Mali Info
Joined: 23 Feb 2007
Posts: 14
Home Country: mali
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 Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 10:02 am Post subject: GETTING AROUND IN MALI / MALI TRANSPORTATION GUIDE |
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GETTING AROUND IN MALI
BY AIR
It is possible to travel across Mali by plane, as numerous companies have sprung up in recent years. It is possible to fly (usually from Bamako) to cities such as: Mopti, Timbuktu, Kayes, Yelimané, Gao, Kidal, Sadiola, and others.
The planes, typically, are Czech turboprops (LET-410s) and small Russian jetliners (Yakovlev YAK-40s). Air travel in Mali is fast but, compared to a bus ride, expensive. It is not, however, foolproof - often you are at the mercy of the carrier, who may choose not to fly on a certain day if too few passengers show up! You can generally get tickets at the airport before flights, however the best bet is to book a ticket in advance.
Société Transport Aerienne (STA) and Société Avion Express (SAE) are the two most popular, and most reliable, carriers.
Departure tax: CFA2500.
BY RIVER
Between July and December, there are weekly services between Bamako and Gao via Timbuktu along the River Niger. However, because of drought in the Sahel desert, services are sometimes suspended. The journey is approximately 1300km (800 miles) and takes five or six days. Between December and March, travel is only possible between Mopti and Gao. Food is available on the boats and first-class cabins can be booked in advance. Motorised and non-motorised pirogues and pinasses (types of river boat) are available for hire between Timbuktu and Mopti. Since the completion of the Manantali Dam in 1988, work has continued to improve the navigability of the River Senegal.
BY RAIL
There is a daily service from Bamako to Kayes, enroute to Dakar on the Senegal coast. There are two trains, one Malian and one Senegalese – the Senegalese train is far superior, with air conditioning and buffet car. The railway line is Mali’s most important method of transport, over and above the road link. There is also a daily service from Bamako to Koulikoro.
BY ROAD
Traffic drives on the right. Roads in Mali range from moderate to very bad. Particular care should be taken if driving in Bamako. The main road runs from Sikasso in the south to Bamako, and to Mopti and Gao. The roads from Bamako to Mopti, Douentza, Koutiala, Sikasso and Bougouni, along with a few other roads, are paved. Between Mopti and Gao, travel can be difficult during the rainy season (mid-June to mid-September) when the Niger, at its confluence with the Bani, splits into a network of channels, and floods its banks to form the marshlands of the Macina. Stops at customs and police checkpoints are frequent on major roads and driving is particularly hazardous after dark.
A 4x4 is strongly recommended. There are private people who rent out their 4x4 cars for a ride. Make sure you've got insurance and a carnet de passage, and plenty of petrol.
Travel within Bamako can be difficult for the business traveller and leisure tourist alike. One of the best options is to rent a car with a chauffeur. This can be done on a by-day basis and is an enormous help for someone that is new to the city. When trying to visit numerous places in one day, it becomes difficult to rely on the local taxi system. The chauffeur is a local resident and will know most of the names of the places that you need to go. There is no hassle in finding a parking spot as the chauffeur can wait for you while you attend to the business at hand. For the tourist, this option can be your solution to seeing the city of Bamako in a care-free manner. Trips out of the city are available as well, although the fare can be somewhat higher than intra-city rates. Gas is an additional cost to the renter.
Documentation: International Driving Permit recommended, although not legally required. Insurance and a carnet de passage are also needed.
Bus
The main cities along the paved road into the north are connected via bus (Bamako, San, Segou, Mopti, Gao). There are several different companies but they all do have the same prices. Normally a ride to Mopti (600km, half the way up), endures approximately eight hours; a ride to Gao up to 12. It is not improbable that the bus breaks down and needs a repair; or stops to help another bus out. It's possible to make a reservation several days before, recommended during the tourist season.
Taxi Brousse
To get around one can take the "Taxi - Brousse", the bush taxis. They are the main connection between towns which aren't connected via bus. They are very slow and they sometimes break down or stop to help other broken down taxis. So sometimes the ride takes longer than expected.
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
Collective taxis in cities are very cheap. The taxis charge a standard fare regardless of the distance traveled. Tipping is not expected. |
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