now being taken in the wake of economic liberalization and the privatization of various government bodies, to improve facilities, train staff, and support and manage tourism resources by means of tourism associations and other organizations.

Timbuktu

In the 13th century, Timbuktu supported the prosperity of the Mali and Songhai empires as a trading center for salt and gold. Timbuktu's decline started from the late 16th century. The current desertification of surrounding areas has seen Timbuktu inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Today it is still one of the destinations most visited by foreign tourists, particularly those from Europe, America, Asia, and the Near/Middle East.

Djenne

Djenne is known as Timbuktu's twin sister. From the 13th century, Djenne developed as the distribution point for everyday commodities such as rice and corn, and also as a center of arts, learning and religion. In the middle of the old city stands a great Sudanese-style mosque. Djenne society was organized around this mosque, and even today the region is noted for its strong Islamic faith and high intellect.

Bandiagara (Dogon)

The villages of the Dogon, who live on an escarpment some 200 km long, are built, as conveyed in their mythology, in the shape of people, their head turned toward the north. The mask dances are also intimately connected with Dogon mythology. Dogon culture has been threatened in recent years, particularly by the severe droughts afflicting the Sahara.

Gao

Gao was the capital of the powerful Songhai empire in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Gao lies 1,200 km northeast of Bamako and was the last Malian port before Niger.
The Tuaregs and Songhai inhabitants of Gao are known for their gourmet and their hospitality.          

Kidal  

Kidal is pure Sahara, with its chains of beautiful mountains. People live there from livestock and handicrafts production.

Kayes

Capital of the first administrative region, Kayes was also the capital of the French Sudan during the colonial era. Located near the river Niger, Kayes still has many European style buildings and Boulevards.

Sikasso

Capital of Kenedougou, Sikasso is the economic heart of the country, thanks to the cotton and other agricultural production. It's the only region that stays green year around.          

Segou

Capital of the former Bambara kingdom, Segou is the second largest city of Mali.The city of the Balanzan trees (Acacia Albiza) has well preserved its Sudanese colonial architecture.

Mopti

Mopti," the Malian Venice" is the capital of the fifth region.This island has one of the busiest port on the Niger River, It is the region of tourism ' par excellence'.

Hotels

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