TIMBUKTU is one of those legendary places we have all heard about, although few know where it actually is.

You will: It is in Mali, where nomads cross the desert on camels, fishermen row down the immense Niger River in long canoes and people work alongside buildings that look like gnomes' houses hanging from a sheer rock face; where ancient cultures survive through eloquent artistic expressions: masks, sculptures, musical instrument and ritual dances. And these are only some of the many attractions that make Mali the jewel in the crown of West Africa, a country with a centuries-old history of mighty empires, a cultural crossroads for the tribes of the Sahara, the Sahel and the Niger River valley. For those who want to get know the true Africa, its culture and its people, Mali is the perfect choice.

DOCUMENTATION:
Passport valid for at least six months into the future. Visas for Mali can be obtained in Bamako Airport, the Mali consulate in your country of origin or the representative consulate in you country of origin or the representative consulate. Two passport photographs are required, along with proof of immunisation again yellow fever. For Travellers opting for the "Cultural Crossroads: Mali and Burkina Faso" route, visas for Burkina can be obtained in the representative consulate in Bamako; three passport photographs are required. Please consult us about cost.

LANGUAGE: The official and administrative language is French, although the national language is Bambara.

ACOMMODATIONS: We should point out that in West Africa, an area with relatively scare tourist activity, there are no mid-range accommodation establishments available. In light of this, although they are more expensive, we prefer to opt for hotels that offer a certain level of comfort. Of those chosen, some, like those in Mopti or Bamako, are of a category equivalent to the European four-star rating; others, while being the best option available, are equivalent to a two-star rating.
En places such as Dogon Country or Djenné the only available accommodation is in " camps", very simple establishments with minimum services. During trekking itineraries in Dogon country: Depending on the programme and time of year, you may require a sleeping bag or light blanket.
During certain months, from October to March from August to September, the high points of the tourist season, hotels are often unable to cope with the demand and occasional over-bookings may be substituted for an alternative establishment without prior notice.

MEALS: There are a number of different possibilities in this field. Many visitors find the food in West Africa Surprisingly varied, flavoursome and elaborate. The meat is excellent ad the fish from the Niger (captain) and the Gulf of Guinea is delicious. As a general guideline, if travelling independently -not as part of a tour package- you should be prepared to spend a minimum of €40 (approx. US $45) per day on food ( this includes three meals).

HEALTH: Visitors must show proof of immunisation against yellow fever and are urged to take steps to prevent malaria. Consult your local Foreign Health Department.
The downside to travelling during the rainy season, from July to September, is that there are bound to be mosquitoes, which is why is vital to bring an effective insect repellent ( MIJEX or Autan, ultrasound appliances, etc.). There is generally no problem with mosquitoes in air-conditioned hotel - rooms. If you are on regular medication, do not forget to bring that , too! Also important - sunscreen!

PERSONAL SAFETY: Armed or violent robbery is practically non - existent and only ever occurs in the large cities. Nevertheless, minor thefts may occur if travellers are careless, although this is less common than in Europe and America.

WARDROBE: Clothes that are light both in colour and weight are best, along with a pair of jumpers for those travelling between December and March, and sturdy footwear. While for most of the day sandals are fine, we do recommend something a little more protective for longer walks (although not necessarily hiking boots). Women do not need to overly worry about their clothing, because nobody will annoy them even if they are travelling alone. The inhabitants of Black Africa have a great respect for women.

WHEN TO TRAVEL? Mali and Burkina Faso enjoy a fairly dry tropical climate. Temperatures vary between:
+36º C max. /22º C min. During the rainy season (July -September)
+30º C max. / 12º C min. In winter (October - March).
+40ºC max./25º min. During the tropical summer (April -June)
The best time to visit these countries is from July to March. During the rainy season, the sahel is transformed into a dense savannah with spectacular waterfalls and the Niger is easily navigable. Winter offers the best temperatures for exploring sub-Saharan Africa During this period, the harmattan, or wind of the Sahara, blows across the landscape.

TELEPHONE: It is easy to call from any of the major cities such as Bamako or Mopti. Mobile phones from the majority of European companies can get a signal in the principal cities.

ELECTRICITY: The electricity supply in Mali and Burkina is 220V. Take a universal adapter.

BATTERY POWERED TORCH: You cannot buy square torch batteries in Africa, although torches themselves are cheap. Take a knife or penknife, hat and sunglasses.

OPENING TIMES: Offices and banks are open Monday through Friday from 08.00 to 16.00 hrs, with a break for lunch between 12.30 and 13.00 hrs. Currency exchange services in banks operate from 08.00 to 12.30 hours

TRANSPORT: Our agency takes care of all the logistical arrangements required for a tailor-made trip. We have a modern fleet of 4x4 vehicles and minibuses, all equipped with air- conditioning, radio connection with our offices and team of highly experienced drivers. Trips down the Niger River are made in traditional pinasse (open, covered top) boats equipped with outboard motors and all the comforts of an onboard cooker and refrigerator.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Take most popular route in the country is Bamako -Timbuktu via Mopti. Delays and cancellations without prior notice are fairly common and may cause logistical problems on certain routes.

LUGGAGE: Take as little luggage as possible; laundry services are commonly available and drying times are very quick. A medium-sized suitcase and another smaller bag for everyday use should be sufficient. Furthermore, visitors usually return laden with purchases and airline companies are fairly strict about excess weight: 15€ (approx. US $ 17 per every extra kilo). Do not take backpacks with rigid frames or hard Samsonite-type suitcases, since they do not take well to being knocked about and it is almost impossible to fit them in the vehicles!

MONEY: It is best to take either euros or US dollars in notes. The currency of all West African countries is the CFA franc, which is backed by the French Treasury. It has a fixed exchange rate (1 euro= 655.957 CFA/ 1 US$ = approx. 561 CFA). This currency is common to all the french-speaking that we visit. VISA and MASTERCARD credit cards can only withdraw a maximum of 300,000 CFA (approx. € 450 or US $ 530 ) per day.

TRAVEL GUIDES: Recommended guide in Spanish for Mali and Burkina Faso: Guía Azul, Ediciones Gaesa. In English: we recommend the Lonely Planet Guide to West Africa.

THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND: As we have said before, the routes often involve long trips by road dusty tracks and, sometimes we will be required to cross numerous customs and border controls. These inconveniences are generally compensated by fairly comfortable vehicles and relaxing accommodations (where possible), but Mali is not a suitable destination for those people whose idea of a holiday is a time to relax in the comfort of a luxury hotel. It is, however, a remarkable and unique country for those who see a journey as a source of intellectual enrichment, an encounter with cultures and civilisations from other eras, and an opportunity to witness customs and traditions that are at once fascinating and enigmatic. It is therefore up to the traveller to respect and adapt to the conditions in these countries, not vice versa.

FORCE MAJEURE: Routes are subject to modification due to force majeure such as political and climatic occurrences, flight cancellations or strikes in the necessary steps to maintain the level of services contracted and to respect the contents of the level of services contracted and to respect the contents of the programme. Such step may include doing the route in reverse, for example, without changing the contents.