There are many guides and lists detailing top 5 or top 10 must see sites in any single country or region. But rarely will you come across such lists that will not concentrate on most renoved monuments and crowded tourist places. I find most of those lists uninspiring and lacking either imagination or freshness. So here is my stab at producing a list with a bit more salt to it. What do you reckon?
Festival in the desert
Have you ever wished you could listen to live concerts while lying on a sand dune? With a cold beer in your hand in the middle of Sahara desert? Throw in crystal clear African night sky full of stars, renoved Malian musicians, camel races and friendly Tuaregs, camp fires and sleeping in traditional Tuareg tents and you will find yourself in the middle of three days of music extravaganza that prides itself as probably the most remote music festival and goes by the name of Festival au Désert. Plus you get to endure some serious bone shaking just to reach the place.
Pirogue ride down the Niger river
Whether it is really down the Niger river – from Mopti to mythical Timbuktu and on – or back up the stream on a relaxing pirogue ride back from the Festival au Désert it is guaranteed to give you time to contemplate life and experiences and an opportunity to find new friends on board. Slowly drifting from one makeshift port to another there’s plenty of opportunity to watch world go by and see for yourself traditional fishing life of Malian Bozo ethnic group.
Sleeping under the stars
Whether it be in Bamako, somewhere on the road or in the middle of the desert this is by far the best lodging available and all it takes is a good sleeping bag. Just picture yourself lying under clear African night sky and zillions of stars shimmering in front of your tiring eyes and falling asleep with such a picture in front of you. If sleeping in the open in the middle of nothing is not your cup of tea give it a go in a hotel. It is so common that almost all hotels and lodges offer a place on the roof. You will get idyllic sky before you doze off and won’t be suffering stuffy air in the rooms. Just pick your spot wisely – away from a busy street or you will be in for a very early wake up call.
Bamako crafts market
Got some time in your hands? Stroll into Bamakos crafts market (Grand Marché) between the Post Office and Grand Mosque. There’s plenty on offer – including hustlers trying to sell you that n’importe quoi. But between all the souvenirs, musical instruments and clothing the best thing you can stumble upon is a chat with the craftsmen while sharing a cup of mint tea.
Bamako music scene
No matter how long you stay or what your plans are do not leave Bamako without at least having a peak into one of many live music venues. With so many musical talents in one city there is not a single night without a live act. Most of Malian internationally acclaimed performers perform regularly at different venues around the city. Some of them even have their own places where they perform with their friends. You can even chat your way into studio for a sneak preview of an upcoming album.
If the list does not make sense to you then things like The Great Mosque of Djenné, La Flamme de la Paix monument in Timbuktu, Festival sur le Niger, trekking in the land of Dogon people or Bamakos Musée national du Mali might be more to your liking.
