Mali is a large and diverse country in West Africa. It's a landlocked country that is bordered by Senegal, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Niger, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, and Mauritania. It's a very diverse country that is rich is sights and culture. In the eastern part of the country is the Sahara Desert and the Niger River. There's a traditional nomadic culture that still thrives and prospers in these areas. You'll also find the fabled city of Timbuktu, which attracts many tourists due to its far flung location. Less visited, but possibly more interesting is the city of Gao, which sits on the edge of the Niger River. It's in close proximity to beautiful sand dunes, and it's a uniquely fascinating place to visit. In the western parts of the country you'll find a strong Muslim population, mud mosques, and a rich culture. There are a variety of towns with outstanding weekly markets where you can interact with the locals and enjoy the atmosphere of daily life in Africa. You can trek through the beautiful Dogon Country and see village life that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Mali offers a unique view into Africa. What it lacks in wildlife it more than makes up for in culture. Allow plenty of time for mishaps and unscheduled stops, but take them with ease, as they're all part of the adventure.

While Mali is one of the poorest countries on earth, it is surprisingly more expensive to visit than you might expect. The currency is locked to the euro and many prices seem artificially elevated. There are very few hotels in most places and those that exist are high in price for a low quality room. Food can range in price, but often times meals are small in size. This is particularly true with meat dishes and it is often recommended that you order vegetarian options as they are more filling for a fraction of the cost. Transportation is also surprisingly expensive. Coach style buses are usually your best option and prices are fixed and rarely negotiable. In many cases it is beneficial to purchase tickets in advance to ensure you have a seat on the bus.

Dogon Country: One of the top travel destinations in Mali, many visitors choose to spend several days trekking through this beautiful and unique part of Africa. The area is known for its traditional Dogon Villages which continue to function the way they have for centuries.
Djenne's Mud Mosque: This is the largest mud mosque in the world and it's best visited on a Friday when you can see services in full swing. Djenne also plays host to a weekly market when villagers from around the countryside flock to the city to buy and sell their goods.
Timbuktu: Perhaps one of the most famed destinations in Mali, Timbuktu has long been romanticized by many travelers. Many choose to make the long trek to this legendary town that sits far out in the Sahara Desert.

Jollof Rice: This is a common West African rice dish that combines tomatoes, onions, and vegetables into a stew like meal.
Maafe: This is a popular stew like dish made with a meat such as lamb or chicken and a peanut based sauce. The peanut sauce is often seasoned with spices and cooked for long periods of time. This dish is available in most restaurants.
Couscous: West African couscous is actually a finer version of this Middle Eastern classic. It is more sandy in nature and is often served with vegetables or a meat sauce on top. It's a common option when you're trekking through the Dogon Country area.