Mali is a landlocked country on the western coast of Africa and is still a developing country at all levels. However, this country has some incredibly beautiful sights including four of UNESCO World-Heritage sites and of course there is Timbuktu. There are many cities but Bamako serves as the capital and it is the largest city. The others are Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Mopti and Segou and all these cities have attractions and scenic landmarks that will keep you smiling throughout your trip. Mali covers an area of 1.24 million square miles with a population of 11,716,829 and the official language is French. It is easy to get around Mali as there are many means of transport here like aeroplanes, trains, buses and taxis.



You cannot miss something to do when you are in this astounding country. You can start by admiring the ?Jewel of the Niger?, Djenne with the world's largest mud-brick building, the Grande Mosquee. This is one of the oldest trading towns along the Trans-Sahara caravan routes and about five kilometres away is Old Djenne that was founded around 250 BC which is listed today as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. After spending a wonderful day here, you can visit the ancient villages cut into the Cliffs of Bandiagara which is occupied by the Dogons whose beliefs have remained untouched by Islam. These villages have also been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Are you into wildlife? You can spot the same in the La Boucle de Baoule National Park, which contains an array of southern Sahelian species of animals which include giraffes, leopards, lions, elephants, buffaloes and hippos. Afterwards, you can go hiking up and over the Dogon Cliffs in one of the world's most isolated cities, Timbuktu. If you love shopping, then you can go up to the Monday Market that is usually in front of the Grande Mosquee which takes up one whole side of the market. The so-called Dogon Country is not as famous in the outside world as Timbuktu or even Djenne but it is definitely a place that is truly exceptional and should be a must see to every visitor to Mali. The picturesque topography of the region is among the main reasons of spending more time here. The defining feature of the local landscape is the 100 mile long Bandiagara Escarpment which separates a rocky plateau from the dusty plains below. From the city centre, get a taxi towards the zoo and request the driver to take you to the caves near Point G. The caves have been inhabited from early times and recent attempts have been made to make them more attractive to tourists and you will find new placards telling you a little about them. Look for the wall paintings, spend a little time looking at the view and you will be able to see almost all the city from there.

Accommodation is available from international five star standard hotels to budget hotels and advanced booking is recommended. Before booking a hotel room, make sure you check out the nightlife in any Malian city as it is vibrant. Here, you will dance yourself lame and the dawning of a new day will surprise you. The night fun is just too exciting. This country is best visited when it is hot, from June to October. It is one trip you will never forget.