Mali is an inland country in West Africa, famous for the River Niger, the historic city of Timbuktu and traditional music. It faces security challenges in several regions.
Climate
Predominantly desert in the north (Sahara) and semi-arid in the center/south. Rainfall concentrated between June and September.
Languages
French is official. Bambara is the most widely spoken language. There are also many national languages (Songhai, Tamashek, Peul, Dogon).
Driving
Drive on the right. Main roads connect Bamako to the borders, but many are of poor quality. There are no relevant tolls.
Camping
Wild camping is possible in remote areas, but the security situation makes it inadvisable. There are a few campsites in and around Bamako.
Biker Zones
Routes through the Niger valley and historic areas (where safe) are appreciated by adventurers.
Special Zones
In Bamako, the center has heavy traffic but few formal restrictions.