Situated in the West Africa, Mali ranks among the top largest African countries by area. The country’s borders on the north reach Sahara Desert, which highly increases Mali’s touristic potential. The first settlement in these lands point out the 11th century; Mali has then turned into a center of wisdom in Africa where Islamic religion and culture is thought, with the city of Timbuktu established at the crossroads of the trade routes in the 15th century. The country which then became French colony and gained independence in 1960 now ranks among the top destinations becoming popular each passing day by many artifacts remaining from its deep-rooted history.

Take a look at the flight tickets offered by Turkish Airlines now to start planning your travel to discover the distinctive sides of Mali by its architecture of local life, its colorful tribes still preserving the traditions and by its unique geography.

Mali flight details

Flights to Mali with Turkish Airlines take off from Istanbul Airport (IST) and land at Bamako-Senou International Airport (BKO) in the country’s capital. These direct flights take nearly seven and a half hours.

The country’s northern part where the majority of the area consists of desert has an arid, sunny and hot desert climate, whereas the tropical climate is effective in the northern part. Accordingly, Mali has different seasons at its different regions, which turns the country into a destination which can be visited all year round. In addition to this, Mali hosts utterly attractive festivals throughout the year, thanks to the different tribes it is home to.

Offering outstanding experiences for its guests with the festivals beyond comparison, Mali’s most popular event is regarded as Segou Festival. Taking place in February, this festival is held with great enthusiasm by music and dances, together with boat races on Niger River. Held with the participation of notable persons countrywide in art, sculpture and photography fields, the festival would be a great chance to observe the cultural values of Mali as well. Organized also in February, Gouin Festival is another crowd-pulling event countrywide. During the festival which lasts for three days on the banks of Senegal River, Goumbe and jazz musicians perform within the natural life, next to monkeys and hippopotamus. Another remarkable organization of February is the Desert Festival which takes place in Timbuktu. As a follow up of an extremely old and deep-rooted tradition, this festival welcomes famous singers like Robert Plant and Justin Adams where the darkness of the desert is lit by more than 3000 torches.

Moreover, Dogon Mask Festival is known to be the top appealing organizations especially to the tourists. Throughout this festival which lasts for five days, the tribes come together to protect the spirits of their deceased ancestors by wearing buffalo or hyena masks according to their traditions. Diamwari Festival, on the other hand, where Dogon masks take the stage with giant puppet figures is also held in February, promising three unforgettable days to its participants. You may have a chance to buy exclusive handmade objects by the local designers if you join this festival. Hosting totally colorful and entertaining events, Mali’s most extraordinary festival is the Plastering of the Great Mosque. The glorious mosque in the city of Djenne is plastered with mud by the local people every year in April and May. The entertaining shows taking place after this interesting event are simply worth-seeing.

Mali sightseeing and attractions

The capital Bamako may be your first stop of visit in Mali where each city hosts an utterly distinctive natural charm or breathtaking artifact. The National Museum is an attractive museum hosting archeological and anthropological remains, where musical instruments, costumes and ritual objects of various Malian ethnical groups are exhibited along with the permanent and temporal exhibitions on the country’s background. Medinakoura Market, the most vibrant spot in the capital offers a perfect chance to see closer the country’s daily life. Locally known as the Pink Market, you may have a chance to watch the formation phase of many objects and buy exclusive souvenirs in this spot.

Located in the heart of Bamako, Grand Mosque is a sumptuous structure which was commissioned, financed and donated to Mali by the Saudi Arabian government. It would be recommendable to see this mosque during your visit to the capital. Besides, Mali National Park right in the heart of the city would be an ideal place for having some rest and enjoying the marvelous nature. Truly a peace corner by its walking trails, fountain pools and grass areas, this park also hosts a zoo, together with pleasant restaurant and cafés.

You may consider the option of car rental during your visit to Mali to see each of the splendid works and natural reserves, and to set your own route freely. At this point, you should definitely add Great Mosque of Djenne to your route. This spectacular mosque which is included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites is built during the 1200s, regarded as one of the most valuable houses of worship of both the country and the entire Africa.

Another stunning mosque included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the Djinguereber Mosque in the city of Timbuktu. Made of clay, straw, fiber and wood, the mosque is worth-seeing by its extraordinary architecture resembling the sandcastles, as well as its giant area with the capacity of 2000 people. Besides, the mosque hosts the shrines of notable saints for Islamic world as well. Do not also forget to visit the Houses of Explorers’ in Timbuktu; the houses where famous explorers like Ibn-I Batutta, Renne Ceille, Alexsandr Gordon Laik and Heinrich Baht lived serve as museums where you can see the personal belongings and works of such notable people.

The Cliff of Bandiagara is another spot included in UNESCO World Heritage List in Mali. The settlement areas carved to rocks of 150 kilometers length and 500 meters height are truly attention-grabbing, offering chance to see the traditional life of Dogon tribes. Another ancient settlement area declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO is Djenne Djenno in Niger River Valley. Reported to be established in the 2nd and 3rd centuries before the Common Era, this ancient town is remarkable for its sculptures of horse, snake and human, as well as its amazing terracotta figures. Mali brings in adventurer travelers not only by its historical artifacts, but also its marvelous nature. Boucle du Baoule National Park in Kayes and Koulikoro regions hosts many species, particularly lions, giraffes, baboons, antelopes, rhinos and ostriches. It is also notable for its prehistoric rock art and tombs. As a perfect spot for the lovers of trekking and mountaineering, Hambori Mountain, on the other hand, ranks among the top popular destinations countrywide, as it is the highest mountain in Mali and hosts an archeological site within, which was established 2000 years ago.