Mali Travel and Destination Guide

Famous for mud and music, Mali is more traditional West Africa than its coastal neighbours. The only image you are likely to have of the landlocked desert country is of Mali's striking mud brick architecture, and the surreal Great Mosque of Djenne is the largest mud building in the world. Mali's other great claim to fame is its music: celebrated son Ali Farka Toure brought Malian blues to the world. Visit his birthplace, legendary Timbuktu (if only to say you've been), or get a taste of pre-colonial Africa on a hike through Dogon country, where entire villages are carved into the face of spectacular cliffs. Being one of the world's poorest countries means infrastructure is rough at best, so you should be prepared for a few bumps in the road-literally and otherwise.