How expensive is Mali? How much money do I need for Mali?
How much does a trip to Mali cost? Is Mali expensive? The average Mali trip cost is broken down by category here. All of these Mali prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
Accommodation Budget in Mali
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price for one person for accommodation in Mali is CFA7,323. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price for a hotel room in Mali is CFA14,645.
Food Budget in Mali
Calculated from travelers like you
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While meal prices in Mali can vary, the average cost of food in Mali is CFA4,409 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Mali should cost around CFA1,764 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Mali is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
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Food2
Meals for one day
CFA4,409
Typical prices for Food in Mali are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Mali, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Melon
CFA100
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Fruit
CFA350
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Snacks
CFA500
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Sodas
CFA500
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Sodas
CFA500
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Watermelon
CFA800
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Kola Nuts
CFA1,000
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Fruit
CFA1,000
Transportation Budget in Mali
Calculated from travelers like you
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The cost of a taxi ride in Mali is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent CFA1,815 per person, per day, on local transportation in Mali.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
CFA1,815
Typical prices for Transportation in Mali are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Transportation prices in Mali, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Taxi
CFA2,000
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Short Taxi Ride
CFA3,000
Intercity Transportation Budget in Mali
Calculated from travelers like you
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Transportation between cities and towns in Mali costs an average of CFA5,255. Naturally, prices vary by the length of the route, the type of transportation used, and the date.
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Intercity Transportation1
Travel between cities
CFA5,255
How much does it cost to go to Mali? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend SkyScanner or Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
Entertainment Budget in Mali
Calculated from travelers like you
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Entertainment and activities in Mali typically cost an average of CFA4,660 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
CFA4,660
Typical prices for Entertainment in Mali are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Mali, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Tips and Handouts Budget in Mali
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average price for Tips and Handouts in Mali is CFA1,724 per day. The usual amount for a tip in Mali is 5% - 15%.
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Tips and Handouts1
For guides or service providers
CFA1,724
Alcohol Budget in Mali
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about CFA852 on alcoholic beverages in Mali per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
CFA852
Water Budget in Mali
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, people spend CFA1,337 on bottled water in Mali per day. The public water in Mali is not usually considered safe to drink.
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Water2
Bottled water for one day
CFA1,337
Typical prices for Water in Mali are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Water prices in Mali, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Water (1.5L)
CFA800
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Bottled Water
CFA1,750
Mali On a Budget
Dogon Girl, Mali
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 in 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 is 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.
At A Glance
- Although transportation is smoother and more comfortable than in Senegal, it is still very slow moving. Expect delays, poor road conditions, and overcrowded buses. Still, public transportation is an easy way to get around most of Mali as buses connect most cities and towns.
- Many people fly in to Mopti and do a tour of Dogon Country before leaving. There is so much more to Mali beyond this popular area. Give yourself several weeks and you'll be able to see so much more, from the Sahara Desert to village life along the Niger. This is a fascinating and culturally rich country.
- If you're in a town that is not a popular tourist destination you're likely to have a difficult time finding a good restaurant. Most Malians do not eat out so restaurants can be few and far between. Instead, stock up on fresh fruit and produce. Buy some bread and do your best to create a makeshift vegetarian meal. This may be your best option.
- Bring a knife with you. You'll likely need it to cut up fruit or open cans. Having a makeshift tool with you can really be beneficial and convenient. A small and simple pocket knife is usually the best option.
- Internet is available in most tourist destinations. There is usually at least one internet cafe and many hotels have wireless internet available. If you link in to the wireless internet you'll likely have to pay a daily fee of a few dollars, but for some people the convenience is worth the added cost.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Dogon Country: This is 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. There are weekly markets in many towns which can be a fascinating time to visit.
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.
Popular Foods
Food throughout West Africa tends to be comparable in style. Malian food is heavy on the starches and carbohydrates, and light on the meats. You'll find the greatest diversity of restaurants in Bamako where you can enjoy anything from Chinese to Lebanese, all for substantially higher prices. Snack options are usually bread type products that are often deep fried. Fruit is available when it is in season and you'll find the greatest fruit selection in Mopti, as it sits on the Niger River at a transportation hub.
Jollof Rice: This is a common West African rice dish that combines tomatoes, onions, and vegetables into a stew like meal. It's a hearty meal and is available in most restaurants.
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 and is a favorite for many travelers who visit Mali.
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. Some people consider it a little gritty, but it is always available and generally reliable.
